Teacher's Assistant

Purpose of the Position:

The UAH Early Learning Center blends best practices from early childhood education, child development, early childhood special education, and integrated therapy to give all children a firm foundation for their future. The learning environment is designed to promote and allow for multidimensional growth: socially, cognitively, physically, and emotionally. The selected candidate will be working within the RISE School, which strives to provide a curriculum that fosters self-confidence, self-esteem, independence, and curiosity within an inclusive environment that brings together traditional learners and learners with exceptional needs.

The Teacher's Assistant will provide support for the lead teacher in providing intentional and purposeful interactions with all children, implementation of classroom instruction, and introduction of developmentally appropriate activities in a child-centered, inclusive classroom.

Duties / Responsibilities

Physical Duties:

* Supervise and ensure the safety and well-being of children at all times, being alert for the needs and/or problems of the children as individuals and as a group. This will involve walking, running, twisting, reaching, and pulling/pushing to respond to the needs of the children and the classroom. This will involve listening to and watching the children to maintain a safe environment.

Individual will be required to routinely lift up to 50 pounds in caring for the children, depending upon the classroom assigned.

* Interact with the children during learning/free-choice time and gross motor time to facilitate children's play. This will involve squatting, crouching, stooping, bending, crawling, etc. to interact with the children.

* Adhere to all safety and sanitation requirements set forth in the Minimum Standards for Licensed Child-Care Centers; ensure that children are supervised and dressed appropriately. Adhere to guidelines for Accreditation by NAEYC. Be familiar with and follow all UAH & Rise Program Policies, CACFP/USDA, DHR, and NAEYC program criteria, and ADPH guidelines.

* Daily duties will include diaper changing, sterilizing/cleaning toys and equipment, assisting with children's snacks/lunches/feeding, vacuuming/sweeping, mopping, laundry, washing dishes/utensils, and other general cleaning duties involving repetitive motion.

Specialized Educational Duties:

* Assist with additional assessments of children as part of the assessment team, if needed for a student.

* Collaborate with the therapy team, if appropriate, on the development and implementation of IIPs.

* Facilitate integration of children with and without disabilities in the classroom.

* Assist with children's transition to the next classroom or educational setting.

* Utilize technology and adaptive equipment as appropriate.

* Assist with the training of college interns/volunteers.

* Attend conferences/workshops as required, staff planning, and evaluation meetings.

* Understand and use Alternative and Assistive Communication devices for individual children with the support of the Speech Therapist. Understand and use visual supports in the classroom.

Instructional Duties:

* Assist the lead teacher in your classroom in ensuring an appropriate classroom environment and in carrying out lesson plans. The lead and teacher's assistant will share instructional responsibilities, child supervision, and other classroom duties.

* Maintain communication with families via telephone calls, email, daily notes, newsletters, and Brightwheel, and conduct parent conferences at designated times throughout the year.

* Help to document each child's performance and progress with daily data records and yearly updated assessments, or earlier if necessary.

* Handle behavior promptly and in accordance with the stated school policy on behavior management. Notify the Director of any behavioral problems immediately.

* Interact frequently with children; encourage the use of language and independent functioning using positive reinforcement.

* Promote "family style" meals.

Performance Expectations:

* Follow policies & procedures of the UAH Early Learning Center.

* Treat parents with respect; direct parent concerns to the director and lead teacher; make parents feel welcome.

* Treat colleagues with respect; willingly communicate with team members, display a positive attitude; maintain confidentiality; keep the director and the lead teacher informed of special needs or problems of children or parents.

* Attend and assist with after-school special events & fundraisers for the UAH Early Learning Center.

* Perform routine duties and responsibilities on time; take initiative in recognizing what needs to be done and do it.

* Arrive on time for work, maintain good attendance; request leave following set policies and within the required amount of time (unless in an emergency situation).

* Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

* High school education or equivalent.

* Must be certified as a Child Development Associate or have 12…