Early Childhood Learning Center Teacher Assistant

Job Title

This position will assist and be responsible for the overall supervision and management of a group of up to 16 children between the ages of zero and six.

Teaching:
Curriculum and Assessment:

• Assist in the supervision and implementation of a developmentally appropriate program of children in accordance with the policies and philosophy of the center.
• Assist in the planning and preparation of the learning environment, setting up centers, and preparing needed materials and supplies.
• Assist in meeting the needs of individual children with concerns for their interests, disabilities, special talents, and individual style and pace of learning.
• Consider individual children in relation to their gender, cultural and socio-economic background.
• Treat children with dignity and respect.
• Help children to become aware of their roles as integral members of a group.
• Knowledgeable in good teaching practices and of child growth and development.
• Maintain a safe, sanitary, and pleasant learning environment.
• Assist in joint housekeeping responsibilities.
• Supervise the classroom when the teacher is not available.
• Assist in the ongoing evaluation of the developmental levels of the children and the effectiveness of the center.
• Assist the teachers in any other appropriate ways.

Supervisory:

• Responsible for the children in their care during the absence of the lead teacher; breaks, planning, days off, and after the teachers' work day.
• Responsible for work study students, student teachers, and lab students when teacher and director are not available.

Partnerships:

• Communicate regularly with the director and the lead teacher
• Share information with parents at pick-up
• Maintain positive relationships with children, co –workers, students and parents.
• Assist in public relations events sponsored by the center.

Center Operations:

• Adhere to professional standards through professional development. Comply with extensive NAEYC criteria.

Health & Safety:

• Be in good health as confirmed by a physician's statement
• Provide proof of being tuberculosis free
• Current certification in CPR and First Aid
• Demonstrate knowledge and follow universal guidelines in health and safety protocol for example: hand washing, latex gloves comply with American Pediatric diaper changing procedures, appropriate disposal of body fluids, completing injury/biting reports, knowledge and consideration of children's allergies and health issues daily.
• Recognize symptoms of communicable diseases and follow existing written procedures.
• Responsible for checking identification of adults picking up children from the center.
• Authorize a Central Registry screening background check and Fingerprinting for any record of allegations of child abuse, neglect or other concerning information
• Knowledge of emergency procedures and the ability to make sure all children and staff are cared for in the event of an emergency.

Other

Essential Responsibilities:

• Other requirements as related by the licensing agency, including, but not limited to: obtaining required professional development education yearly.
• Maintain assigned working hours; notify the Director in the event of an absence.
• Maintenance of a neat and professional appearance.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Experience in early childhood education
• At least 18 years of age
• Sensitive and mature
• Relate well to both children and adults
• Be certified or ability to become certified in both CPR and First Aid
• Be willing to fulfill responsibilities in accordance with the Early Childhood Learning Center's Philosophy
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Ability to effectively organize and prioritize assigned work
• Must agree to background check that reveals no allegations of child abuse or neglect; consent to fingerprinting
• Proof of being tuberculosis free
• Demonstrated knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices, nutrition, and health
• Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to follow universal guidelines in health and safety protocol. For example: hand washing and sanitizer, latex gloves, appropriate disposal of body fluids, administering and recording medication, filing injury reports, posting…