Preschool Teacher Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY

As part of the classroom educational team, and under the general direction of the Master Teacher, the Teacher Assistant helps plan and participates in classroom, playground, and field trip activities. These activities are designed to enhance all areas of each child's development. The Teacher Assistant will be held responsible for assisting with the implementing all programming requirements in adherence to all performance and outcomes standards as prescribed by the multiple funding and model requirements.

RESPONSIBLE TO:Master Teacher

SUPERVISOR TO: None

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Participate in training to build an understanding of the Educare Model of early learning programming; remain up to date in required curriculum training and any other trainings as assigned or required;
• Implement curriculum to support lesson planning
• Perform the functions of this position with a strong understanding of Developmentally Appropriate Practices and Child Development
• Provide a dual language model within the classroom.
• Provide learning experiences that support children's executive functioning in literacy, language, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, fine arts, social/emotional development, and suited to the needs of children.
• Assist with the implementation of the program's Curriculum for preschoolers in the classroom as well as other supplemental curriculums and strategies for instruction;
• Develop and use instructional materials suitable for verbal or visual instruction of children with a wide range of mental, physical, and emotional maturities.
• Support each child in developing an awareness of his/her worth as an individual and his/her role in the family and community.
• With the Preschool Teacher, guide and facilitate activities of the children, including: daily activities, selecting and arranging the environment and materials in the classroom;
• Cooperate with other staff and classroom groups to maintain the smooth functioning of the center, which at times may require flexibility to meet the needs of the children;
• Collect anecdotal notes and write observations per assessment procedure creating a documentation portfolio for each child in the classroom.
• Assist with conducting both home visits and parent conferences to discuss the child's individual development and progress, ;
• Participate in family style meals; eating at the table with children to support them in developing self-help skills, make good nutritional choices and engage in social experiences.
• Attend staff training and meetings, and parent meetings as requested;
• Assist in providing and maintaining a safe and healthy developmentally appropriate environment;
• Assist in implementing an IEP (Individual Education Plan) seeking clarification for any aspects that are not well understood;
• Support in the completion and submission of required forms and records in a timely and accurate fashion, e.g., lesson plans, portfolio forms, assessment, time sheets, meal reports etc;
• Assist, as requested, in transition activities; preschoolers to kinder and birth-3 to preschool
• Actively participate in the development and implementation of Professional Development Plan;
• Participate in individual reflective supervision; team reflective supervision and data dialogues regarding classroom observations and assessments.
• Assure that files are complete, accurate and confidentiality is maintained; and
• Engage in active supervision of children which requires focused attention and intentional observation of children at all times. Teachers position themselves so that they can observe all of the children: watching, countin, and listening at all times. They also use their knowledge of each child's development and abilities to anticipate what he/she will do, then get involved and redirect them when necessary. This constant vigilance help children learn safely.
• Follow guidelines in the employee handbook, positive guidance and code of conduct.
• Perform other duties, as may be required.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed in such a position.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Successful experience working in a team setting; Ability to work respectfully and cooperatively with a Lead Teacher and Teacher Aide; assisting her/him in increasing professional knowledge and skills
• Ability to present a positive image of the organization to members of the community;
• Ability to plan, organize and implement position responsibilities;
• Visual and auditory acuity within professionally determined normal ranges, with correction if need;
• Must be able to lift 55 pounds; including supporting children on and off changing tables.
• Must be able must be able to participate in outdoor experiences with children; adverse weather conditions are taken into consideration by referencing the Child Care Weather Watch guidelines .
• Must be able to use all physical and mental capacities in order to perform the job duties
• Experience successfully working with a culturally diverse staff and clients

EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• An Associate's Degree with a minimum of (6) semester hours in courses specifically in the care or education of young children OR CDA and within one year of completion of Associate's degree;
• Paraprofessional Certificate or willing to obtain within 18 months;
• Have knowledge and experience with the basic principles of child development;
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred but not necessary;