Head Start Teacher Assistant - Extended Day Program

Overview: The Head Start Teacher Assistant shall assist the Head Start Teacher and Center Manager/Program Director in the day to day responsibilities in accordance with licensing, Head Start performance standards and YMCA standards. Extended day programs are nine month positions following the school calendar. This is a 10 month position, August through May.
Minimum Salary for Position without meeting Qualifications: $11.19 and eligible for a $0.50 increase upon completing CDA. Mimimum Salary for Position with CDA or above: $11.69
OUR CULTURE: The YMCA of Greater Kansas City’s mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. It’s who we are, who we aspire to be and how we show up every day. We are cause-driven. We don’t just show up, we show up with purpose. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you. We accomplish our goals by working with Trust, Teamwork and Transparency.Responsibilities:

• Assist in the classroom by providing individualized attention to the children to enhance their learning and development.
• Contribute as a part of the teaching team to planning and implementing curriculum and assessment.
• Assist in establishing and maintaining an appropriate learning environment and daily routine, with attention to standards of health and safety.
• Develop and maintain supportive, professional relationships with children and their families to enhance parent education, communication, involvement, and advocacy.
• Provide input to the teaching team in developing and implementing lesson plans based on the Head Start Program Performance Standards and the Constructivist Curriculum Plan.
• Assist daily in providing learning experiences to children.
• Be familiar with and participate in the three stages and the Assessment and Outcomes System of the Constructivist Curriculum Plan.
• Observe and document children’s learning and development on an ongoing and consistent basis.
• With the teaching team, discuss observations and interpretations of children’s activities. Contribute to planning of learning experiences.
• Actively participate in determining levels of children’s learning and development three times per year, using the portfolio scales of the Assessment and Outcomes System.
• Supervise and actively engage with children at all times.
• Interact with children, providing positive role models and guidance.
• Establish and maintain respectful, responsive relationships with children.
• Assist children with their daily routines.

• Prepare the physical environment, assuring that planned activities can occur effectively.
• Maintain (or report needed maintenance of) indoor and outdoor classroom materials and equipment, assuring that they are available and in proper working order at all times.
• Assist in ensuring that health, safety, and sanitation guidelines set the state licensing and the YMCA are followed.
• Maintain certification and stay current with all requirements for Infant/Child CPR and First Aid.
• Participate in all required training and attend a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education/professional development annually.
• Attend and participate in team, site, and other required meetings.
• Assume the responsibilities of the teacher when the teacher is absent.
• Maintain documentation of personal training and professional development activities in which you participate.
• Incorporate information from training, as well as guidance from teachers and specialists, into practice to improve performance.
• Notify appropriate staff of complaints, accidents, or injuries.
• Complete required paperwork, such as incident reports, health checklists, CACFP counts, etc.
• When possible, attend and participate in parent/teacher conferences and home visits.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding child and families.
• Engage in professional communications with families and appropriate staff to ensure support is provided to children and families.
• Attend and participate in assigned family activities.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Preschool CDA. (Training Available - must obtain within 12-months)
• Associates or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or with 30 credits of ECE, preferred.
• Experience in an early childhood classroom setting preferred.
• Work well both independently and collaboratively with others.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to organize and perform multiple tasks in the classroom.