Afternoon Teacher Assistant Kindergarten

Summary
Leila Day staff have a commitment to progressive early childhood education, emphasizing play, inquiry, emotional intelligence, and experiential learning in the natural world. Afternoon assistant teachers support the fulltime teachers in rolling out an emergent, developmental curriculum that is reflective of children's interests, grounded in meaningful relationships, and filled with joyful learning and adventure. We encourage curiosity, exploration, experimentation and fun. Afternoon Assistants work under the supervision of the Teacher(s) in their classroom as well as the Assistant Director and the Director. All staff work in a manner that promotes Leila Day's culture of respect, collaboration and kindness.

Duties

• Assist other classroom teacher(s) with implementation of activities, experiences and curriculum
• Contribute to an environment that is welcoming, child-centered and developmentally appropriate by engaging with children during play, preparing materials for teacher led activities and setting up the learning environments.
• Encourage children's positive self-concept while supporting and respecting the cultural backgrounds, languages, individual interests and learning style of each child and are sensitive to issues of equity and implicit bias.
• Assist with the maintenance of the classroom and outdoor spaces, including stocking of supplies and organizing instructional materials.
• Care for materials and equipment to ensure the indoor and outdoor spaces are properly tidied and organized at the close of each day
• Relay messages to and from the teachers and families as necessary.
• Carry out daily routines and procedures under the direction of lead or co-teachers (e.g. behavioral expectations, group management, limit setting and transitions) reflective of children's different needs and that ensure the safety and well-being of the group.
• Engage in on-going professional learning opportunities to remain current with early childhood research and best practices.

Expectations

• Afternoon Assistants communicate with teachers and maintain a cooperative and professional relationship with them.
• Afternoon Assistants attend relevant staff meetings, school wide events, professional development trainings, conferences, and other activities outside of regular hours as deemed necessary by the Director and the Assistant Director.
• Other duties as assigned or necessary.

Requirements
Physical, Health & Safety Requirements

• Must adhere to all CT State guidelines and Leila Day policies regarding immunizations, physical exam, and required health and safety training such as CPR, First Aid, and Administration of Medications.
• Must have the physical ability to participate in activities that may include lifting, moving or holding children from 20-60 pounds as well as walking, squatting, climbing and sitting on the floor.
• Must have desire and ability to regularly spend time outdoors.
• Must be able to maintain mental and physical alertness, and appropriate level of energy and respond quickly to emergencies or unexpected situations.
• Must be reliable and dependable

Education & Experience

• At least 18 years of age
• Minimum 1 years experience working in child care or school setting

Nice To Haves
Associates or Bachelor's degree (in early childhood education or a related field) preferred but not required

Benefits

• Assistants are paid hourly at a rate starting at $18 per hour, based on education and experience.
• Regular hours are 17 and a half hours a week ( 2:00-5:30)
• There may be additional "sub" hours if they become available and the person is interested.
• Based on individual initiative there are many opportunities for professional development and the possibility of advancing up the career ladder in the field of early childhood education
• Opportunities to spend lots of time outdoors, be physically active, and be part of a stimulating, collaborative learning community that is dedicated to honoring childhood, respecting teachers, supporting families, and building community

About Us
Leila Day is an accredited, nonprofit child care center serving children of working families from diverse economic, racial and cultural backgrounds from New Haven and surrounding towns. In operation since 1878, this celebrated program's mission is to foster children's social, emotional, intellectual and physical development within a warm and nurturing environment built on sound
principles of child development. Leila Day emphasizes nature and outdoor education. The children and teachers spend time learning outside every day.