Instructional Assistant

Orange County Head Start

Job Description: Instructional Assistant

Supervised by: Director, Education Specialist

General Description:

Planning : Collaborates with the Lead teacher in planning activities, and in preparation of materials for said activities. The Assistant provides input in developing plans to meet children’s individual needs.

Teaching : Performs teaching tasks as part of a team with the Lead Teacher and as outlined in the lesson plans. The Assistant Teacher assumes the responsibilities of the Lead teacher in the temporary absence of the teacher.

Facilities, Equipment and Consumable Supplies : Aids classroom teacher in maintaining a safe and comfortable environment within the classroom, playground/gymnasium where applicable, and by exhibiting a working understanding of the use of program equipment.

Sanitary environment : Responsible for daily disinfecting & surface cleaning of tables, chairs, counters and other areas in the classroom, in an effort to provide a healthy environment.

Records and Reporting : Assists the Lead Teacher in maintaining required documentation and helps prepare and submit necessary reports.

Communication : Responsible for using an Orange County Public Schools email address to facilitate electronic communication. Will use Google Drive and My Head Start as additional means of communication.

Professional Development : Participates in workshops and other training sessions deemed necessary by the Child Development Specialist (CDS) or Director, with an annual accumulation of a minimum of 15 certifiable clock hours. Assistant submits annual summary and documentation to CDS. Assistant seeks out continuing education opportunities to maintain current CDA certification (minimum) or to further academic credentials. Assistant annually creates personal-professional goals with CDS.

Program Support : Supports, cooperates and assists to meet the goals of all components in the Head Start Program. Attends staff meetings, participates in program evaluation and assists in evaluation of program.

Other Duties : As assigned and occasional work at different locations. Multiple family event nights/after hours throughout the year (up to three).

Family Involvement : Supports parent group meetings and parent-teacher conferences by assisting with child care.

Documentation of Work Hours : Submits Monthly timesheet to CDS. As a nonexempt employee, must have advance, written approval from CDS or Director for any overtime

Conduct: Adheres to the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.

Qualifications:

Minimum requirement of a CDA

Demonstrates the physical ability to repeatedly lift preschool children and school equipment on a daily basis.

The Assistant Teacher is responsible for assisting the teacher in the daily classroom and program activities designed to provide for the physical, social-emotional, nutritional and cognitive development of the children. The assistant will work to provide an environment that is safe, healthy and conducive to learning as specified in the “Head Start Performance Standards”, the “Head Start Child Development and Early Learning Framework” (HSCDELF) and/or the “Virginia Foundation Blocks for Early Learning” (Foundation Blocks).

Specific Responsibilities:

Daily Activities : Responsible for daily activities in the Head Start/VPI classroom as part of the instructional team. The Assistant Teacher helps the Lead Teacher with instruction of students, facilitation of children’s bathroom usage including potty training and changing children if needed, facilitation of mealtime preparation and clean up, actively supervises children on the playground and classroom and on field trips.

Must hold current CPR/First Aid/ MAT and Child Abuse and Neglect certification. We can assist in getting these if needed.

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