Head Start Teacher Assistant at Upbring in Freeport, Texas

Job Description:

Overview

Starting at $15.00/hour

About Us

At Upbring, we are servants on a mission to break the cycle of child abuse. We are warriors, brave as the thousands of Texas Children and families we serve. We stand up for those who cannot speak for themselves. We are a family who values innovation, empathy, patience, understanding and trustworthiness.

About Our Head Start Centers

Upbring Head Start Preschool provides a safe, inclusive place to learn, grow and thrive. The families receive support and services to complement the child’s education as the kindergarten transition nears.

What You'll Do

The Teacher Assistant will assist the classroom teachers in planning and implementing a developmentally appropriate learning environment with varied experiences, which will enhance the social, physical, emotional and cognitive development of preschool age children in accordance with the Minimum Standards for Child Care Centers, the Head Start Performance Standards, the Agency’s school readiness goals, and other federal, state, and local regulatory requirements.

Our Upbring staff members are servant-leaders on the pursuit of breaking the cycle of child abuse and empowering others to do the same through example while embodying our core values: We are Warriors. We are Servants. We are Family.

*This position is year-round and scheduled accordingly.

Responsibilities

We Are Warriors | We Set the Standards for Child Education

Work Standards

• Teachers and caregivers must always provide active supervision strategies to always keep children safe and secure at all times by providing constant active supervision of children during indoor and outdoor activities
• Assist the classroom teacher in managing the classroom in a manner that creates a stimulating and nurturing environment for the growth, well-being, and development of the children
• Assist in the planning and implementation of classroom activities based on individual needs of children and goals set forth in the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)
• Staff must not use/impose corporal punishment or other forms of child maltreatment as a method to discipline children
• Assist with the development and implementation of developmentally appropriate reading programs to meet IEP and other development needs of the children
• Respond appropriately to emergency situations for immediate resolution
• Fulfill role as mandated reporter as stated in Child Abuse and Neglect Policy
• Ensure and implement CLASS strategies to foster continuous interactions with children.
• Always maintains supervision of infant and toddler children and child/staff ratios.
• Comply with the company code of conduct and other applicable regulations and requirements, including Licensing Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), Upbring policies, and procedures, Child Care Minimum Standards, and other federal, state, and local regulatory requirements
• Always ensure the health and safety of each child in care, and support the overall well-being of children
• Attend all professional development
• Maintain cleanliness of classroom
• Other duties and special projects as assigned

Communication

• Assist the classroom teacher with collecting and entering quantitative, anecdotal, and/or observational data
• Assist with the daily or regular communication (written and/or verbal) with parents/guardians regarding their child’s routines, needs, developmental opportunities, and daily activity
• Assist Head Start teacher with parent-teacher conferences as needed or requested
• Immediately communicate with supervisor all concerns related to child health and safety

We Are Servants | We Help Others

Teamwork

• Seek guidance and support from supervisor and other designated support staff for mitigating concerns: inclusive but not limited to classroom management, behavior management, child health and safety, child development, and any other concerns requiring intervention
• Work closely with the classroom teacher building child and family strengths and supporting school readiness goals and social competence
• Assist with the planning and implementation of daily developmental learning models for pre-school aged children for the purpose meeting individual physical disabilities, learning style, and pace of learning
• Assist with the selection of learning material and equipment and arrange classroom to provide a well-managed, welcoming environment conducive for learning
• Work closely with classroom teacher to design and implement curriculum using supporting materials that address the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional needs of children ages 3 - 5
• Assist the classroom teacher in managing the classroom in a manner that creates a stimulating and nurturing environment for the growth, well-being, and development of the children
• Assist Head Start teacher with home visits as outlined in Head Start Performance Standards
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with classroom teachers, administrative staff, children, and parents to ensure the children are receiving a quality learning experience
• Work closely with assigned Education Coach, teacher, and other classroom teachers to ensure program operations are supporting and meeting program goals and objectives and learning outcomes

We Are Family | We Are Passionate & Compassionate

Building Relationships

• Work in collaboration and partnership with the classroom teacher to establish positive relationships with parents/guardians, to include families in the educational process, and encourage their participation
• Work as part of the team and always show professionalism by modeling and demonstrating a positive attitude and positive working relationships, while maintaining strong ethical boundaries
• Exhibit professional behavior and a positive attitude with both internal and external parties that reflect positively on the Agency and is consistent with Agency policies and practices
• Actively participate in exhibiting cultural awareness and sensitivity when interacting with children, parent(s)/guardian(s), staff, and the community

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED equivalent
• Enrollment in a program that will lead to an associate degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Development, or in a different field with a minimum of 15 credit hours in these fields of study within two (2) years of the time of hire – OR - Enrollment in a CDA credential program to be completed within two (2) years of the time of hire
• 3 months’ experience in early childhood education

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement early childhood curriculum
• Demonstrated ability to manage the classroom and work well under pressure
• Strong interpersonal and skills with the ability to work and interact with diverse groups of people
• Ability to build a positive rapport with children, parents/guardians, and team members
• Demonstrated ability to communicate professionally, interact with all levels of management in a clear and concise manner
• Strong written and verbal communication, including preparation of quality well written documents, reports, and correspondence
• Strong time management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize competing tasks, requests, and projects with close attention to detail while meeting deadlines
• Ability to work independently and within a team; ability to take initiative with limited supervision
• Strong computer skills; high proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, and Outlook)

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Development, or in a different field with a minimum of 15 credit hours in these fields of study
• Current CDA Certification
• 1 year of experience in early childhood education
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) with the ability to fluently converse and write in Spanish (based on student population and service area), highly preferred
• CPR/First Aid Certification

Perks at Upbring

• Competitive PTO & paid holidays
• Health, dental, vision insurance & more!
• 403(b) Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 24/7 access to telemedicine and counseling services
• Discounted Gym Memberships

Physical Demands & Work Conditions

• This position requires standing and sitting for long periods of time, frequent walking, and looking and using a computer for long periods of time
• Position works in a child facility and has constant exposure to children
• Lift, push, pull, move up to 50 lbs.

The physical requirements for this position with or without reasonable accommodation are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this position successfully. While performing this position the employee with or without reasonable accommodation should have the ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, speak, and hear with aid, see, read, reach with arms and hands, lift and/or move up to specified weight, and use equipment that is essential to performing the job, such as a computer, copier, fax machine, telephone, and automobile, if applicable. Specific vision requirements of this position may include color vision, seeing things close up, and the ability to adjust focus.

Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. Belonging

We are a diverse and inclusive Organization that recognizes our strength is in the efforts of our selfless warriors. Honoring and recognizing the value and dignity of all individuals is the cornerstone of our agency. The more diverse the individuals, thought processes and lived experiences, the greater the opportunity is to combine unique perspectives to make a greater impact. Our trust, respect, and appreciation for one another is demonstrated through our communication, celebration of progress and relentless effort to be at our best TO FULLFILL OUR MISSION OF BREAKING THE CYCLE OF CHILD ABUSE.

Upbring is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status.

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