Position Summary:

Reporting to the Education Director, the Teacher's Aide will work with their teaching team to ensure that all children reach developmentally appropriate milestones through the implementation of evidence-based curricula, individualized support, and high-quality learning environments. The Teacher's Aide will focus on making sure that all the children and families will be ready to be successful in Kindergarten and in life while ensuring that all Head Start Performance Standards and site-specific funding regulations are met or exceeded. The incumbent will understand and promote the organization's Mission, Vision, and Core Values to ensure alignment with the functions of the position.

Essential Duties: Under the direct supervision of the site's Education Director, the Teacher Aide's responsibilities include the following:

Curriculum Implementation

• Assist the lead teacher in implementing the designed curriculum, ensuring activities are age-appropriate, engaging, and aligned with learning objectives
• Collaborate with the teacher to adapt and modify instructional materials to meet the diverse needs of students

Classroom Preparation

• Prepare and organize materials and resources needed for daily lessons, activities, and projects
• Set up and maintain an inviting and conducive learning environment, including the arrangement of learning centers and displays

Small Group Instruction

• Conduct small group activities under the guidance of the lead teacher to reinforce lesson concepts and provide additional support to students as needed
• Monitor and assess student progress during small group sessions, providing feedback to the lead teacher

Individualized Instruction

• Work one-on-one with students who may require extra assistance, ensuring they receive personalized attention to meet their specific learning needs
• Collaborate with the lead teacher to implement individualized education plans (IEPs) and accommodate students with diverse abilities

Assessment Assistance

• Assist in the administration and scoring of assessments to track student progress and contribute to the overall assessment process
• Provide feedback to the lead teacher on student performance and areas that may require additional focus

Behavioral Support:

• Support the lead teacher in maintaining a positive and inclusive classroom environment by reinforcing classroom rules and expectations
• Address behavioral challenges by employing positive reinforcement strategies and seeking guidance from the lead teacher or school administration

Technology Integration

• Support the integration of technology tools into the curriculum, helping students with educational software and assisting in managing technology resources within the classroom

Record Maintenance, Screening and Assessment

• Assist the Lead Teacher and the Assistant Teacher in overseeing and maintaining accurate records on each child
• Assist in daily observations and documentation of child development

Family Engagement

• Foster positive communication with parents, sharing information about classroom activities, student progress, and upcoming events
• Assist in organizing and participating in parent-teacher conferences and other school-related events

Professional Development

• Complete and participate in required trainings and workshops specified for Early Childhood and the agency
• Engage in ongoing professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills related to early childhood education and instructional support
• Collaborate with the lead teacher and participate in team meetings to discuss curriculum updates and effective instructional strategies

Health and Safety Compliance

• Follow City and Federal guidelines pertaining to health and safety protocols to ensure the well-being of children
• Be aware of and adhere to emergency procedures, including evacuation plans and first aid protocols
• Adhere to all state and city licensing requirements e.g. teacher child/ratios, and constant and competent line of sight supervision of children
• Must abide by privacy laws, including HIPAA, etc.
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Required Qualifications: The Teacher's Aide must have qualifications that satisfy Federal Head Start requirements, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Article 47 regulations, and Universal Preschool Guidelines. The Teacher's Aide will need to have qualifications that satisfy one of the following conditions:

• A High School/ Local Diploma or GED is required.
• Pre-K or Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is required (at hire) for applicable position assignment.

OR

• A High School/ Local Diploma or GED is required.
• Have at least 90 credits in childhood development/early childhood education and be on a study plan to complete the CDA credential within 18 months of hire is required.

Key Competencies:

• Bilingual in English and Spanish
• At least 1-year experience working with infants and toddlers, and children with Special Needs
• Dedicated, excited and passionate about teaching and learning with young children
• Effective communication skills
• Must abide by privacy laws, including HIPAA, etc.

A review and final determination of credentials and qualifications are reserved for the site Education Director and the Children's Aid Director of Early Childhood Programs.