Teaching Assistant

Job Purpose

Assist teacher in executing learning activities of children according to the general guidelines of developmentally appropriate practice.

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds
• Must be capable of bending, crouching or kneeling to children's level
• Must be able to reach at and above shoulder height
• Must be capable of frequent changes of positions throughout the work shift
• Must have a high school diploma or general education degree
• Must have appropriate patience and demeanor to work with multiple children in one setting

• Be familiar with centerwide policies and procedures
• Assist in teacher lead activities. Teachers are responsible for creating and implementing activities. Assistants are responsible for assisting in these activities as directed by teacher
• Work cooperatively with teacher to develop developmentally appropriate activities for assigned children
• Participate in staff development activities and staff meetings as required by the Director
• Assist children with feeding, toileting and personal care as directed by teacher
• Assist with meal and snack preparation and clean up after meals as directed by teacher
• Assist with required paperwork as directed by teacher and procare
• Supervise children's activities, including participating in group activities, enforcing safety practices, and intervening in a positive manner when children are likely to injure themselves or others
• Assist children individually who are experiencing difficulty with the provided activity
• Prepare supplies and the classroom to encourage positive educational experiences as directed by teacher
• Maintain an orderly and sanitized environment for children as directed by teacher
• Identify and remove potential hazards in the classroom and playground environment
• Encourage children to participate in teacher created activities and foster independence in activities children are completing
• Complete additional responsibilities as directed by teacher, Director, and/or Assistant Director
• Communicate with your Lead/Co-Lead
• Learn basic procare
• Help with portfolios as needed
• Attend parent meetings
• Facilitate parental development of a developmental approach to early childhood education and offer advice on dealing with specific issues when asked
• Track progress for each child through directed means

• Maintain professional qualifications/certificates
• Maintain accurate records of children in your care (meals, attendance, etc.)
• Fill out incident reports and accident reports on children immediately so parents are aware of the incident. Inform the Director of incidents as well.
• Submit lesson plans to the Director in a timely manner.
• Notify the Director in a timely manner regarding need for supplies and other classroom provisions.

• Review and model rules for all children in the classroom environment, gym and playground.
• Orient and supervise aides, assistants and volunteers regarding the classroom and playground materials, equipment and rules.
• Create and maintain environments that provide choices and variety that are appropriate to children's developmental potential.
• Create displays of children's art and work that is relevant to activities being done in the classroom. Keep the classroom decorations appropriate to the season and follow a non-biased curriculum approach.
• Provide for care and proper use of furniture, equipment and materials
• Keep the classroom clean and orderly, working with children as they learn appropriate behaviors.
• Ensure all bulletin boards are up to date and frequently changed
• Conserve materials when possible
• Report and remove potential hazards
• Ensure that all materials are put away before leaving for the day
• Create and maintain a nurturing and positive environment to promote children's self-esteem
• Treat children with the same respect you expect to receive.
• This list is not all inclusive and may be modified by the Director at any time.

• $12-$14/hour, based on experience