Teacher Assistant

*Purpose of Position:* The Assistant Teacher helps in creating an attractive, warm, and challenging learning environment for all children.
This position is responsible for assisting in the development of appropriate classroom activities that will support and nurture children.
This position is also responsible for encouraging and promoting parent involvement.
The Assistant Teacher is responsible for meeting all applicable Head Start/Early Head Start Performance Standards and DCFS Licensing regulations.
*Essential Functions:* * Assist in establishing an environment which will stimulate a desire for learning, independence and positive self- esteem for children and families, both indoor and outdoor.
* Assist in developing and implement weekly plans, appropriate activities, and learning opportunities within the classroom atmosphere.
Encourage parents to participate in curriculum planning and program development.
Follow all Head Start Performance Standards, DCFS Licensing regulations and Heartland Head Start program goals.
* Assess each child’s developmental needs and develop individual goals according to their interests, abilities, traits, and development.
Collaborate with classroom staff to document individualized activities for all children.
* Prepare classroom handouts, newsletters, and reports to communicate effectively with children, parents, families, and staff.
Submit all documentation in the appropriate timeframe and meet all program deadlines.
Assist to maintain current files and up-to-date records of children and programs.
* Participate in family-style meal service, providing supervision and model appropriate meal behavior.
Clean the eating areas before & after meal service using the appropriate sanitation methods.
* In the absence of the teacher assume the leadership role in the classroom.
* Promote best practices, as appropriate per classroom, in early childhood development based on Head Start Performance Standards, Creative Curriculum, HSELOF, Baby Talk, CLASS, ITERS, ELLCO and other prescribed curricula used at HHS.
* Actively participate in parent engagement activities including Parent/Child Connection meetings, classroom activities and other HHS events.
Encourage parent and community participation.
* Nurture the development of self-esteem and social skills in children.
Promote appropriate behavior practices.
* Assist in providing appropriate screenings of children as required by Head Start Performance Standards, DCFS Licensing regulations and Heartland Head Start curriculum.
* Implement Active Supervision of Children procedures to ensure each child is safe and accounted for at all times.
*Qualifications and Job Requirements:* * Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or related degree * 21 credit hours of educational coursework related directly to childcare and/or child development from birth to age 6, with a minimum of 3 semester hours focusing on the exceptional child.
* Must obtain Illinois Gateways ECE Credential.
* Must successfully complete Illinois Food Handler’s card within 30 days of hire and maintain every 3 years.
* Must successfully obtain CPR and First Aid certification within 3 months of hire and maintain current certifications.
* Must pass a DCFS background check.
*Other Functions:* * Foster positive relationships between Heartland Head Start and Early Head Start children, their families, staff, outside agencies, civic groups, and the general public.
* Assist with all parts of developing child outcomes as assigned.
* Participate in ongoing training on a regular basis.
* Assist with classroom coverage, food service, and bus monitoring for field trips and other classrooms’ needs as requested.
*Environment:* This position requires the employee to handle a fast-paced, changing environment.
Employee is regularly required to respond quickly, lift children, walk stand, have the use of arms and hands, sit on the floor, reach, climb stairs, crouch, crawl, stoop, bend, and squat.
Employee must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds regularly and carry 30 pounds occasionally.
*Success in this position will include:* * Regular positive attendance, including promptness to all meetings, events, appointments, etc.
* Uphold a professional appearance at all times.
* Maintain a positive attitude, both in person and on the telephone.
* Cooperate with all supervisors, colleagues, and staff.
* Communicate precisely, objectively, positively, and appropriately.
* Participate in community and program events to promote and provide information about the program and recruitment options.
* Be conscientious in looking for non-federal match (NFM) opportunities.
Extend request for NFM in-kind donations, including goods, services and/or cash, to enhance our organization’s fiscal opportunities.
* Preserve confidentiality of all program, staff, and client information.
* Complete all tasks in a timely manner.
* Avoid derogatory comments about all program, staff, and client families.
* Routinely participate in approved program-related training.
* Perform any other duties necessary to the smooth operation of the agency and its programs.
*Disclaimer:* This document only summarizes the typical functions of the job and is not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all the possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.
The actual responsibilities, tasks, and duties of the jobholder might differ from those outlined in this description and all other duties, as assigned, are part of the job.
It is not an employment contract.
Heartland Head Start reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time.
*Sensitivity Statement:* Head Start has long recognized the strengths and richness of diversity and the importance of intentional, individualized support for children and families.
In this tradition, the mission of Heartland Head Start is to improve the lives of children, families, and communities that we serve.
We believe that the diversity of our community is a fundamental strength of our region.
Our mission is best fulfilled when we embrace diversity as a value and a practice.
We maintain that achieving diversity requires an enduring commitment to inclusion that must find full expression in our organizational culture, values, norms, and behaviors.
Throughout our work, we support diversity in all of its forms, encompassing but not limited to age, ability, status, economic circumstance, ethnicity, gender, race, religion and sexual orientation Job Type: Full-time Pay: From $17.
95 per hour Expected hours: 40 per week Benefits: * Dental insurance * Health insurance * Life insurance * Paid time off * Vision insurance Schedule: * 8 hour shift Ability to commute/relocate: * Bloomington, IL 61701: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred) Education: * High school or equivalent (Required) Experience: * Childcare: 1 year (Preferred) Work Location: In person