Preschool Teacher Assistant

Workweek

20 - 25 Hours | Hours may vary each semester dependent upon enrollment and ages of the children. Flexible schedule to meet department needs. Hours will be Monday through Thursday between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and Fridays between 7:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

9 Months | Mid-August through Mid-May, excluding semester breaks, holidays, 4-week intersession and/or 9-week summer session. Vacation days are to be taken during the semester.

Position Summary

Responsible for teaching/supervising in all preschool curricular areas and providing for the needs of the children while in the care of the MCC Children's Learning Center.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

* Attend and participate constructively at staff meetings

* Implement teaching methods consistent with the Center's curriculum model and the methods taught in the Early Childhood Education Program

* Assist in maintaining DCFS licensing standards and the national accreditation guidelines

* Report child abuse as mandated by law

* Resolve conflicts with children and with parents, when appropriate

* Decide upon and use behavioral techniques appropriate for educational needs of children

* Promote and supervise activities for children which encourage healthy emotional, social cognitive and physical development

* Be responsive to children

* Interact, when appropriate, in children's activities

* Maintain a clean and orderly environment

* Communicate with parents in a positive manner

* Set up and clean up in the classroom as necessary

* Serve as a professional role model for ECE students and the childcare community at large

* Must maintain and document 15 clock hours of professional activities each year to meet DCFS standards

* Use computers (in the office and classroom), laminator, copy machine, and audiovisual equipment

* Additional duties as assigned by immediate supervisor

Required Qualifications

60 college credits with 6 of those credits in courses directly related to early childhood education or child development from birth to age 8. Experience in a licensed preschool, child care facility

OR

30 college credits with 6 of those credits in courses directly related to early childhood education or child development from birth to age 8, and one year (1560 clock hours) of experience in a licensed preschool child care center or kindergarten

Skills and Specifications:

* Ability to demonstrate interactive skills with children consistent with CLC policies

* Ability to work independently as well as in a team setting

* Knowledge of DCFS licensing standards and NAEYC accreditation guidelines

* Written and oral communication skills required

* Self-directed and flexible

* Ability to work under pressure

* Strong interpersonal skills required

* Good organization skills

* Ability to see what needs to be done and do it

* Ability to safely lift 50 pounds unassisted

* Position subject to successful background check and fingerprinting as required by law

License Certificate:

* First Aid and CPR

* Must maintain and document 15 clock hours of professional activities each year to meet DCFS standards

This position is subject to successful background check and fingerprinting as required by law; and blood borne pathogen legislation.