Assistant Teacher

Description:

The Assistant Teacher shall assist the teacher in planning and carrying out the daily program activities and shall take over all duties in the absence of the Lead Teacher.

Responsibilities:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Assist Lead Teacher in implementing developmentally appropriate activities as written in daily lesson plans

Assist Lead Teacher in preparing, in advance, materials needed to carry out daily activities

Manage large and small groups of children, as well as meetings children's individual needs

Utilize a team approach with Lead Teacher, parents, and other classroom teaching staff (to include public teaching an administrative staff when applicable) in the development and implementation of lesson plans and child observation and assessment

Actively participate in children's activities in the classroom and on the playground

Model appropriate behavior, language, and grammar skills for children and parents

Eat breakfast, snacks, and lunch with children; encouraging children to engage in conversation and promoting a pleasant atmosphere during meal time.  Use meal periods and information about the food as part of the total education plan

Assist children with the proper health, nutrition, and safety training and encourage self help skills such as eating (serving self), dressing, brushing teeth, toileting, and personal hygiene

Attend monthly parent committee meetings and child/family related meetings (i.e. CPSE, IEP) as required, adjusting regular work schedule to incorporate this time into regular work hours

Participate (when possible) in two home visits and two parent/teacher conferences per child per year

Create an atmosphere that is welcoming to parents and families

Work in cooperation with other staff members to transition children and parents in and out of Head Start

In absence of Lead Teacher assume all responsibilities as described in the Lead Teacher job description

Record Keeping/Communication

Assist Lead Teacher in maintaining records (attendance, accident/incident reports, daily health check, family communication notes, fire drills, lesson plans, etc.) as required by Head Start and New York State office of Children and Family Services (OCFS)

Input required data in the Teaching Strategies GOLD and COPA data bases

Assist Lead Teacher in keeping ongoing observation records on children's performance and use these anecdotal records in updating child assessments, and in planning individual and group activities and interactions with children

Maintain a positive working relationship with parents and guardians, staff and other human service agencies

Assist Lead Teacher in maintaining a complete and up to date file on each child

Document any conversation/interaction with children/families and share relevant information with appropriate Head Start staff on a "need to know basis"

Fulfill role as Mandated Reporter as stated in the Child Abuse and Maltreatment policy

Check OFB online e-mail account frequently throughout the work week

Classroom Environment

Assure that children are treated with respect while using positive discipline techniques and setting limits and expectations consistently

Maintain a safe and healthy classroom environment

Maintain an orderly and clean classroom environment; this may include sweeping, mopping, etc. as necessary

Maintain inventory of classroom supplies and assure materials are in good condition

Professional Development

Maintain a working knowledge of all Head Start Performance Standards and adhere to all agencies policies and procedures

Participate in all meetings and in-service training (workshops, consultations, etc.)

Complete the 30 hours of professional development training as required be Head Start and NYS OCFS

Be computer literate and able to acquire new skills

Qualifications: