Child Care Assistant Assist the classroom teacher in planning, implementing and supervising all classroom activities designed to foster and enhance all areas of the child's development. The position may be required to float between centers as needed.
Education:
High School Diploma or Equivalent. Associate's Degree, Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, Other. Experience & Training: Must have a Child Development Associate (CDA) or obtain a CDA within one year of hire or are enrolled in a program that will lead to an associate or baccalaureate degree.
Licensing/Certification:
Must obtain a Child Development Associate credential diploma within one year of hire.
Other Skills/Requirements:
Knowledge and experience with the basic principles of child development. Proficient in the use of standard computer applications; Excellent written and oral communication skills; Ability to work collaboratively with a culturally diverse staff and clients.
Primary Position Responsibilities:
Under the leadership of the Senior Teacher, guides and facilitates activities of children, including: daily activities, field trips, selecting and arranging equipment and materials in the classroom; Works with the Senior Teacher to write weekly lesson plans and classroom observations; Works with children in learning centers and assists in the preparation and care of learning materials; Assists in preparing classroom displays and bulletin boards; Conducts home visits and parent conferences and uses information to discuss child's individual development and progress; Assists with lunch, snack and clean up routine and assist children with clothing management; Assists in conducting the daily Health and Safety checklist; Assist the teacher in the completion of required reports; Attends staff trainings and meetings as required.
Secondary Position Responsibilities:
Assumes the lead role in the classroom in the absence of the Senior Teacher; Establishes positive and productive relationships with families focusing on relationships of trust and rapport with the parent's of the children; Participates in the orientation of parents to Head Start throughout the year; Performs all other duties as assigned by the designated supervisor. Physical/Mental Requirements: Occasional need to provide gentle physical restraint to children, May be required to lift up to 45 pounds; Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and to handle other computer components; Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time; Ability to deal with stress associated with meeting multiple deadlines. Work is performed in a normal heated or air-conditioned school environment. Noise level in work environment may be moderate to loud. Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and able to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
