Assistant Teacher

Position Summary

The Assistant Teacher is responsible for assisting the Teacher in implementing the classroom program for preschool children.

• Become familiar with the Agency's child development philosophy, performance standards, plans, and policies.
• Work under the guidance and direction of the Teacher to support growth in child development and classroom skills.
• Assist the Teacher in planning and implementing a daily age‑appropriate program that meets the needs of groups of children as well as individuals, ensuring their health, safety, and education. Refer to the Agency's research‑based curriculum and other adopted models that support curriculum implementation and the Teaching Strategies Gold Assessment System. Assist with strategies that align with CLASS recommendations, as applicable.
• Support the nutrition philosophy and health policies of the Agency, as outlined in the Guidelines for Feeding Children and Health Policies and Procedures.
• Help plan and implement a daily program that fosters the emotional, social, physical, language, and cognitive development of each child.
• Promote and model good health habits (hand washing, tooth brushing) and incorporate health‑ and safety‑education into the classroom.
• Ensure the safety of children at all times; never leave a child unattended or unsupervised.
• Recognize and report signs of illness and other concerns to the supervisor.
• Share observations and assist in providing documentation and record‑keeping on children as requested by the Teacher.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and developmentally appropriate environment for children.
• Assist the Teacher in orienting families and other volunteers, encourage family participation and visitation in the classroom, attend family meetings as requested, and/or provide child care as needed.
• Engage in ongoing staff development to support continued growth in personal and professional skills.
• Assume classroom responsibility in the absence of the Teacher, as assigned.
• Participate in staff or related meetings as requested.
• Work cooperatively as a team member, assisting where needed in the center.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

• Join the Maine Roads to Quality Registry, as applicable.
• Possess or apply for an Education Technician Certification from the Maine Department of Education within 30 days of employment, as applicable.
• Attend meetings, staff pre‑ and in‑service trainings, and other trainings, as required.
• For Assistant Teachers working in infant/toddler programs: complete Infant/Toddler Development training, safety issues (e.g., SIDS), methods for communicating effectively with infants and toddlers, parents and staff, and participate in Maine Roads to Quality Core Knowledge trainings if a CDA credential has not been obtained.
• Participate in State of Maine Early Childhood Learning Guidelines and Supporting Maine's Infants/Toddlers:
  Guidelines for Learning and Development training, as applicable.
• Maintain reliable and professional conduct, including effective teamwork, communication, and adherence to the Agency's Operation Plan and Code of Conduct.
• Maintain accurate, organized paperwork as defined by policy and procedure.

• Promote and commit to the philosophy and mission of SKCDC.
• Adhere to attendance requirements.
• Work in harmonious relationships with all employees, applicants, co‑workers, management, clients, community partners and visitors.
• Maintain confidentiality and protect the Agency by keeping information concerning clients, employees and the Agency itself confidential.
• Demonstrate client‑centered focus and provide excellent service to recipients of SKCDC services.
• Exhibit high ethical and moral standards and professional behavior.
• Effectively establish and improve working relationships through teamwork.
• Show initiative and creativity in identifying new and efficient methods or improvements aligned with SKCDC philosophy.
• Use technology effectively, as appropriate to the position.
• Comply with human resource laws, policies, procedures, and practices.

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must…