Teacher Assistant,

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW: At Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, your knowledge and service in areas such as immigrants and refugees, mental health, social work, employment and adult education, legal and financial services, health care, food assistance, shelter and housing, developmental disabilities and prison outreach can make a profound difference in the lives of many. Through more than 50 programs across the district and five surrounding counties, Catholic Charities is opening doors to help and hope. At CCADW, we continue to build an inclusive culture that celebrates a diverse workforce. We offer so much more than just a job. We offer careers. We take pride in our "promote from within" culture. We offer professional development, a comprehensive benefits package, a hybrid work model with both remote and in-office work, and a passion for building and motivating world class, high performing teams. Explore your career opportunity with Catholic Charities. Join us in Inspiring Hope and Building Futures.

JOB SUMMARY: The Teacher Assistant (TA) will assist the Teacher in promoting a healthy, positive, safe, stimulating and structured educational environment for children. The TA will also provide support to the classroom teacher and children by assisting with developing, preparing and implementing strategies within plans for personal outcomes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborates with the teacher regarding the child's progress, interest levels, and social development.
• Follows goals and strategies identified by the Individual Education Program (IEP) or therapist for children with disabilities.
• Participates in the development and organization of appropriate instructional materials.
• Works with small groups and individuals at the teacher's request and records observations of students in accordance with center curriculum.
• Assists teacher in the maintenance of documentation for each student, as required.
• Assists teacher by performing daily classroom activities such as: checking student's backpacks, preparing table activities, assisting in the bathroom and cleaning the classroom. 
• Participates in student intake, curriculum development, staffing and interdisciplinary team meetings, as requested.
• Collaborates with teacher on classroom issues and supports the teacher with parent communications.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
   

Requirements

 EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:

• Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and shall meet one of the following qualification requirements:
  • Have earned a high school diploma, GED, or its equivalent AND have a current CDA credential, which specifies that the individual is qualified to serve as an Assistant Teacher for the age classification with whom he or she will work;
    OR
  • Have earned a high school diploma, GED, or its equivalent AND have a certification of training and competence in the field of early childhood education or early childhood development from a duly authorized vocational high school, provided that he or she earns a CDA credential within two (2) years of the effective date of these regulations;
    OR
  • Have earned a high school diploma, GED, or its equivalent AND have at least one (1) year of supervised occupational experience working with children in a licensed District of Columbia Child Development Center or its equivalent in another jurisdiction; provided that he or she earns a CDA credential within two (2) years of the effective date (January 2017) of the OSSE regulations;
    OR
  • Have earned an Associate's degree (AA) or more advanced degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education or Higher Education Accreditation. 
• Experience in behavior management and/or working with students with disabilities a plus.
• Previous experience with "Creative" curriculum desired.

SKILLS and COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to read and interpret test instruments, guides and academic literature. Ability to effectively communicate information and ideas in English, both verbally and in written form.
• Knowledge of Early Childhood Learning Domain.