Teacher Assistant I/II (Head Start)

About the Department

Performs paraprofessional educational work in assisting teachers in providing developmental services to eligible preschoolers, including children with disabilities enrolled in the County Head Start program. Assists in planning and carrying out a daily program of activities that meet the individualized physical and developmental needs of young children. Responsible for assisting in the supervision and care of children, including tasks that ensure safe and clean learning environments. Works in collaboration with other program staff to provide comprehensive services that meet the educational, health, and social services needs of individual children and their families. Carries out duties that include but are not limited to interacting with children, preparing/serving meals, teaching children different learning concepts, evaluating children’s developmental progress, and assisting children with personal care tasks when needed.

Assists in classroom and lesson planning as well as carrying out the daily indoor and outdoor educational and recreational activities designed to enhance the social, intellectual, physical and emotional development of enrolled children including children with disabilities at an educational center operated by York County Head Start program.

Assists in developing and implementing developmentally appropriate activities of enrichment and care for children that help prepare students for school and meet their individual needs according to program standards and regulations.

Assists in providing care and protection for children to help them develop the appropriate social, emotional, and self-help skills such as building relationships with others, eating, dressing, and using the bathroom.

Supervises and ensures the safety of children at all times when in care to include on buses to and from school and on field trips as needed, etc.

Assists in maintaining attractive, healthy surroundings, and ensuring that classroom, equipment, and materials are kept in good condition; monitors and inspects inside and outside play areas for trash and safety hazards. Assist with classroom schedule and room arrangement consistent with Environment Rating Scales (ERS).

Assists in service of family-style dining meals to children; assists in associated set-up and clean-up activities during meal times.

Assists in completing required paperwork consisting of, but not limited to, meal counts, attendance, daily health check, and various classroom/program checklists in a timely manner.

Position Duties

Teacher Assistant I – Requires a High School Diploma and 1 to 2 years of experience working with preschoolers and/or preadolescent children; or any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Must have a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or the ability to obtain a CDA credential within 2 years of employment; or be enrolled in a program that will lead to an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or a related field.

Teacher Assistant II – Requires an Associate’s Degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or an equivalent field or course of study; or a combination of an Associate’s Degree in any field, a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or the ability to obtain a CDA credential within 2 years of employment, and 1 to 2 years of experience working with preschoolers and/or preadolescent children which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities; or any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia. 

Requires an initial physical examination to include screening for tuberculosis, and periodic re-examinations to ensure the incumbent poses no significant health risk to the participants in the Head Start Program. 

Requires acceptable criminal and child protective services background checks. 

Certifications in Medication Administration and CPR and First Aid is preferred. 

Possession of a valid commercial driver's license with appropriate endorsements issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia is preferred.

This job is contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment checks to include criminal history, background and DMV record checks.

Minimum Qualifications

Some knowledge of early childhood development teaching strategies, best practices, learning theories, and educational principles. General knowledge of personal computers, computer software, and tablets. 
Ability to manage and report data accurately and efficiently. 
Effective oral and written communication skills. 
Ability to build positive relationships with children, staff, and diverse populations. 
Ability to work effectively with parents and support family engagement. 
Ability to detect signs of child abuse or neglect. 
Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and objectivity. 
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

Other Qualifications

Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including copiers, laptops, IPads, computer software, tablets, Smartboards, etc. Requires walking or standing to a significant degree. In working with and caring for the children, there is constant standing and walking, bending, stooping, climbing on the recreational equipment, and occasionally running and crawling while playing with the children. Must be able to sit on the floor with children, push and pull of toys and wagons, and sometimes lift children weighing around 40 – 55 lbs. when necessary.

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