Year Round Employment with Learning Empowered: LE Head Start staff are hired for year-round positions, and are assigned to summer program positions outside of the regular Head Start school calendar.
Job Summary: The Assistant Teacher in a Learning Empowered Head Start classroom assists the Teacher to provide a high‐quality early learning environment for children. Duties and responsibilities of the Assistant Teacher include helping to develop and deliver interactive learning programs and engaging young children in a high‐quality, safe and educational environment.
Essential Functions:
Engage children, parents, and peers in a warm, friendly, and approachable demeanor
Assist Teacher to Implement agency‐approved curriculum to provide a high‐quality educational experience for children in assigned classroom
Develop a strong working relationship with the Teacher and the Director to create a highly functioning, successful learning environment for the children
Prepare classroom materials and activities to assist teacher in implementing daily lessons
Help Teachers to maintain orderly, clean, and stimulating classroom environments per Pinellas County Licensing Board guidelines
Assist Teacher during assessment periods to provide information or engage children in learning activities during assessments
Engage children using a variety of tools and resources to explore during learning and play activities
Feel comfortable to communicate with parents about their child(ren)’s needs and successes with or in the absence of the Teacher
Support the Teacher in all classroom activities throughout the day
Collaborate and coordinate with the Teacher to maintain appropriate supervision of children at all times
Learn and use appropriate behavior guidance for children per agency guidelines and by using the Conscious Discipline and/or Head Start guidelines.
Complete basic trauma informed practices training within 6 months of hire; participate in next level and ongoing trauma trainings during the course of employment as directed by management to remain informed and engaged in best practices for responding to trauma.
Maintain confidentiality of all information pertaining to students and families
Consult with the Teacher and Center Director about concerns regarding children who may need referral for assessments or other interventions to achieve learning successes
Keep accurate records and files as required by agency policy, licensing requirements, and assessment requirements
Attend training sessions, conferences and staff meetings which foster personal growth and/or are required by the agency, Licensing Board or other designated agencies.
Maintain accreditations, licenses, and renewals as required for the position or designated by the agency
Other duties as assigned by Supervisor
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
Minimum High School Diploma and 45 clock hours DCF Required documented transcript
Preferred: Child Development Associate credential (CDA) OR Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC)
Completion and proof of a physical examination and Tuberculosis Test (TB Test) prior to the start of employment
Physical examinations must be repeated every two years during employment.
Minimum 15 hours of Head Start approved training: to be completed during work hours
Additional annual trainings required by Head Start
Participation in Head Start required functions, i.e., parent meetings, home visits, parent conferences
Preferred: training in basic trauma informed principles or practices
Fluent in English
Cleared Level II & Local Background Checks (when conducted by agency upon hire) and maintained throughout employment
Current First Aid/CPR, including Infant and Child CPR, or willing to obtain upon hire within 6 months of hire.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to a diverse audience of volunteers and clients.
Ability to use computer software applications (Microsoft Word, Excel, Email, Internet) in a Windows environment to communicate and maintain records.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries with parents, other staff, other visiting professionals.
Ability to maintain and protect confidential information with other staff, volunteers, families and other visiting professionals.
Ability to create an environment where children, parents, staff and volunteers feel welcomed and affirmed
Ability to work a flexible schedule to accommodate the needs of the program including the possibility of early morning or late afternoon hours to assist in opening or closing the program as well as occasional nights or weekends for trainings or center events
Ability to lift and carry 35 pounds and in an emergency pick up a 40‐pound child
Physical ability to extend arms overhead, grasp with hands, stand, stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, walk, sit on floor