Early Head Start Teaching Assistant (Infants & Toddlers)

This is a 10-month contract position, 40 hours per week, with benefits.
This position will float between the Early Head Start classrooms in accordance with a daily schedule.
The Early Head Start Teaching assistant possesses a minimum of a CDA with an Infant/Toddler endorsement.
Successful Teaching Assistants demonstrate cooperation and align their practices with the program philosophy.
They are emotionally mature, show respect for children and adults, are flexible and have patience.
Teaching Assistants must have good personal hygiene, and physical and mental health.
This position is responsible to and supervised by the Site Administrator.
*General Qualifications: *The Early Head Start Teaching Assistant has knowledge and experience in the philosophy and practices of Head Start (or comparable child development programs), early childhood education, developmentally appropriate practice, NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct, and bilingual education.
They must have the required educational background and ability to collaborate with parents.
*Essential Functions (not an exhaustive list):* * Use developmentally appropriate, effective teaching practices that align with the NAEYC code of ethical conduct and demonstrate an understanding of child development for children aged birth to five.
* Work with teacher to implement educational programming to enhance the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of the children in your care.
* Work with teacher to complete documented lesson plans and implement the Creative Curriculum for Preschoolers, Infants, Toddler or Twos with fidelity.
* Assist in conducting developmental screenings and assessments of children.
* Align assessment, observations, and lesson plans to the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five.
* Review and understand STEPS School Readiness Goals and intentionally focus on achieving them.
* Perform the functions of this position with a strong understanding of the Head Start Program Performance Standards and Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five.
* With the teacher, guide and facilitate activities of the children, including daily activities, field trips, selecting and arranging equipment and materials in the classroom.
* Cooperate with other staff and classroom groups to maintain the smooth functioning of the center, which at times may require flexibility and changes to meet the needs of the children.
* Eat with and assist children in development of social and self-help skills and sound nutritional practices.
* Guide acquisition of social skills through modeling appropriate interactions, behaviors, and language.
* Assist in providing and maintaining a safe and healthy developmentally appropriate environment in line with ITERS, licensing standards and developmental needs of the children in care.
* Understand the CLASS observation tool and best practices for adult child interactions and instructional support.
Meet minimum CLASS score thresholds.
* Actively participate in monitoring and feedback sessions.
* Be open and receptive to change and personal growth.
Actively participate in your own professional development planning.
Participate in your own professional development.
* Teaching assistants will ensure diapers are changed at a maximum of every two hours, children are not left in soiled clothing, and when developmentally appropriate they will assist with potty training and other self-care routines to include hand washing, teeth brushing, and dressing.
* Assist Site Administrator by being flexible and ensuring coverage in all classrooms to maintain compliance with VDOE Licensing Standards and Head Start Program Performance Standards.
* Act as a mandated reporter and follows STEPS procedures for reporting suspected child abuse and neglect.
* Follows all policies and procedures.
*Additional Requirements: *Valid Virginia Operator’s License and reliable transportation.
Must pass drug screen (including marijuana), criminal background screening including criminal, sex offender and child protective services.
Obtain/maintain a certification in First Aid and CPR for infants and children.
Able to move with ease and lift 50 pounds.
Able to squat, bend and interact with children and willing to adjust work schedule as needed.
Ability to occasionally attend meetings or training in evenings and/or weekends.
Ability to pass a health examination and provide a tuberculosis screening.
Ability to present a positive image of the organization to members of the community.
COVID-19 Vaccination is required.
Job Types: Full-time, Contract Pay: $12.
00 per hour Benefits: * 401(k) * Dental insurance * Health insurance * Life insurance * Paid time off * Vision insurance Schedule: * 8 hour shift * Monday to Friday License/Certification: * CPR Certification (Preferred) * Child Development Associate Certification (Preferred) Work Location: In person