HSP - Teacher Assistant

Job Summary: Incumbent works collaboratively in partnership with the classroom teacher for the establishment, maintenance and management of classroom activities. Major Responsibilities/Activities: Interaction between Staff and Children • Maintain confidentiality about issues concerning other staff members, children and families of Enrichment Services Program. • Understand and demonstrate knowledge of ages and stages of development. Understand the general areas of physical, social, cognitive and emotional development for this age group. • Staff interact frequently, affectionately, and respectfully by smiling, touching, and holding children. Speak in a friendly, calm, soft, courteous manner within close proximity of the child. • Staff respect and observe children's interests. Intervene when needed to maintain safety. Enhance children's play with language, toys, and activities. • Staff communicates directly with each child at the child's level. • Engage and communicate constructively with individual children during activities and routines. Take every opportunity to positively extend children's thinking and actions. • Assist and be responsive to children's needs, questions, and requests. • Encourage and model social behavior and expectations which are developmentally appropriate. • Acknowledge feelings with sensitivity and demonstrate appropriate expression of emotions. • Practice positive discipline techniques in guiding children's behavior according to NAEYC. • Be attentive, flexible and supportive of children and their families during transitions to and from classrooms. • Assist in implementing daily lesson plans and daily schedules. • Assist with recording daily observation in Teaching Strategies GOLD • Assist in organizing and maintaining learning centers within the classroom. • Recruit volunteers and solicits in-kind contributions. • Attend meetings, trainings and workshop as required. • Maintain cleanliness of classrooms and adjoining restrooms. • Serve as an advocate for the Head Start Program, families and children. • Perform other duties as assigned. • Implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum which reflects observations and assessments of individual children and goals jointly developed with parents/guardians. Physical Environment, Health, Safety and Nutrition: • Maintain and follow all safety and health mies of the location. • Supervise children at all times. Demonstrate awareness of entire group while working with a small group or individuals. • Know the number of children in your group and maintain ratios at all times. • Maintain accurate attendance records throughout the day. • Complete appropriate paperwork (i.e., accidents, medication, and allergies). • Encourage children to utilize appropriate health, safety and nutritional practices. • Keep environment and equipment safe, clean, and attractive. Encourage respect for classroom materials. Notify designated individual in advance when supplies are needed. • 'Assist in arrangement of space into clearly defined, well organized activity areas. • Organize a variety of materials on low, open shelves for children to use independently.