Preschool Assistant

The Preschool Teacher Assistant is responsible for assisting the classroom teacher with the general supervision and management of the Preschool class (3-5 years old) children. This individual will also assist the classroom teacher to execute the Early Childhood Education program in accordance with the goals, objectives and standards set forth by the Orlando Science Center Preschool in alliance with Early Childhood developmentally appropriate practices, FL Department of Children and Families (DCF) licensing requirements, Teaching Strategies "Creative Curriculum", Voluntary PreKindergarten (VPK) and NAEYC standards and guidelines. The Preschool Teacher will assist children (3-5 years old) in activities designed to promote social/emotional, physical, and intellectual growth needed to be successful individuals related to their peer group, environment, and community. Additionally, the Preschool Teacher Assistant will help other Preschool Assistants in conducting the guidelines and standards set forth by the Science Center Preschool in accordance with all standards and requirements.

Essential Functions

• Embraces STEM education and informal teaching methodologies and strategies as essential functions of the Science Center Preschool and curriculum approach.
• Assists in the implementation of the daily program under the direction of the classroom teacher, which includes lesson plans and activities.
• Prepares the learning environment indoors and outdoors, setting up interest centers and preparing needed materials and supplies.
• Maintains general daily housekeeping tasks.
• Maintains rules of behavior and procedures in regard to class control.
• Greets all arriving and departing children and their parents/guardian.
• Supervises the classroom when the classroom teacher is out of classroom.
• Has open communication (verbal or written) with children, Preschool staff, and Director.
• Uses literacy, science, technology, engineering, math, and motor development for individual, small and large group activities to provide children opportunities to observe, question and investigate.
• Assists in observation and evaluation of a child's performance, behavior, social development, and physical health under the direction of the classroom teacher. Daily, weekly, and monthly Preschool and VPK assessments will be conducted in accordance with guidelines and standards.
• Works with other teacher assistants in their daily activities and routines to align with the needs of the Preschool following developmentally appropriate practices and standards.
• Follows and adheres to all administrative policies and rules governing the Preschool and its employees as OSC employees, DCF license and accreditation requirements.
• Works collaboratively with Preschool staff, Director and OSC Education staff to provide appropriate programs, activities, and projects.
• Attends professional meetings, educational conferences, workshops, and training in order to maintain and improve professional competence. The required number of in-service hours and/or CEUs will be provided according to licensing and accreditation requirements.
• Demonstrates commitment to OSC's vision, mission, guiding principles and values.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Must be at least 21 years old and meet the requirements of the licensing agencies.

1. Education: High school diploma or GED
2. Experience: Experience working with children 0 - 8 years old.
3. Certifications: 45 hours DCF mandated child care courses (must be able to provide a current DCF transcript).

Preferred Qualifications

• Clear Level 2 Background screening. May not be on site until this is established.
• Four-year-old standards.
• Emergent Literacy for VPK.
• Communication skills-presentation, public speaking and written.
• Reliable, organized, self-starter.
• Ability to work with little supervision.
• Active listening, instructing, speaking, reading comprehension, learning strategies, writing, monitoring, time management, and monitoring skills.

Physical Demands

• Ability to remain in a stationary position.
• Moves throughout the museum.
• Ascends/descends stairs throughout the museum.
• Observes and reacts to the needs of guests, staff, volunteers, and community partners.
• Communicates and exchanges accurate information with guests, staff, volunteers, and community partners in a variety of formats including in-person, electronically, and over the phone.
• Operates a computer and/or office equipment efficiently and accurately.
• Manipulates and moves components weighing up to 50 pounds, including those that may be low to the ground or above eye level.
• Frequently works in outdoor environments.
• Frequently works in indoor environments.
• Coping with demands and stresses associated with job and work environment.
• Kneeling, crouching, stooping, and crawling - (frequently)
• Weight Levels - Lift, Push, Pull
• Up to 50 pounds

Expected Hours of Work & Travel

• This position is full time and primarily works 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Thursday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Friday.
• This position may need to work weekends and after hour events as needed.

Telecommuting
This position is required to be onsite 100% of the time.

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

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