Preschool Teacher Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY

 As part of the classroom educational team, and under the general direction of the Mentor 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 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; remain up to date in required curriculum training and any other training 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, making good nutritional choices and engaging 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 of 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 kindergarten 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 always requires focused attention and intentional observation of children. Teachers position themselves so that they can observe all the children: watching, counting, and always listening. 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. 

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive of the duties and responsibilities and employees may be asked to perform. This job description is not intended to create, nor should it be construed as, a contract of employment. Employment is at will and may be terminated by either party at any time with or without cause or notice.

  
EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• An associate 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. 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Successfully completing a medical exam that includes screening for tuberculosis (TB), Tdap and MMR.
• Successfully completing a Background Clearance before hire date.
• Successful experience working in a team setting. 
• The ability to present a positive image of the organization to members of the community.
• The ability to work with the teaching team to plan, organize and implement position responsibilities effectively, providing input.
• The ability to work respectively and cooperatively with the teaching team; assisting him/her to increase knowledge and skills.
• Experience successfully working with culturally diverse staff and clients.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES

• Visual and auditory acuity within professionally determined normal ranges, with corrections if needed.
• Must be able to use all physical and mental capacities to perform the job duties
• Must be able to lift and carry children up to 55lbs; including supporting children on and off the changing tables.
• Ability to bend, kneel, squat and sit on the floor. 
• Ability to move quickly to ensure children’s safety, including running short distances.
• Ability to stand, walk, and actively engage with children for extended periods.
• Ability to assist children with daily routines, including transitions and activities.
• Possible exposure to bodily fluids and infectious disease.
• Participate in indoor and outdoor activities with children; adverse weather conditions are taken into consideration by referencing the Child Care Weather Watch guidelines. 

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive of the duties and responsibilities and employees may be asked to perform. This job description is not intended to create, nor should it be construed as, a contract of employment. Employment is at will and may be terminated by either party at any time with or without cause or notice.