Assistant Teacher - Taftville Little Learners

Overview

The Assistant Teacher assists in planning and implementing age-appropriate curriculum and encourages self-esteem and independence, supporting the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of each child. They integrate health, safety, and nutrition education, maintain a clean and orderly classroom, and support program operations in the absence of the Head Teacher.

• Take on responsibilities of the program operations in the absence of the Head Teacher.
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of child development principles through daily interaction with children.
• Interact with children for up to 8 hours, moving and reacting quickly to lift and/or carry a child, sitting on the floor or using child-size furniture, and participating in field trips and playground activities.
• Work as scheduled, ensuring daily attendance and punctuality.
• Work flexible hours and be available for coverage at other centers if necessary.
• Handle crisis and emergencies in a professional manner.
• Exercise confidentiality.
• Follow directions.
• Prioritize tasks, work with minimal supervision, and act as a positive, contributing member of the team.
• Provide documentation of ongoing career development as required by licensing, school readiness, and accreditation.
• Assist with implementation of state licensing codes, funding requirements, federal, state, and local laws and regulations, and understand the use of the CLASS tool.
• Complete formal (TS Gold) and informal child observations and developmental assessments.
• Communicate with the center team and families, in conjunction with supervisors, regarding children’s progress or updates.
• Ensure children understand safety rules and regulations.
• Maintain a stimulating and safe classroom environment and playground areas.
• Ensure children develop sound health and nutritional habits through modeling in daily routines and curriculum.
• Assist in planning, carrying out, and evaluating all center activities under the supervision of the Head Teacher.
• Adhere to TVCCA policies and procedures.
• Communicate effectively.
• Supervise effectively.
• Make decisions, organize, and problem-solve.
• Work under pressure and respond to stressful situations with positive, mature judgment.
• Motivate staff and parents.
• Perform several functions concurrently in a deadline-driven environment.
• Assist in developing and implementing lesson plans.
• Behave professionally at all times, including workshops, formal courses, and training programs, and actively participate in these programs.
• Apply information from workshops, training, and formal education.
• Keep classroom ordered and equipment and supplies in good condition.
• Read, write, and perform basic math skills.
• Maintain a positive attitude and build good working relationships with staff and coworkers.
• For collaborative classrooms (HS and LL), assist the Head Teacher in maintaining CLASS scores at or above the Head Start national averages.
• Have necessary computer skills to input information into a database system, prepare newsletters, input observations, prepare family conference forms, and complete lesson plans.
• Assume classroom responsibilities when the Head Teacher is absent.
• Take on additional tasks as required to maintain program and agency operations.
• Adhere to the agency and program dress code, remaining neat, clean, and well-groomed.
• Take initiative, be motivated, and work as a team member.
• Have a strong commitment to a quality Early Education program.
• Possess the personal qualities to work with children and to relate to parents, staff, and the community in which the children live.
• Work 35-37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year.

• Bachelor's Degree in ECE or related field with 12 credits in Early Childhood Education.
• Associate's Degree in ECE or related field with 12 credits in Early Childhood Education.
• 12 credits in ECE and a valid CDA, or submit a valid CDA within six months of hire date, obtain within one year of hire date, or acquire an Associate's Degree in ECE within one year (exceptions may be considered by program director on a case-by-case basis).
• Enrolled in a degree or CDA program.
• Have access to reliable, insured transportation.
• Hold or obtain and maintain CT child care…