Preschool Teacher Assistant

*Date: * 2/9/2024 *Program:* Douglas Cherokee Head Start *Job Title:* Teacher Assistant *Location:* Blount County Douglas-Cherokee Economic Authority, Inc.
Head Start / Early Head Start Program serves 888 children ages 6 weeks-5 years in eight counties in East TN: Blount, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Monroe, Sevier and Union.
Children who attend Head Start participate in a variety of educational activities.
They have healthy meals and snacks, and enjoy playing outdoors in a safe setting.
Services are offered to meet the special needs of children with disabilities.
*All Douglas-Cherokee benefits eligible employees receive the following benefits:* * Up to 16 paid holidays per year * Earned sick leave and annual leave * Option to participate in State of Tennessee 401(k) savings plan *Full time employees (work an average of 30 or more hours/week) are eligible for the following benefits:* * Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System * Group Health Insurance partially paid by the agency with other insurance products available.
*FLSA Status:* Non-Exempt, Full-time; 37.
5 hours per week; School Year *Salary Grade:* 13 ($13.
51 per hour) *Reports to:* Area Coordinator, Curriculum & Assessment Manager, Head Start Director *POSITION SUMMARY:* Under the leadership of the center teacher, the teacher assistant will assist in carrying out all educational, developmentally appropriate activities for preschool children.
In addition, the teacher assistant will provide supervision of children in the classroom, the playground, on field trips, and on the bus; ensuring each child’s safety during transportation.
The teacher assistant may be the immediate supervisor of other center staff in the absence the teacher.
*DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES / ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:* 1.
Assists in organizing the classroom and maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment.
2.
Observes, assesses, refers, and evaluates each child’s progress in the assigned classroom, and assists in planning and implementing classroom activities based on individual needs of the children to advance physical and intellectual competence.
3.
Assists in promoting social and emotional development of children, and in maintaining classroom discipline using positive guidance techniques.
4.
Assists in maintaining records and submits reports as required; attends meetings and required training.
5.
Makes home visits and/or holds parent-teacher conferences as required, assists with parent meetings, and maintains positive communication with parents and community participants regarding Program activities and objectives.
6.
To pick up and deliver children to and from Head Start class on a pre-established time schedule as needed.
7.
To teach safety habits for boarding and leaving the bus as well as while riding the bus.
8.
To provide care for children and the bus in case of vehicle break down or accident.
9.
To drive for field trips as needed.
10.
To be alert and meet the special needs of the children on route to and from school.
11.
Demonstrates work habits, which comply with agency personnel policies and procedures, and completes special assignments from immediate supervisor or Head Start Director.
12.
Welcome families to participate in their child’s learning activities in the classroom, at home, and in the community.
Encourage parents to volunteer in the classroom to support their child and the program.
13.
Encourage parents, families, and community members to support our children and the program through gifts of time, goods, and/or monetary donations to ensure program local match (in-kind) as required to continue receiving federal funding.
*WORK SITE: * Blount County- Initial worksite-Townsend Head Start *SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: *None *OTHER JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:* · This job can change at any time for any reason.
· Must have the ability to physically assist children at all times.
· Comply with all rules, policies and procedures of the Agency.
· Maintain confidentiality of family, child, and Agency information.
· Treat all people with respect and not discriminate in the provision of services or Agency business with regard to age, sex, race, religion, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
· Must complete First Aid and CPR training and keep updated.
· Must maintain documentation per licensing requirements.
· Must perform specific related activities necessary to meet Social Services, Nutrition, Disabilities, and Parent Involvement component operation standards.
· Must perform specific related activities necessary to meet Social Services, Nutrition, Disabilities, and Parent Involvement component operation standards.
*ROLE QUALIFICATIONS:* *Education and Experience Requirements:* · CDA or degree in ECE preferred · High School Diploma or GED required · Must be enrolled in a program that will lead to an associate or baccalaureate degree or, are enrolled in a CDA credential program to be completed within two years of the time of hire to adhere to the Head Start Performance Standards requirements.
*Other Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:* · Must obtain pre-employment physical and TB screen.
· Must show proof (as necessary of auto liability insurance).
· Demonstrate a willingness to continue professional development.
*WORKING CONDITIONS:* The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions: * Must have the ability to lift children and to physically assist them as needed.
· Will frequently lift or move weight as in lifting, carrying, and holding children (20-60#).
· Required to stand up to 95% of the workday.
· Must be able to interact with children on the playground or in the classroom.
Ex: run, jump, dance, physical exercise.
· Must be able to stoop and bend to interact with children on their level.
· Able to physically and mentally react immediately to unexpected circumstances.
*Equal Opportunity Employer* *Application Deadline: *Applications accepted until the position is filled.
*To Apply: *Send application and/or resume to: Human Resources Manager DCEA Head Start/Early Head Start, 127 Cedar Street, Morristown, TN 37814.
Email applications to jobs@dceaheadstart.
org.
Job Type: Full-time Pay: $13.
51 per hour Benefits: * 401(k) * Dental insurance * Health insurance * Paid time off * Retirement plan * Vision insurance Grade levels: * Pre-Kindergarten Schedule: * Monday to Friday Ability to Relocate: * Blount County, TN: Relocate before starting work (Required) Work Location: In person