Teacher Assistant Trainee

Under the supervision of the Center Director (or designated teaching staff) aids in the instruction of children, and other housekeeping duties and responsibilities as needed. The incumbent may be assigned to various classrooms/centers/bus routes as deemed necessary for program operations.

This position is designed as a career pathway for current students and Head Start parents. The position requires enrollment, and continuous participation, in Child Development or Early Childhood Education classes. All persons hired in this position will be required to enroll in classes and take (on their own) and successfully complete (with at least a "C") a minimum of six (6) units of Child Development (CD) or Early Childhood Education (ECE) at an accredited college or university within 12 months of employment. Employment is this classification is limited to one (1) year.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

• Assists in the instruction of children ages 0-3
• Assists in implementing weekly lesson plans that integrate activities that are developmentally appropriate for infants & toddlers that reflect Early Head Start, and other related child development programs, curriculum and philosophy, and comply with program Performance Standards.
• Aids in developing and maintaining a safe and pleasing environment for the children which facilitates their ability to grow physically, socially, emotionally, and intellectually.
• Assists in administering the screening of each child using appropriate assessment tools but not the translating/interpreting of those assessments.
• Assists in ensuring that daily hygiene needs are met by modeling such routines as tooth brushing, hand washing, use of the bathroom, and meal activities.
• Assists in ensuring the safety of the classroom as well as the outdoor playground; helps in the supervision of outdoor play environment and field trips.
• Assists with routine kitchen/dining room/food chores as assigned
• Assists in providing emotional support and encourages high self-esteem in the children.
• Participates in required training.
• Administers first aid when needed.
• Participates in center level case management meetings as needed.
• Observes the development of IFSPs for children with special needs.
• Assists with the preparation of monthly reports on attendance, excused absences, daily sign in/put sheets, in-kind and meal counts.
• May help with conducting home visits and parent/teacher conferences.
• Participates in cross-component tasks; works with community resources to identify child/family needs and refers to proper resources for assistance.
• Attends all workshop and meetings as deemed necessary by the supervisor.
• Attends all required staff and parent meetings and activities, if requested.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Computers and related software programs; must be computer literate

Ability to:

• Assist in creating and maintaining a safe learning environment for children and others; work effectively with children, parents, family, and community; demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills; demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of culturally and ethnically diverse groups.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) speaking, reading, and writing preferred.

• High School Diploma, G.E.D. equivalency or High School Proficiency Certificate required. Child Development or Early Childhood Education units from an accredited college/university or ROP Training in a Child Development Program preferred.
• Valid CPR, First Aid, and Food Handlers certifications must be obtained within first two months (2) of employment and maintained throughout employment (paid, designated training available through MAAC). In the event employees do not attend the scheduled training, they must obtain the cards through outside resources and costs will not be reimbursed. The certifications must be obtained and maintained within prescribed timelines.

VALUE-BASED BEHAVIORS

Listens attentively to others. Asks clarifying questions to gain a better understanding of the other persons views and underlying assumptions
Works effectively in a team environment and actively participates in joint problem solving; willingly cooperates with co-workers
Identifies and takes advantage of opportunities for personal and professional development
Attends work consistently and punctually. Arrives to meetings prepared and on time; honors work commitments; follows through on what was agreed upon; meets deadlines
Honors the private and confidential matters of co-workers. Protects the proprietary information of MAAC systems
Follows rules, regulations, and policies; positively contributes to implementing changes
Deals with issues directly, in a respectful and timely manner. Focuses on resolving the issue while not criticizing the person. Follows rules, regulations, and policies; positively contributes to implementing changes

HEALTH STATUS

Must have a physical examination, TB clearance and a drug screen by a doctor/clinic designated by MAAC as well as immunization records for influenza*, pertussis and measles as required by state and federal regulations prior to the first day of employment.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this class, an employee is regularly required to stand, walk and sit, talk or hear both in person and by telephone, uses hands to finger, handle or feel objects or controls, reach with hands and arms. An employee also is regularly required to stoop, kneel, bend, crouch or crawl, climb or balance and lift up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, color vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret information; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret people and situations; use basic math; learn and apply new information or skills; work under intensive deadlines and interact with MAAC management, administrators, staff, teachers, parents, family members, children and others encountered in the course of work.

BACKGROUND CLEARANCE

All positions are subject to a background/education check, DMV check, NSOR, exclusion and debarment checks prior to hire and periodically throughout employment as required by various funding sources.

Note: California Start law requires background criminal checks on anyone who works in a licensed childcare facility who is not a client. Must have or obtain a current criminal background check clearance, signed criminal record statement, and signed Acknowledgement to Report Child Abuse form prior to the first day of employment.

TRANSPORTATION

Must have and maintain a valid California Drivers License, daily use of a personal, insured vehicle, and have and maintain a motor vehicle driving record acceptable to MAACs insurance carrier. Incumbents will be enrolled in the California DMV Pull Program.