Preschool Teacher Assistant (3844)

About the Role

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) seeks a talented Teacher Assistant to make an impact in the lives of children. This is a Monday through Friday role. A $3,000 sign-on bonus is offered.

Key Responsibilities

• Work as part of a teaching team in developing activities for preschool children.
• Assist the teacher in carrying out goals, policies, and activities to implement educational objectives and performance standards.
• Work with families to promote parent involvement in the program.
• May serve as Bus Monitor on activities where the program transports children.
• May perform additional duties based on program needs and areas of developing expertise.
• Participate in HS/EHS Quality Assurance efforts.
• Participate in pre-service training.
• Implement approved curricula in the classroom.
• Perform functions with a strong understanding of Head Start Performance Standards and component plans.
• Guide and facilitate children's activities with the teacher, including daily activities, field trips, and selecting/arranging classroom equipment and materials.
• Cooperate with other staff and classroom groups to maintain smooth center functioning, potentially requiring changes to meet children's needs.
• Write weekly observations per assessment procedure.
• Use parent conferences to discuss child development and progress, assist parents in developing observational skills, and solicit parent observations.
• Eat with and assist children in developing social and self-help skills, and sound nutritional practices.
• If needed, serve as a bus monitor, engaging children in song and other developmentally appropriate activities during rides.
• Guide children's acquisition of social skills.
• Attend staff training and meetings, and board and parent meetings as requested.
• Assist in providing and maintaining a safe and healthy developmentally appropriate environment.
• Assist the teacher in ensuring at least 80% of children are kindergarten ready.
• Assist in quality staff-child interactions resulting in CLASS scores greater than the lowest 10% of the threshold in each domain.
• Use active supervision techniques and maintain positive classroom behavior.
• Receive a satisfactory or higher score on the Teacher Assistant Success Rubric.
• Assist the teacher in maintaining a comprehensive and ongoing portfolio assessment for each child, including weekly observations, work samples, and developmental assessments.
• Assist the teacher in conducting and using home visits and parent conferences.
• Assist in conducting the daily health and environment check list.
• Assist in recruiting and orienting volunteers, providing guidance as needed.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding Head Start/Early Head Start children, families, and staff.
• Assist the teacher in the completion of required reports.
• Complete timely and accurate time sheets.
• Distribute newsletters, flyers, and other information to families as instructed by the supervisor.
• Attend all training, workshops, and meetings deemed necessary by the supervisor.
• Attend all required staff and parent meetings and activities.
• Perform other duties as required.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Head Start Performance Standards
• CLASS scores
• Teacher Assistant Success Rubric
• First Aid and CPR certification within 90 days of hire.
• Successful completion of a Level II background screening, local criminal record check, health, TB, and drug screening prior to hiring.
• Ability to lift at least 45 pounds and provide physical assistance in the transportation of special needs children by lifting the child into a seat and fastening a safety belt.
• Computer and related software usage.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED Certificate.
• National Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) for Preschool Endorsement OR
• National Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) for Infant/Toddler Endorsement OR
• Florida Child Care Professional Certification (FCCPC) if applicable, OR enrolled in a degree program, or have an Associate's, Bachelor's, or advanced degree.
• Proof of successful completion of the 45 hours Florida Child Care Facility training and a Certificate of Completion of an approved 10 hour Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Preschoolers within 12 months of hire date.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish or English and other languages) preferred.

Preferred Education

• Associate degree from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Development or a related field with 18 credit hours in Early Childhood Education.
• Certificate of Completion of an approved 10 hour Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Preschoolers and proof of successful completion of the 45 hours Florida Child Care Facility training within 12 months of hire date.

Skills

• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices for early childhood.
• Knowledge of behavior modification theories and practices.
• Knowledge of current educational techniques and practices.
• Skill in making presentations to groups.
• Skill in verbal communication with children and conflict resolution.
• Ability to assist in planning, organizing, and conducting childhood education programs.
• Ability to assume a seated position on the floor, or a bent or kneeled position for extended periods.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to prepare and maintain work-related reports and files.
• Ability to handle confidential information.
• Ability to follow established procedures.
• Ability to administer CPR and First Aid.
• Ability to implement safety procedures.
• Ability to work effectively with others.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to the service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs.