Preschool Teacher Aide

POSITION SUMMARY

The Teacher Aide works cooperatively with the Preschool Teacher and Teacher Assistant to plan and implement the daily education program for the children. Under the supervision of the Master Teacher, the Teacher Aide will execute classroom activities and help maintain a classroom environment that is developmentally appropriate and meets the individual needs of children.

As part of the classroom educational team, and under the general direction of the School Director and direct supervision of the Mentor Teacher, the Teacher Aide 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 Aide will be responsible for assisting with implementing all programming requirements in adherence to all performance and outcomes standards as prescribed by the multiple funding and model requirements.

RESPONSIBLE TO: Mentor Teacher

SUPERVISOR TO: None

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Participate in training to build an understanding of the Educare Model of early learning programming;
• Provide a dual language model within the classroom.
• Aide/Provide learning experiences through a dual language approach that supports both Spanish and English language acquisition; 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.
• Aide with the implementation of the Creative Curriculum for Preschoolers framework in the classroom;
• With the Preschool Teacher, and teacher assistant; guide and facilitate activities of the children, including: daily activities, selecting and arranging environment and materials in the classroom;
• Cooperate with other staff and classroom groups to maintain the smooth functioning of the program, which at times may require changes to meet the needs of the children;
• Through training will maintain a comprehensive and ongoing portfolio assessment for each child, including observations in each area, and developmental assessment completed three times a year;
• Through trainings and support from teaching team and supervisor will conduct homevisits at least twice a year and two parent conferences to discuss the child’s individual development and progress, assist the parents in developing observation skills and solicit parent observations;
• Participate and engage in school’s special events
• 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.
• Developmentally appropriately guide children's acquisition of social skills;
• Attend staff training and meetings, and parent meetings as requested;
• Aide in the provision and maintenance of safe and healthy developmentally appropriate environment;
• Use the playground as an extension of the classroom; assures that the playground is safe;
• Write weekly observations per assessment procedure;
• Aide in conducting all health, supervision and environment checklists according to schedule;
• Aide in implementing an I.E.P. (Individual Education Plan) seeking clarification for any aspects that are not well understood;
• Support in the completion of required reports in a timely and accurate fashion, e.g., lesson plans, portfolio forms, assessment, timesheets, meal reports etc;
• Complete timely and accurate time sheets;
• Aide, as requested, in transition activities; preschool to kinder and birth to three to preschool
• Actively participate in the development and implementation of Professional Development Plan;
• Aide in recruitment of families
• Participate in individual reflective supervision; team reflective supervision and data dialogues regarding classroom observations and assessments.
• Engage in active supervision of children which requires focused attention and intentional observation of children at all times. Teacher position themselves so that they can observe all of the children: watching, counting, 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 helps 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

• Successfully experience working in a team setting;
• Ability to to work respectfully and cooperatively with a Lead Teacher and Teacher Assistant; assisting her/him in creasing professional knowledge and skills.
• Ability to present a positive image of the organization to members of the community;
• Ability to work with the Lead Teacher and Teacher Assistant to plan, organize and implement position responsibilities effectively, providing input;
• Visual and auditory acuity within professionally determined normal ranges, or with corrections if needed;
• Ability to learn and implement child development and early childhood principles and practices. .
• Must be able to lift 55 pounds; including supporting children on and off changing tables.
• 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

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.,
• Must be willing to pursue coursework specific to early childhood and to obtain a CDA credential within 18 months of hire
• Adhere to program guidelines, as necessary;
• Have some knowledge of best practices of development and care;
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred; but not required