Teacher Assistant

**Core Competencies**

• Supports and speaks in positive terms about Blueprints mission and others in the organization.
• Takes initiative to do more than is required or expected in the job.
• Demonstrates genuine enthusiasm for learning new skills and assuming new/changing roles.
• Takes full accountability for meeting commitments and achieving expected results.
• Accepts challenges and uses creative approaches to assess and solve problems.

**Effective Practices**

• Demonstrates respect for others by sharing information objectively and non-judgmentally and adjusting verbal and written communication strategies for different audiences, guarding against abuse of power and sexual misconduct and using appropriate language.
• Confidentiality Statement: Upon accepting employment with Blueprints you will not disclose or use any Blueprints confidential information, either during or after your employment.
• Effectively communicates with others by using available technologies (e.g. fax, voice-mail, computers - see attached chart). Ensures that own communication is easily understood by speaking and writing clearly and using standard grammar and spelling.
• Makes prudent use of resources by monitoring consumption, minimizing waste, and offering suggestions for improving agency efficiency (e.g. travel expenses, office supplies).
• Effectively carries out job responsibilities by familiarizing self with pertinent program plans and policies, and overall agency goals and working cooperatively as part of a program team.
• Provides a culturally competent and flexible approach when working with those from various cultures by acknowledging, accepting and accommodating differences.

**Essential Functions**

• Regular and reliable attendance is essential.
• Link current research on and best practice in education, family, health and/or disabilities services to own work by keeping abreast of new information and reflecting on its relevance.
• Further professional growth by seeking feedback, reflecting on and assessing own practice, and taking advantage of opportunities to improve skills and knowledge.
• Participate in required meetings and training opportunities which may involve out-of-town travel.
• Exhibit an understanding of early learning standards and guidelines by incorporating them into own teaching practice.
• Responsible for supervision of children and classroom management.
• Monitor children's progress per the goals developed by self and other staff and specialists, including those in IEPs, by observing and documenting children's play, conversations, routines/schedules, and work samples and through conversations with families.
• Assist in setting learning goals and planning learning experiences by integrating knowledge of each child's temperament, interests, gender, culture, language, learning approaches, understanding, misconceptions, and abilities and by working collaboratively with families and a range of specialists (e.g., medical, dental, speech, nutrition, mental health).
• Assist in using information about children obtained through home visits, parent-teacher conferences, and other parent-staff interactions by incorporating this data into daily routines and interactions with children.
• Assist in supporting children's overall development by integrating learning experiences related to all domains throughout the curriculum, environment, and day, and by accessing opportunities in the community (e.g., field trips, classroom volunteers).
• Assist in promoting children's active exploration, creativity, and development in all domains by designing indoor and outdoor environments based on knowledge of how children develop and learn, and their individual abilities.
• Promote a unified approach to sharing child information with families by engaging in joint planning with other center staff and specialists to prepare for home visits and other family contacts.
• Ensure vol nteers and parents are knowledgeable of the curriculum and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Responsible for obtaining and reporting Non-Federal In-Kind.

**Computer Skills Needed**

• Computer Intermediate
• Internet Basic
• Email Basic
• Word Intermediate
• Excel NA
• PowerPoint NA

**Skills, Abilities and Experience**

• One year of experience working with children 0-5 years old in a professional capacity preferred or one year of volunteer service in a Head Start or Early Head Start classroom (minimum of 150 hours).
• Experience related to the program model of service delivery preferred.
• Operate agency vehicle when required.

**Educational Requirements**

• A high school diploma or equivalent required. Associate Degree in Early Childhood or related field, CDA preferred.
• Prefer one (1) year of experience working with children 0-5 years old in a professional capacity and/or one (1) year of volunteer service in a Head Start or Early Head Start classroom.
• Position will require by September 30, 2013: (a) at least a child development associate credential; (b) enrolled, and remain enrolled in a program leading to an associate or baccalaureate degree; or (c) enrolled, and remain enrolled in a child development associate credential program to be completed within 2 years.**