Teacher Assistant - Classroom Support (Floater)

Description

Position Summary

The Teacher Assistant-Classroom Support (Floater) provides classroom support to ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality early childhood services across Early Head Start classrooms. This position works collaboratively with teaching staff to support daily classroom operations, assist with the implementation of developmentally appropriate learning experiences, and ensure the health, safety and active supervision of enrolled children.  

The Teacher Assistant provides flexible coverage across classrooms to support staff breaks, maintain student to teacher ratios and assist with transitions individualized learning needs while ensuring compliance with the requirements of the Office of Head Start and the Head Start Program Performance Standards. 

This role contributes to maintaining a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment that supports children’s cognitive, language, physical, and social-emotional development. 

This role requires a flexible, dependable, and team-oriented individual who takes initiative, demonstrates accountability, and is genuinely committed to supporting children, families and classroom staff. 

Key Responsibilities:

Classroom Support:

• Provide classroom assistance across multiple classrooms as assigned by the Center Manager. 
• Support teaching staff in implementing curriculum and daily routines aligned with program school-readiness goals. 
• Assist with small group instruction, play-based learning activities, and individualized support for children. 
• Provide additional classroom support during high-need periods such as transitions, meals, outdoor play, and rest time.  

Active Supervision and Safety

• Always maintain active supervision of children following program safety procedures.  
• Support classroom staff in ensuring environments meet health and safety standards. 
• Assist with monitoring indoor and outdoor learning environments. 

Learning Environment Support

• Assist with preparing learning materials and classroom centers. 
• Support teachers in maintaining organized and engaging classroom environments. 
• Assist with set-up and clean learning areas, equipment, and materials. 

Child Development Support

• Support teachers in implementing developmentally appropriate activities and routines. 
• Assist with classroom transitions, routines, and daily care of children. 
• Engage actively with children through play.  
• Maintain responsive interactions to support learning and development. 
• Support the implementation of individualized strategies to meet the diverse developmental needs of children. 

Program Operations Support

• Provide coverage during teacher breaks, meetings, or staff absences as directed by the Center Manager. 
• Assist classrooms in maintaining student-to-teacher ratios during transitions and activities. 
• Support overall Center operations to ensure smooth daily program implementation. 
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff in accordance with program policies and regulations. 
• Demonstrate flexibility in assignments, including supporting different classrooms and program needs within the center. 
• Meet the physical demands of the role, including lifting, carrying, and actively engaging with young children throughout the day. 
• Support program operations during Summer or alternate schedules including potential changes in classroom assignment or daily routines. 

Family Engagement

• Support positive and respectful and culturally responsive interactions with families. 
• Assist with family engagement activities, events and promote a welcoming and inclusive environment for all families. 
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality when interacting with families. 

Compliance 

• Follow all program policies, procedures, and licensing requirements. 
• Participate in required professional development and staff meetings. 
• Support compliance with standards established by the Office of Head Start. 
• Adhere to all active supervision, health, and safety requirements at all times. 
• Complete required documentation and reporting accurately and in a timely manner as directed. 

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in Infant/Toddler care OR enrollment in a Child Development Associate (CDA) program to be completed within two (2) years of hire (per Head Start Performance Standards and Office of Head Start). 
• Minimum of 6 semester units in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or Child Development (CD), including coursework in child growth and development and curriculum required (per California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division). 
• Infant/Toddler units preferred; experience with ages 0-3 preferred.