Assistant Teacher - Therapeutic Preschool

We are looking for an Assistant Teacher for our therapeutic preschool providing services to children with disabilities. You will have a great team of teachers and administrative staff to work with and a wonderful group of children that will tug at your heart.

The assistant to the classroom teacher serves as supportive personnel, providing services as directed by the lead teacher/therapists. The position encompasses a range of work, from assisting with instruction to assisting with food service. The classroom assistant position is a critical one that allows for the efficient operation of the classroom and therapy sessions. The position encompasses a range of work, from assisting with instruction to assisting with food service and classroom/recess areas cleanliness and organization.

Other duties as assigned.

Primary Tasks & Duties

Classroom Activities

• Prepare the classroom for daily instruction.
• Provide a positive, pleasant learning environment for all children that are engaging and meets their individual needs. Work w/ children during meals/snacks, in learning and during circle time, implement behavior management plans as needed. Engage with children in activities while in the classroom. Assist with field trips, swimming, and other activities/programs. Provide assistance w/ loading/unloading of buses and bringing children to/from class and the waiting area.
• Responsible for ensuring the classroom and classroom equipment (toys, tables/chairs, etc) are clean, in good repair, and safe. At the end of the day: clean/sanitize and put away equipment/toys, wipe all tables chairs, pads, positioning equipment. etc: clean kitchen area and put equipment in proper place; tidy playground area. Generally, assist w/ maintaining the common areas as well as storage areas adjacent to classrooms.
• Uses C.A.S.E. / Name to Face Recognition
• Uses Conscious Discipline
• Attend to the toileting needs of all the children in the classroom where assigned. This includes, but is not limited to: supervise children using the toilet or sink; keep potty chairs empty and clean; assist in toilet training programs; take children to the bathroom on a schedule when necessary; keep changing area orderly; change diapers of those children who are not toilet trained.
• Ensure classroom activities and environment is consistent w/ childcare licensing regulations, accreditation standards and Head Start/Early Head Start standards.

Teamwork/Collaboration

• Willingly follows the direction of the lead teacher and therapists.
• Attend team meetings
• Assist with implementation of children’s individualized goals

Paperwork/Documentation/Reporting

• Assist with record keeping including attendance records, food record, and outcome data.
• Report observations regarding illness, injury, hygiene, clothing needs.
• Notify teachers/therapists of material shortages
• Report broken toys, equipment or any safety concerns.

General Activities

• Assist children with their lunch and with food service.
• Assist with supervision of children over staff lunch period.
• Assist with playground/recess supervision.
• Assist in loading and unloading the bus.
• Assume duties of absent staff as needed
• As assigned maintain a shared supply area, classroom dishes for meals, classroom laundry and other common functions as assigned.
• Attend staff meetings and serve on staff committees.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical/Environmental/Other

• Ability to work in a variety of home and community settings including the ability to ascend/descent stairs
• Ability to work comfortably in a variety of positions including seated on the floor.
• Ability to lift at least 30 pounds with weight ranging up to 60 or more pounds based upon children enrolled in services.

Education

• Child Development Associates (CDA) degree preferred.
• CDA certification must be obtained within 24 months of hire and maintain annual certification.
• High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Experience

• Two years of working with young children required. Two years of working with young children with disabilities preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Licensure/Certification

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively through written and spoken language.
• Ability to work collaboratively with team…