Early Learning Assistant

Overview

ELC Paraprofessional for John Paul II Early Learning Center, under the direction of the lead teacher and director. Provides a warm, nurturing, stimulating, safe, and loving environment where each child can develop cognitive, verbal, social, emotional, and physical skills.

• Assist with planning and implementing a culturally sensitive educational program that is developmentally appropriate for each child’s age and language.
• Assist in planning and implementing daily lesson plans based on the approved curriculum to promote cognitive, verbal, social, emotional and physical development of children.
• Assist in conducting ongoing assessment and individualization documentation in a timely manner.
• Assist in planning a balanced daily routine that encourages play, exploration and learning, including teacher-directed and child-directed activities inside and outside.
• Provide a developmentally appropriate, stimulating learning environment that includes adding new and interesting materials weekly, meeting the developmental levels of all children in the group, including children with special needs, over the course of their enrollment.
• Other duties, as assigned.
• Children’s Health and Developmental Services Responsibilities:
  Conducts daily health checks on each child; plans weekly activities that promote a healthy lifestyle; follows policies and procedures regarding medical and dental emergencies, short-term exclusion of children, and the administration, handling and storing of medication; ensures safe practices to prevent injuries; maintains sanitation and hygienic procedures and participates in center maintenance; eats with children and encourages proper eating habits and conversation;
  
  serves food to encourage development and socialization; follows infants’ individual feeding schedules and supports feeding for infants who cannot sit independently.
• Nutrition Responsibilities:
  Eats with children, serves food appropriately, and assists in kitchen duties as assigned.
• Family Partnerships Responsibilities:
  Attends parent meetings as assigned; informs parents concerning children’s progress formally and informally (notes, portfolios, conferences); assists in planning and implementing family involvement activities.
• Training and Communication Responsibilities:
  Participates in on-site and off-site professional development trainings; completes a minimum of 35 annual in-service training hours; maintains confidentiality at all times.

• Practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church preferred.
• Minimum of a high school diploma or GED.
• DCF 45-hour training preferred, or must be started within 30 days of hire and completed within 6 months.
• Prior experience in a child care setting preferred.
• Knowledge of child growth and development and developmentally appropriate practices for birth to 5 years.
• Knowledge of applicable safety and abuse reporting procedures.
• Must pass criminal background check prior to employment and every five years; must complete Protecting God’s Children (PGC) before employment.
• Must complete TB screening and physical within ten days of hire and every two years thereafter.
• Must obtain Infant & Child First Aid and CPR certification within 6 months of hire and renew before expiration.
• Ability to complete 35 hours of in-service training each fiscal year.

The work environment requires regular standing, walking, sitting, and ability to lift up to 30 pounds. Moderate noise level; occasionally evenings and weekends may be required. Reasonable accommodations provided as needed.