Teacher Assistant

Stepping Stones Early Childhood Learning Center
Chicago, IL 60619, USA

Basic Function/Position Overview
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A teacher assistant works under a lead teacher to supervise students, prepare materials, and support daily classroom instruction.

Reporting Relationship
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Reports To
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Lead Teacher/ Site Director

• Teamwork Is an effective team player who adds complementary skills and contributes valuable ideas, opinions and feedback. Communicates in an open and candid manner and can be counted upon to fulfill any commitments made to others on the team. This is distinctly different from those who withhold ideas and opinions, offer ideas or opinions that rarely add value to team discussions, have established a track record with many unmet commitments, and/or have not contributed skills that complement the skills of others on the team.
• Innovation Looks out for new and innovative approaches that will improve efficiency. Embraces and champions new ideas and encourages others to do likewise. Recognizes and rewards people and teams who are creative and innovative. This is in sharp contrast to those who tend to embrace the status quo, struggle with new approaches and discourage others when they are creative and innovative in the pursuit of increased efficiency or effectiveness.
• Excellence Has established a track record of producing work that is highly accurate, demonstrates attention to detail and reflects well on the organization. Is personally committed to high quality work and encourages others to have similar standards. This differs from those who cannot be relied upon to produce high quality work, pay little attention to detail, show little pride in a job well done and/or set a poor example for co-workers or direct reports
• Adaptable Adjust to new conditions, changes, challenges, and experiences.

A person who is adaptable:

• is open-minded and self-aware: recognizes, appreciates and is open to different ideas and approaches;
• believes, embraces, and actively participates in change processes;
• is flexible and seeks to identify multiple ways to solve problems; and
• Effective Communicator Is understood by others (both verbally and in writing) and understands the ideas and perspectives of others.

A person who is an effective communicator:

• delivers messages with clear, thoughtful, and concise information;
• actively listens by checking for understanding and is open to understanding others’ viewpoints;
• responds to questions and requests in a timely manner regardless of who they are coming from;
• accurately document interactions / meetings / action steps, commitments, etc.; and
• shows empathy and compassion for people and their circumstances.
• Uses a Growth Mindset:
  Embraces their potential to learn and grow and views successes and failures as development opportunities.

A person who uses a growth mindset:

• uses challenges, mistakes, and obstacles as opportunities for growth, and learn through effort;
• is honest, open-minded, and accountable to self and others about their own growth and learning needs;
• seeks out and utilizes feedback and other resources for learning and development; and
• is curious and open to new ideas and experiences.
• Has Integrity:
  Honesty, trustworthiness, ownership, accountability, and respect are hallmarks of integrity.

A person who has integrity:

• is honest and fair with others;
• follows through on promises;
• treats clients, coworkers, and others with dignity and respect;
• produces high quality work to benefit the organization, peers, colleagues, and those we serve (regardless of personal gain); and
• exhibits strong moral principles by doing the right thing.
• Collaborator:
  Cooperates and works well with peers, colleagues and team members by giving and receiving ideas, comments, and feedback with an open mind.

A person who is a collaborator:

• contributes ideas, resources, and information with others;
• demonstrates capacity to understand and relate to others’ feelings and circumstances without judgment;
• is willing to help out others and take accountability for their share of the work;
• works to resolves disputes or conflicts and compromise when it makes sense to do so; and
• displays a positive attitude and demeanor when engaging with others.

Requirements
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• Must have a 2-year degree in a related field with a minimum of six (6) hours in Early Childhood Education, CDA, or 12-hours of Early Childhood Education.
• Must be able to travel when needed for trainings.
• Must have at least ECE Level 3
• Experience successfully working with a culturally diverse staff and clients.

Working…