Assistant Early Childhood Educator

Assistant Early Childhood Educator

Starting at $21 Based on experience and education

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Under the guidance of the Lead Teacher, the Assistant Early Childhood Educator (AECE) will implement the Creative Curriculum, the Project Approach, and other appropriate content with emphasis on development of the whole child, in preparation for school readiness. This includes establishing a partnership with parents and working with the entire family. The AECE will also help provide and maintain a safe and interesting environment for children, using active supervision practice. The AECE will assume responsibility for continuing planned classroom activities in the absence of the Lead Teacher.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Associate degree in ECE is preferred or Child Development Associate Credential (CDA).
• Minimum of 9 ECE credits and be enrolled in a program leading to an Associate or Baccalaureate degree in Early Childhood Education.
• Preferred 1 years of experience working with children in a licensed childcare facility.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Experience working with preschool age children. Previous Head Start experience preferred.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participate in preservice training and ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Assist the Lead Teacher in providing comprehensive ECE program including implementation of Creative Curriculum, Project Approach and other developmentally appropriate content in compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and NH Child Care Licensing Rules; utilize Teaching Strategies Gold (TSG) for collecting, planning from, and reporting of child assessment data.
• Assist is individual planning for each child, as well as the class as a whole, including the observation of children and entering the information into the online Teaching Strategies Gold child assessment system.
• Participate in carrying out lesson plans, facilitating daily activities planned for the children, as set forth by the Lead Teacher
• Provide active supervision of children at all times, following active supervision policies and procedures.
• Create a positive climate in the classroom, establishing a caring community of learners.
• Assist in the daily classroom routines (i.e., helping children brush their teeth, go to the bathroom, eat lunch, and clean the classroom).
• Actively assist in classroom management, using positive reinforcement in the classroom.
• Utilize Pyramid Model strategies to help the children develop self-regulation and good social skills.
• Assist children in their use of materials in a variety of ways.
• Participate in the daily review of classroom activities and children’s behavior.
• Become familiar with Head Start Performance Standards, NH Child Care Licensing Rules, and your center’s policies.
• Sign-in each morning when you arrive in the classroom, and sign-out when you leave at the end of the day. Sign-in and out should occur any time you leave the classroom and return, as well.
• Assist the Lead Teacher in maintaining and monitoring accurate child attendance records including signing children in and out each day; USDA meal counts; in-kind reports; and other record keeping and reports as required.
• Assist in the developmental screening of children, as assigned.
• Consult with the Teacher when a problem arises.
• Provide a family-style setting at meals, including having the children serve themselves; sitting and eating with the children; assisting them as needed, encouraging social and self-help skills; and facilitating pleasant conversation during meals.
• Greet families and children individually upon arrival and departure, ensuring a smooth transition into and out of the classroom; create a positive classroom-home connection, maintaining professional and appropriate communication with families and guardians; help create individualized activities that families can do at home with their children to support the curriculum and the child’s learning; encourage parents to become involved in the classroom and other Head Start activities such as parent committee meetings, Policy Council, and the Parent Substitute Training Program.
• Continue professional development by participating in ongoing ECE education, training programs, attending workshops/conferences as budget allows; developing professional goals to work toward each year; maintaining and updating required certifications such as first aide and CPR, TSG interrater reliability, and the CC Licensing required ProSolutions certifications

• Participate in various meetings to include weekly center staffing, all-staff meetings and collaborative meetings with other agencies as assigned.

• Participate fully in weekly staffing meetings with the Lead Teacher and Family Advocate; all- staff meetings; and collaborative meetings with other agencies, as assigned.

• Assume the Lead Teacher’s responsibilities when the Lead Teacher is absent if qualifications allow.

• Report any concerns for safety, health, or non-compliance to the Lead Teacher and/or Education Manager.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned by supervisors that are reasonably within the scope of duties listed above.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong commitment to maintaining confidentiality
• Excellent organization and time management skills with ability to prioritize and manage work load and deadlines
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
• Ability to work flexible hours and travel when necessary.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to the unique challenges faced by families living in poverty.
• Reliable source of transportation with 100/300 liability insurance coverage.
• Physical strength/endurance/mobility to perform in a standard daily required work routine (i.e. walking, sitting, lifting, and driving to various sites as required).
• Maintain and model good hygiene, appropriate dress (neat, clean and modest), and professional behavior to parents, staff and the community.
• Maintain a positive and productive attitude regarding the Head Start Program and the CAP Agency when interacting both within Head Start and with the greater community.
• Demonstrate, through positive words and actions, respect for and acceptance of income eligible families.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

• Be able to communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, and families on a regular basis
• Good communication skills and ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate instructions.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• N/A

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

• Participates in the annual program self-assessment.
• Models direct, positive, honest, and respectful behavior in every aspect of work with children, families, staff and community members.
• Energetically engages people, issues and work.
• Applies the highest ethical standards to themselves and others on a daily basis.
• Supports other in their efforts to be productive and effective and succeed in work and life.
• Actively participates in teambuilding, which includes sharing ideas and mutual support of team members.
• Consistently uses interpersonal skills that are appropriate for individual styles, personalities, cultures, the nature of the work, and the environment in which the work is being done.
• Practices honest, respectful and direct communication as well as active listening.
• Respects confidentiality of information about agency staff, personnel issues, and other program operations.

EMPLOYMENT SCREENING

Valid Driver's License and insured vehicle (100/300 minimum coverage) for use on the job or acceptable alternative, driving record check, criminal record check, randomized drug screening.

Head Start, Early Head Start, Childcare, and Home Visiting Programs are also subject to the following:

Head Start and Child Care Licensing requires a criminal record check and finger printing to be completed prior to employment. An initial physical examination record must be obtained upon hire, updated every three years and kept on file with Human Resources. If a TB screening indicates high risk, results of a TB test must be kept on file including any treatment received. An initial driving record check will be conducted. Driver’s license information will also be submitted to the agency’s automobile insurance carrier.

MISSION VISION &VALUES

Our Mission: To reduce barriers to help clients improve their economic stability and well-being through education, advocacy and partnerships

Our Vision: To eliminate poverty

Our Values: Communication, Collaboration, Client-Focus, Accountability