Primary Purpose:

• Provide for the physical, cognitive, social and emotional growth, and development of infants and toddlers in a safe and nurturing environment, while contributing to the everyday operations of the program as needed. 
• The teacher assistant works where needed in Early Head Start. 
• Ensures services comply with Head Start Performance Standards and Minimum Standard Rules for

Education/Certifications:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Infant and Toddler CDA Certification or equivalent preferred; willingness to pursue credential
• Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development preferred
• Licensed Child Care Centers.

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of child development; principles of child health, safety and nutrition; effective communication (with infants, toddlers parents, and other staff), adult learning principles; family dynamics; communicating and motivating adults; community resources; linking families with appropriate resources; brain development; SIDS; Shaken Baby Syndrome; safety
• Basic computer skills such as data entry, completion of forms, communication to staff and parents
• Ability to be a positive role model for children and families
• Communicate effectively with families
• Organize and plan effectively
• Ability to support and respect the needs of children and families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• Bilingual skills are an asset

Specific Responsibilities and Duties for the EHS Teacher Assistant: (198-Day Position)

Program Planning and Organization:

• Assist teachers in preparation for and following each day’s activities
• Assist teachers to prepare and maintain the classroom learning environment
• Establish and maintain communication with parents regarding visitation and volunteer opportunities in the classroom
• Implementation of Early Head Start Performance Standards:
• Carry out curriculum plan by providing individualized developmentally appropriate activities for each child as directed by the EHS Center Manager or Infant/Toddler Teacher
• Respond immediately to infant’s and toddler’s physical and emotional needs
• Maintain teacher-child ratio as mandated by Head Start Performance Standards at all times with constant supervision
• Conduct a minimum of two home visits and two parent-teacher conferences annually for center-based class, if acting in a long term substitute role
• Ensure that nutritional needs of all children are met. Hold infants if unable to feed themselves as a time of positive interaction. Encourage self-help and independence by assisting in feeding only when necessary
• Follow all health and safety rules and regulations as outlined in Head Start Performance Standards and Minimum Standard Rules for Licensed Child Care Centers
• Follow health and safety procedures outlined in Performance Standards when changing diapers, including wearing protective gloves
• Praise acceptable behaviors and redirect unacceptable; encourage children to reflect on their actions
• Model self control and problem solving for children
• Document all activities in accordance with Performance Standards and Region 10 procedures as directed by the EHS Center Manager or classroom Infant/Toddler Teacher

  Training:

• Attend all required Early Head Start staff development and staff meetings
• Obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid certifications. Training provided by R10
• Maintain all training requirements as mandated by Performance Standards and child care licensing standards
• Occasional travel for professional development training away from the EHS program site
• If enrolled in coursework to obtain CDA certification, maintain a “C” average

 Coordination:

• Assist with integration of services from all areas of Early Head Start

Communication:

•  Maintains effective communication with co-workers, EHS Center Manager, Consultants and Program Coordinator

Service Performance Standards:

• Complies with Region 10 Policies and Procedures
• Maintains confidentiality of all information and records pertaining to children and families
• Demonstrates customer service skills
• Plans and accomplishes work efficiently
• Demonstrates effective collaboration skills

• Have at least one year of experience in a child care center or early childhood setting as a teacher or teacher-assistant working with infants and toddlers
• Experience with low-income families

 Accountability:

• The EHS Teacher Assistant shall be directly accountable to the EHS Center Manager or his/her designee.