After School Program Teacher Assistant

Description

The After School Program Teacher Assistant works alongside the Teacher to promote and maintain a healthy learning environment at our Pittsburgh West After School Program. While not acting as the teacher on a daily basis, the Teacher Assistant is expected to support the Teacher to ensure that all children are able to participate in an age‑appropriate engaging lesson each day.

• Be a Dynamic Leader
  • Assist the classroom teacher with any and all duties, as assigned and requested.
  • Supervise the children individually or in small groups, as needed.
  • Lead the Christian education lesson as scheduled for each class.
  • In the absence of the teacher, step in as a substitute teacher for the day.
• Help promote and maintain a positive and smoothly functioning atmosphere in the classroom through your support in:
  • Nurturing the emotionally unsettled child, ensuring they have a positive day.
  • Encouraging children to participate and be a part of the group and activities when their attention strays.
  • Disciplining the children, as needed, in order that they learn appropriate behavior expectations and consequences when behavior is inappropriate so they are not a disruption to the entire class.
• Maintain an organized environment
  • Organize children’s folders, papers and communication notes/letters to make sure they get home properly, including those who are absent for the day
  • Oversee the order, cleanliness and safety of all toys and learning tools
  • Assist in keeping the room neat, orderly, attractive, and visually stimulating and inviting to the children.
• Focus on excellent communication
  • Communicate concerns with the classroom teacher regarding the children, parents, classroom operations, ideas, suggestions, etc.
  • Communicate with parents on routine issues and refer parents to the teacher for serious concerns or problems.
• Be a Team Player
  • Attend all staff meetings, as assigned
  • Be available for extra‑curricular activities including, but not limited to, programs, socials, field trips, parent meetings, etc.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Previous experience in preschool, children’s education or similar position, preferred.
• Willingness to learn.
• Knowledge of:
  • Working with computers, including Google Applications and Microsoft Suite, required.
• Ability to:
  • Work independently in the absence of supervision.
  • Understand and follow oral and written directions.
  • Establish and maintain effective and courteous relationships with those contacted in course of work.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Model behavior and actions consistent with core values of the church.