This is paraprofessional child care and development work in the Head Start Program for the Community Action Agency.

Employees in this class are responsible for assisting teachers in the care and development of children enrolled in an early childhood education center. Duties include supervising classrooom volunteers, providing child development training, assisting in the implementation of a cognitively oriented curriculum, assisting in the preparation of lesson plans, performing home visits, and daily evaluation and supervision of children. Incumbents utilize advanced skills in child and infant care and development in the performance of assigned duties. Supervision is received from a professional superior who reviews work for effective assistance in the care and development of children enrolled in the program.

ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS

Supervises classroom volunteers and training for program volunteers.

Assists new teachers by providing training on classroom schedules and status of children's educational plan and developmental activities.

Administers screening tests and oral language proficiency surveys.

Supervises classroom in the absence of the teacher.

Assists in the implementation of a cognitively oriented curriculum.

Assists a teacher in interacting with children in the classroom to aid in the educational, social and emotional development of children.

Assists a teacher in preparing lesson plans and leading activities which are in accordance with the curriculum.

Assists a teacher in daily evaluations of activities of children in cognitive skill areas and in social and emotional development.

Assists in arranging classrooms and in equipping areas with manipulative materials.

Supervises and assists children in feeding, health care and rest activities.

Supervises meal-time clean up activities.

Interacts and supervises children in outdoor play and games.

Participates with teachers in home visits to encourage parent participation in the program and familiarize them with the needs of children and learning activities which can be conducted in the home.

Makes recommendations for classroom improvements.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGES, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS

Considerable knowledge of established child care practices and procedures.

Knowledge of techniques in planning and evaluating developmental activities of young children.

Knowledge of the conduct and behavior of preschool children.

Knowledge of the program curriculum and learning activities at a Head Start center.

Knowledge of techniques of appropriate stimulation for the development of preschool children.

Some knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.

Ability to provide assistance to a teacher in the care and development of children enrolled in the Head Start Program.

Ability to interact with preschool children in the classroom and in outdoor activities.

Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.

Ability to remain alert and observant at all times to ensure the safety of children.

Ability to work harmoniously with other Head Start Program staff members.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

High school. Two years of experience assisting a teacher in a child care program are required. Must possess or obtain an HRS Child Care Certificate within the first six months following the appointment. Completion of 30 semester credits in Elementary Education or Early Childhood Education may substitute for one year of the required experience.

NEW 10-94