Substitute Teacher Assistant

Summary This is a substitute role that will fill in for teaching assistants to provide coverage in our classrooms. The number of days per week, hours per day and location may vary. There is no guarantee of hours and this role will be called upon as needed. Assists the classroom teacher and teaching assistant in planning, organizing, and implementing individual and group activities to meet the social, emotional, physical, and educational needs of preschool children. Provides coverage of breaks and lunches for teaching staff. Observe and record specific behavioral data as described in the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework and routinely communicate observations and progress with teachers, program staff, and parents. Responsible for meeting Head Start performance standards, following the agency policies and procedures, and Child Care Licensing rules and regulations. Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Provides classroom leadership in the absence of the teacher assistant to ensure consistency of the daily schedule, implementation of the lesson plan and other activities. Always provides direct supervision of students while in the classroom.

• Ensures classroom is set up and materials are prepared for implementation of the daily schedule including all learning activities, all meals, story time, and other activities.

• Provide coverage of breaks and lunches for teaching staff, in coordination with the Center Coordinator

• In the absence of the teacher assistant, assists the teacher in creating a nurturing learning environment through communication, play, and socialization that supports the social-emotional, cognitive, and physical and language development of children ages birth-5.

• In the absence of the teaching assistant, assist with planning and implementing learning experiences that ensure effective curriculum implementation and use of assessment. Participates in weekly lesson plan development with teaching team.

• In the absence of the teaching assistant, conduct standardized and structured assessments, within mandated timeframes, for each child that provide ongoing information to evaluate the childs speech and developmental level. Utilize the information from all observations to determine a childs strengths and needs, inform and adjust strategies to better support individualized learning and improve teaching practices. Enter all observations into appropriate systems following documentation procedures.

• Observe, document, and address challenging behaviors to determine cause and implement preventive measures, teach a new behavior, communication, and/or social skill to minimize or eliminate the behavior.

• Follow appropriate practices to keep children safe during all activities, including, at a minimum:

• Reporting of suspected or known child abuse and neglect to Franklin County Children Services according to agency procedures and the Ohio Revised Code Section 2151.421.
• Safe sleep practices, including ensuring that all sleeping arrangements for children under 18 months of age use firm mattresses or cots, as appropriate, and for children under 12 months, soft bedding materials or toys must not be used.
• Appropriate indoor and outdoor supervision of children at all times.
• Only releasing children to an authorized adult
• Adhere to all standards of conduct described in Head Start Performance Standards 1302.90(c)

• Systematically and routinely implement hygiene practices that ensure:
  • Appropriate toileting, hand washing, and diapering procedures are followed.
  • Safe food preparation
  • Exposure to blood and body fluids is handled consistent with standards of the Occupational Safety Health Administration.
  • Documentation of feeding and diaper changes for Early Head Start children.

• Follow, and practice procedures for:
  • Emergencies
  • Fire prevention and response.
  • Protection from contagious disease
  • The handling, storage, administration, and record of administration of medication
  • Documenting childrens attendance upon arrival and departure
  • Maintaining procedures and systems to ensure children are only released to an authorized adult.
  • Child specific health care needs and food allergies that include accessible plans of action for emergencies.

• Attend and participate in professional development, training, and meetings. Must participate in 20 hours of training per year in understanding children and improving delivery of childcare services.

• Maintain and respect the confidentiality of families, staff, and program.

• Uses and follows the policies/procedures of Head Start Performance Standards, and all federal, state, and local regulations. Ensure all federal, local, state, and/or agency documentation is completed accurately.
• Perform all other duties assigned by supervisor or manager

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Ability to always supervise and monitor children to ensure a safe environment. This includes the physical ability to monitor and move quickly to respond to highly active children.
• Ability to work professionally with others in a team environment.

• The ability to use sound judgement to make well thought-out and informed decisions, the ability to apply knowledge and understanding, and use critical thinking skills to problem solve situations that involve several variables.
• Ability to handle stress, remain focused, and use sound judgement to make clear decisions.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software as required for recordkeeping and documentation.

Required Experience

• Prefer one year of experience in a childcare or HeadStart setting (ages Birth - 5) classroom, and knowledge of diverse ethnic groups. Experience should include adapting the curriculum to meet the needs of all children,
• Must have flexible schedule to accommodate family needs, may include some evening or weekend hours.
• Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and must have the ability to read and interpret documents, write reports, present information to staff and parents, and respond to questions in a timely manner.
• Intermediate to advanced computer skills, internet, and e-mail.

Required Education, Certifications, Licenses

• High school diploma or GED
• Must have a CDA credential or a state-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential, are 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.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Must submit to a background check, including BCI and FBI Criminal Records, Federal and State Sex Offender registries and the Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System and be eligible for employment as required by ODJFS.

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

• Individuals will be required to speak, listen, stand, and walk frequently.
• May also be required to sit at the childrens level, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must have the ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• May be required to travel to other centers to provide coverage based on agency needs.