Assistant Teacher- Pre-K Counts

Position Summary

The Pre-K Counts Assistant Teacher functions as an integral part of the teaching team, assisting with the planning and implementation of a developmentally appropriate daily program of activities that promote each child’s affective, cognitive, physical, perceptual‑motor, communicative, and social competence. Work is performed under the close supervision of the Lead Teacher and involves sharing the responsibilities pertinent to ensuring the safe and healthful care and management of enrolled children.

Involvement includes maintaining contact and open communication with parents, program staff, and community resources.

• Possession of an active Child Development Associate (CDA) or an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education and two (2) years of work experience related to the care and development of children.
• Ability to obtain compliance with Act 33, including documentation of Child Abuse History (Form CY‑113), Criminal History (Form SP4‑164), FBI fingerprinting, National Sex Offender Registry Verification (NSOR‑V), and Mandated Reporter training.
• Biannual physical examination and initial TB (Mantoux) test, and freedom from any infectious or communicable disease.
• Ability to work with and relate well to young children and coworkers.
• Ability to supervise adults when necessary.
• Successfully complete the New Staff Orientation.
• At least 18 years of age.
• CPR, First Aid, AED certifications and Child Abuse mandated reporter training within 30 days of hire date.
• Ability to plan, organize, and implement age‑appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities.
• Previous experience with diverse populations and the ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.

The Pre‑K Counts Assistant Teacher does not directly supervise other staff. However, all department staff are responsible for each other’s safety and well‑being.

• Assists in establishing and maintaining a safe and healthful learning environment.
• Assists in maintaining an efficient, well‑arranged classroom including interest areas that provide direction and a sense of organization.
• Keeps equipment and materials in good repair and stored in a safe, orderly fashion.
• Cleans and sanitizes toys and cots weekly and as needed.
• Assists in providing materials and activities appropriate for the children’s developmental progress and individual learning styles.
• Assists in planning for a multi‑sensory classroom environment (visual, auditory, tactile, etc).
• Assists in supporting children’s social‑emotional development and providing positive guidance.
• Assists in providing children with opportunities for success through individual, small group, and large group activities, including free play.
• Involves children in all phases of self‑help training (dressing, toileting, handwashing, eating, etc).
• Utilizes appropriate group management techniques.
• Eats with children, modeling proper table manners and sharing the same menu.
• Encourages daily health routines with children, including tooth brushing and hand washing.
• Provides adequate supervision, ensuring the safety of active children.
• Maintains emergency information and initiates emergency action when necessary.
• Assists in curriculum planning that includes multicultural and multi‑ethnic materials, displays, and activities.
• Assists in providing educational opportunities through individualized hands‑on food experiences that integrate curriculum areas into nutrition (reading readiness, science, math, language, etc).
• Provides guidance in nutritional experiences, including family‑style meals (self‑service, passing, pouring, table setting, table cleaning, etc).