Early Head Start Teacher Assistant Reports To:

Preschool Director and/or

Designee Terms of Employment:

12-month position; teacher assistant hourly pay and benefits established by Rutherford County Schools. Position Summary The Early Head Start Teacher provides high-quality, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate care and education for infants and toddlers. The teacher creates a safe, responsive learning environment that supports each child's social-emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development while building strong partnerships with families. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Provide responsive, individualized care and developmentally appropriate learning experiences for infants and toddlers. Develop and implement lesson plans, classroom routines, and learning experiences based on children's developmental needs and interests. Maintain active supervision at all times and follow required procedures for child counts, transitions, arrival, dismissal, and name-to-face verification. Maintain safe and appropriate practices for feeding, diapering, toileting, handwashing, sanitation, and safe sleep. Conduct ongoing observations and assessments, document children's progress, and use assessment information to individualize learning experiences. Establish positive relationships with families and maintain regular communication regarding children's development, routines, and needs. Participate in required parent conferences, home visits, family engagement activities, screenings, referrals, and transition activities. Support children with disabilities and participate in the implementation of IFSPs and other individualized services as appropriate. Maintain accurate and timely attendance, assessment, meal, incident, and other required program documentation. Work collaboratively with the Teacher Assistant, Family Advocate, program specialists, and other staff to meet the individual needs of children and families. Maintain confidentiality and immediately report child safety concerns, suspected abuse or neglect, injuries, supervision incidents, and other reportable events according to established procedures. Participate in required training, coaching, staff meetings, and continuous program improvement activities. Perform other duties as assigned to support the Early Head Start program. Minimum Qualifications Must have, at minimum, a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or comparable credential and training or equivalent coursework in early childhood development with a focus on infant and toddler development , as required by the Head Start Act. Associate or bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Birth-Kindergarten Education, Child Development, or a related field preferred. Must meet applicable North Carolina child care licensing requirements. Experience working with infants and toddlers preferred. Must meet all required background check, health and safety training, and professional development requirements. Knowledge and Skills Knowledge of infant and toddler development and developmentally appropriate practices. Ability to establish nurturing, responsive relationships with young children and positive partnerships with families. Ability to actively supervise children and maintain a safe, organized learning environment. Strong communication, teamwork, dependability, and professionalism. Ability to maintain confidentiality and accurate program documentation. Physical Requirements Must be able to actively supervise and care for infants and toddlers throughout the workday, including sitting on the floor, lifting and carrying children, assisting with feeding and diapering, and participating in indoor and outdoor activities.

Disclaimer:

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to this job.