Teacher Assistant (Preschool)

Under the direction of the Site Manager, the Assistant Teacher will have the responsibilities of being the primary caregiver for one group of children in the Preschool facility.

• HSD or GED required. 
• Certified Development Associate Certification with Preschool endorsement is preferred.
• An Associate's or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education is preferred.
• Relevant work experience with infants, toddlers, and/or preschoolers preferred.
• CPR and First Aid certification is preferred.
• Experience working in a non-profit is preferred.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not include any supervisory responsibilities.

Essential Job Functions

1. Perform according to the standards set forth by Preschool, the NAEYC, CWLA, Tennessee Day Care Licensing and Porter-Leath.
2. Assume responsibilities as the primary caregiver for one group of children that includes children with special needs.
3. Plans daily activities of enrichment and care for one classroom of children according to the standards set forth by Preschool, NAEYC, Tennessee Day Care Licensing and Porter-Leath standards.
4. Work cooperatively with the Education Specialist, Lead Teacher and others to provide leadership to staff.
5. Cooperatively work with other staff members in creating a positive environment for children, families and staff.
6. Assist in maintaining appropriate records of attendance, meal counts, etc. necessary to produce reports.
7. Assist in developing, implementing and monitoring a coordinated plan of care for each family.
8. Act as a mentor to families of children in groups.
9. Support and teach good parenting practices.
10. Conduct regular home visits and parent conferences with families.
11. Keep Supervisor informed of programmatic issues in a timely and concise manner.
12. Conduct ongoing child evaluations.
13. Contribute to team effort by performing other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

1. Knowledge of and the ability to implement developmentally appropriate programs for preschool child care.
2. Effective oral and written communication skills to effectively communicate with diverse groups.
3. Possess a sincere desire to make a difference in the community and develop professional skills.
4. Ability to have a positive relationship with children, staff and others from diverse backgrounds, including children with special needs.
5. Ability to work effectively and positively with parents to improve the quality of life of their children.
6. Possess an attitude of continuous improvement.
7. Possess a commitment to continued education to include regularly participating in workshops, conferences, training sessions, etc.
8. Ability to provide a continuum of care to children ages three (3) to five (5).
9. Ability to perceive and deal with sensitive issues while maintaining confidentiality and objectivity.
10. Ability to follow through on given directives in a timely manner.
11. Flexibility in scheduling.
12. Ability to develop trusting relationships within a client’s home.
13. Ability to work as a team player and interact/assist all employees as necessary.
14. Possess the ability to forge a mutually respectful partnership with persons served and their families, conviction about the capacity of people to grow and change, the ability to set limits and maintain the helping role of the employee and the ability to intervene appropriately to meet the needs of the persons served and their families.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger/handle/feel.  Occasionally required to stand and walk.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and color vision.  Work in a non-smoking environment.

Special Conditions

Maintain a valid driver’s license with a good driving record with appropriate level of insurance. Must be able to obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid training/certification within 90 days of employment.

NOTE: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be constructed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.