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.
