Teaching Assistant

Job Purpose: Assist teacher in executing learning activities of children according to the general guidelines of developmentally appropriate practice. 

Qualifications:

•  Must be able to lift 50 pounds


• Must be capable of bending, crouching or kneeling to children's level


• Must be able to reach at and above shoulder height


• Must be capable of frequent changes of positions throughout the work shift


• Must have a high school diploma or general education degree


• Must have appropriate patience and demeanor to work with multiple children in one setting

Functional/Technical Requirements:

•  Be familiar with centerwide policies and procedures


• Assist in teacher lead activities. Teachers are responsible for creating and implementing activities. Assistants are responsible for assisting in these activities as directed by teacher


• Work cooperatively with teacher to develop developmentally appropriate activities for assigned children


• Participate in staff development activities and staff meetings as required by the Director


• Assist children with feeding, toileting and personal care as directed by teacher


• Assist with meal and snack preparation and clean up after meals as directed by teacher


• Assist with required paperwork as directed by teacher and procare


• Supervise children's activities, including participating in group activities, enforcing safety practices, and intervening in a positive manner when children are likely to injure themselves or others


• Assist children individually who are experiencing difficulty with the provided activity


• Prepare supplies and the classroom to encourage positive educational experiences as directed by teacher


• Maintain an orderly and sanitized environment for children as directed by teacher


• Identify and remove potential hazards in the classroom and playground environment


• Encourage children to participate in teacher created activities and foster independence in activities children are completing


• Complete additional responsibilities as directed by teacher, Director, and/or Assistant Director


• Communicate with your Lead/Co-Lead. 


• Learn basic procare


• Help with portfolios as needed


• Attend parent meetings


• Facilitate parental of a developmental approach to early childhood education and offer advice on dealing with specific issues when asked


• Track progress for each child through directed means

Administrative:

•  Maintain professional qualifications/certificates


• Maintain accurate records of children in your care (meals, attendance, etc.) 


• Fill out incident reports and accident reports on children immediately so parents are aware of the incident. Inform the Director of incidents as well.


• Submit lesson plans to the Director in a timely manner.


• Notify the Director in a time manner regarding need for supplies and other classroom provisions. 

Classroom and Playground Environments:

•  Review and model rules for all children in the classroom environment, gym and playground. 


• Orient and supervise aides, assistants and volunteers regarding the classroom and playground materials, equipment and rules. 


• Create and maintain environments that provide choices and variety that are appropriate to children's developmental potential. 


• Create displays of children's art and work that is relevant to activities being done in the classroom. Keep the classroom decorations appropriate to the season and follow a non-biased curriculum approach. 


• Provide for care and proper use of furniture, equipment and materials


• Keep the classroom clean and orderly, working with children as they learn appropriate behaviors.


• Ensure all bulletin boards are up to date and frequently changed


• Conserve materials when possible


• Report and remove potential hazards


• Ensure that all materials are put away before leaving for the day


• Create and maintain a nurturing and positive environment to promote children's self-esteem


• Treat children with the same respect you expect to receive. 

*This list is not all inclusive and may be modified by the Director at any time.*

 Compensation:

• $12-$14/hour, based on experience