Head Start - Assistant Teacher

A. GENERAL SUMMARY OF WHAT THE POSITION DOES

This position works as a part of a teaching team to work as a partner with the

teacher/lead teacher in developing activities for preschool (Head Start) children to

provide them with varied experiences and an appropriate learning environment.

Works with typically developing children and children with disabilities. Assistance is

given to the teacher in carrying out the goals, policies, and activities designed to

implement educational objectives and performance standards. This position works

with families to promote parent involvement in the program. This position may be

assigned additional duties based upon program need and areas of developing

expertise. This position works along with the teacher/head teacher to attain the goals

of the program. The position may be reassigned to various classrooms/centers as

deemed necessary for program operations.

B. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION

Duties of the position are described in major functional areas listed below. Additional

duties may be assigned.

1. EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC JOB DUTIES
   

1. Preschool Classroom Activities

1. Assists the teacher in all classroom activities, field trips and outdoor activities
   including lesson plans.
2. Assists in developing materials and providing activities related to the cultural
   background of the children and families served.
3. Participates in the screening, observation and documentation of children.
4. Helps supervise at mealtime, eating with the children to encourage good
   nutrition and proper social skills.
5. Helps keep the classroom and its contents clean and orderly.
6. Is familiar with each child and parent.
7. Uses initiative and imagination to assist the child and be perceptive and
   knowledgeable about the needs of each child.
8. Assists the teacher in any aspect of the program as the need arises.
9. Takes charge of the class in the teacher's absence.
10. Makes home visits with the teacher as required or requested and documents
    them as requested.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

1. Parent/Family Involvement And Community Relations

1. Assists the teacher in meeting the program's needs for parent/family involvement
   in each classroom.
2. Establishes a relationship of trust and rapport with the families of the children.
3. Communicates with families to facilitate positive interaction with the program,
   awareness of the child’s needs and development, how the activities of the
   program promote positive development and their roles in the child’s overall
   education and development.
4. Participates in the training of families as requested.
5. Involves parents/families in the educational activities of the program:

1. to emphasize their role as the principal influence on the child's education and
   development; and
2. to assist parents/families to increase their knowledge, understanding, skills and
   experience in basic child development.

1. Assists with identifying and arranging for parents to volunteer in the classroom as
   volunteers and substitutes.
2. Assists the teacher with collecting monthly in-kind records from parents and
   community members participating in the program.
3. Assists with the supervision of all assigned volunteers in the classroom.
   

1. EXAMPLES OF GENERAL JOB ACTIVITIES

1. Understands, generates and documents in-kind and other allowable costs applied
   toward the non-federal share requirement.
2. Attends all workshops and meetings as deemed necessary by the immediate supervisor.
3. Attends all required staff and parent meetings and activities.
4. Responsible for understanding Head Start Performance Standards and local child care
   licensing regulations.
5. Expected to be knowledgeable of the regulations associated with prevention of
   occupational disease and injury, including the exercise of universal precautions and the
   prevention of contamination.
6. Positively promotes Head Start in the community.
7. Maintains strict confidentiality with respect to Head Start Head Start children,
   families and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures.
8. Becomes thoroughly familiar with Meriden YMCA Employee Handbook, Meriden YMCA
   Operations Manual and all other Meriden YMCA handbooks, manuals and resources and
   adheres to them.
   
   PERFORMS OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED
   
   C. SUPERVISION EXERCISED
   Immediate supervision means those employees the position assigns, directs and evaluates.
   
   Positions Supervised: Head Teacher
   
   D. PERSONAL CONTACTS
   Major internal and external contacts.
   
   Internal External
   See Organizational Chart Head Start Parents - as needed
   Community Partners - as needed
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   E. DECISIONS AND COMMITMENTS
   This section will describe the kinds and impact of decisions and commitments;
   the effects, influence and significance of these decisions; the consequence of
   error and the limitation of the finality of decision-making.
   
   Decisions and commitments involving the education program are very important and
   affect the children and continued funding of the programs. Following the guidelines and
   the regulations of the program are of the utmost importance to ensuring quality services
   for the children and families.
   
   Supervisor decisions regarding staff are important to ensure compliance with the
   agency Personnel Policies and Procedures, to ensure good management, and
   protect the employee rights.
   
   F. SUPERVISION RECEIVED
   The job description and the content area work plan serve as a guideline. Assistance
   is received from other agency staff as needed. Outside assistance can be received
   from other related resources. Head Start Head Start effectively uses the teamwork
   approach. All content areas are interwoven so as to better assist and support
   families. The immediate supervisor is responsible for appraisals of this position.
   

This position receives content area supervision and technical assistance from

program supervisor, specialist, coordinator and/or managers.