The Assistant Teacher shall assist the teacher in planning and carrying out the daily program activities and shall take over all duties in the absence of the Lead Teacher.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Assist Lead Teacher in implementing developmentally appropriate activities as written in daily lesson plans
Assist Lead Teacher in preparing, in advance, materials needed to carry out daily activities
Manage large and small groups of children, as well as meetings children's individual needs
Utilize a team approach with Lead Teacher, parents, and other classroom teaching staff (to include public teaching an administrative staff when applicable) in the development and implementation of lesson plans and child observation and assessment
Actively participate in children's activities in the classroom and on the playground
Model appropriate behavior, language, and grammar skills for children and parents
Eat breakfast, snacks, and lunch with children; encouraging children to engage in conversation and promoting a pleasant atmosphere during meal time. Use meal periods and information about the food as part of the total education plan
Assist children with the proper health, nutrition, and safety training and encourage self help skills such as eating (serving self), dressing, brushing teeth, toileting, and personal hygiene
Attend monthly parent committee meetings and child/family related meetings (i.e. CPSE, IEP) as required, adjusting regular work schedule to incorporate this time into regular work hours
Participate (when possible) in two home visits and two parent/teacher conferences per child per year
Create an atmosphere that is welcoming to parents and families
Work in cooperation with other staff members to transition children and parents in and out of Head Start
In absence of Lead Teacher assume all responsibilities as described in the Lead Teacher job description
Record Keeping/Communication
Assist Lead Teacher in maintaining records (attendance, accident/incident reports, daily health check, family communication notes, fire drills, lesson plans, etc.) as required by Head Start and New York State office of Children and Family Services (OCFS)
Input required data in the Teaching Strategies GOLD and COPA data bases
Assist Lead Teacher in keeping ongoing observation records on children's performance and use these anecdotal records in updating child assessments, and in planning individual and group activities and interactions with children
Maintain a positive working relationship with parents and guardians, staff and other human service agencies
Assist Lead Teacher in maintaining a complete and up to date file on each child
Document any conversation/interaction with children/families and share relevant information with appropriate Head Start staff on a "need to know basis"
Fulfill role as Mandated Reporter as stated in the Child Abuse and Maltreatment policy
Check OFB online e-mail account frequently throughout the work week
Classroom Environment
Assure that children are treated with respect while using positive discipline techniques and setting limits and expectations consistently
Maintain a safe and healthy classroom environment
Maintain an orderly and clean classroom environment; this may include sweeping, mopping, etc. as necessary
Maintain inventory of classroom supplies and assure materials are in good condition
Professional Development
Maintain a working knowledge of all Head Start Performance Standards and adhere to all agencies policies and procedures
Participate in all meetings and in-service training (workshops, consultations, etc.)
Complete the 30 hours of professional development training as required be Head Start and NYS OCFS
Be computer literate and able to acquire new skills
Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience
At least a CDA or an associate, baccalaureate, or advanced degree in early childhood education or in a field related to early childhood education. Universal Pre-Kindergarten must pass the NYS Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills (NYSATAS)
At least one year's experience working with young children in a classroom setting. Direct experience working with low income children and families preferred
A physical, TB screening, criminal record check, and DSS Request for Search of Central Registry are required prior to employment. Physical and TB screening must be updated every two years.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
Valid NYS driver's license and personal transportation
Please send a cover letter and resume to:
Mail: Opportunities for Broome
5 West State Street
Binghamton, NY 13901
ATTN: Human Resources
Email: employment@ofbonline.org
You can also find the agency at the following sites:
Website: www.ofbonline.org
Facebook: Opportunities for Broome