Assistant Preschool Teacher- Lynden

Overview

Position Purpose
Position is responsible for assisting the Lead Preschool Teacher in preparing and executing daily activities and lesson plans for children. Incorporate a child’s home/language/culture functionally in activities of the center. Provides opportunities and encouragement throughout the program for children to acquire and enlarge their vocabulary and provides a good language model by speaking clearly and distinctly on a level that children understand and respect.

The following examples of duties and accountabilities illustrate the general range of tasks assigned to the position but are not intended to define the limits of required duties. Other essential duties may be assigned consistent with the general scope of the position.

• Assist Lead Preschool Teacher in implementing appropriate curriculum planning for the Preschool classroom, modeling appropriate instructional techniques. Reinforce positive communication, respect, and interaction between children and adults. Assist with formulating lesson plans for classroom activities and Home Learning Tasks. Contribute to the evaluation of progress of children in the classroom.
• Support the analysis of child and classroom outcome reports to evaluate progress and implement school readiness goals.
• Assist in the completion of all appropriate documentation (e.g., Daily Assessment form, Meal Guide, Health Checks, Home Visits, and Parent/Teacher Conferences) within set timelines. Assist in daily completion of USDA Meal count and the safe release of children.
• Provide a safe and healthy learning environment for children. Follow all state and federal regulations regarding instructional practices, fire, health, and safety standards; include proper sanitization.
• Enhance physical and intellectual competence in children by promoting physical, cognitive, language, and creative skills, including children who require special services, while mentoring and supporting classroom staff through participation in scheduled meetings.
• Communicate with and actively involve parents in all aspects of center activities (Home Visits, Parent Teacher Conferences, Open House, Make-n-Take, Brainstorming sessions).
• Follow established program curriculums, procedures, documentation, and service plans. Coordinate with the Lead Preschool Teacher, School Readiness Liaison, Early Learning Mentor Coaches, and program support ECE Specialists. Perform administrative duties as assigned.
• Actively participate in age-appropriate interactions and classroom activities (free play, mealtime, floor time, classroom activities). May include bathing or diaper changes for special needs children.
• Administer educational screenings, identify, and refer children with potential high risk of health, disability, or behavioral concerns.
• Maintain confidential information, including personnel records, health records, and participant personal and income information.
• Review and understand all center policies and procedures regarding safe receipt and release of children, ensuring compliance with established protocols.
• Show interest in professional growth by enrolling in ECE classes, attending staff meetings, workshops, trainings and seminars.
• Contribute to in-kind funds through requests for goods/services, and encourage professional, community members, and parents to volunteer.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Current Preschool Child Development Associate Certificate (CDA) or equivalent Preschool certificate; or AA/BA Degree in ECE or an AA/BA Degree with 30 ECE-related college credits, with experience in teaching infant/toddler and/or Preschool children. High School Diploma or GED and must obtain AA in ECE or related field, Initial CDA.
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of child development theories and practices.
• Experience working in a federally funded and regulated environment.
• Experience in policy and procedure processes.
• Experience in planning and facilitating groups.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Experience in classroom risk management.
• Understanding of the interrelationships between services and systems.
• Ability to learn new tasks quickly and efficiently; ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to gather and analyze data for reports; strong customer service focus.
• Ability to work with culturally diverse populations.
• Knowledge of personal computers, including Microsoft Office; accurate data, documentation and recordkeeping skills.

These skills and abilities are typically acquired through a combination of education, training and experience, including at least six (6) months of experience in a childcare setting. The combination of education and experience will provide the competence and skills to perform the work of the position. Candidates who do not meet the minimum education requirement must meet this requirement within two (2) years of hire in role.

• Previous Head Start…