SUPPORT TEACHER

JOB DESCRIPTION

Applewood's philosophy is based on respect for children, their cultural background, natural curiosity and eagerness to learn. The program strives to provide children with opportunities to learn to play, to give and take, and to experience with his or her whole body. Play is a major avenue for learning. It not only provides motor skills - it allows children to translate knowledge, feelings and fantasies into action. Applewood's setting offers a combination of personal and social support in a non-competitive, individualized atmosphere.

The staff at Applewood serves as facilitator, resource, and friend to children and families, and recognizes the family as the principle influence and guidance in the development of the child. Applewood focuses on the whole child - his or her emotional, social, cognitive and physical development - giving the child full support during the time spent away from home. Applewood strives to work in the child's and family's interest, to actually support and strengthen the family, within professional boundaries. It is of primary importance that every member of the center feel respected in their choices and valued for their individual differences.

All staff members abide by the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.

The Support Teacher is responsible for contributing to the health, safety and well-being of the children in the classroom. As a member of the team, the Support Teacher contributes to the of the child's social, emotional, physical and cognitive development, as well as to the establishment of a responsive and positive program.

During employment, all employees must attend the following: Child Care Licensing Orientation and Early Learning Guidelines Training. 

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

All staff are members of the teaching team and as such, share the responsibility for the well-being and safety of the children enrolled in the program. They also share in the development and implementation of the daily program and those activities that relate to the curriculum and philosophy of the program.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assume responsibility for the classroom in the absence of the Teacher or Head Teacher.
• Interact with children frequently, affectionately, and respectfully at the child's level.
• Be available and responsive to children's needs, questions, and requests.
• Acknowledge children's feelings with sensitivity and model appropriate social behavior.
• Assist in developing, preparing and implementing the planned daily activities in the classroom.

Provide anti-bias, non-sexist language, images, and experiences that counter stereotypes.

• Stock the classroom with operations supplies: paper towels, soap in dispensers, gloves, napkins, etc.
• Greet families and visitors in a friendly demeanor, commenting on the child's day only in the absence of the regular classroom teachers.
• Communicate directly to resolve conflicts and avoid gossip. Raise issues confidentially with staff and administration.
• Maintain and frequently check an active email account to give and receive communication with fellow staff and administration. Applewood's computers are available for this purpose. 
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families and staff both in the center and externally.
• Ensure continuity of care for children by reporting to work on time, maintaining consistent attendance, adhering to staff schedules, and demonstrating flexibility to adjust work schedule as needed.
• Demonstrate flexibility and openness to new ideas and professional growth. Maintain and document the required number of professional development hours annually. 
• Maintain a State of NH Early Childhood Credential.
• Maintain and follow all safety and health rules of the center. Follow state and federal health and safety guidelines.
• Maintain certification in Infant/Child CPR, First Aid, Medication Administration, and Water Safety.
• Supervise children by sight and sound at all times. Be aware of the entire group while working with small groups or individuals.
• Know the number of children in direct care and maintain ratios at all times.
• Be aware of medical or allergy conditions of the children in each group including which things to avoid, symptoms of distress, and where to locate medicine and first aid supplies.
• Prepare and serve snack in the manner appropriate for each group of children; wash snack dishes; maintain cleanliness of kitchen and snack area by sweeping floor, cleaning refrigerators, microwaves, countertops and tables, putting away dry dishes.
• Assist in diapering and toileting, as required, maintaining proper hygiene.
• Disinfect toys daily. Disinfect nap mats/cots weekly. Assist with laundry. Empty recycling and trash as needed.
• Attend all staff meetings and in-service trainings unless directed otherwise by a supervisor.
• Maintain cleaning routines of assigned classrooms.
• Perform other duties as instructed.

In cooperation with the teaching team:

• Maintain the health and safety of children, self, and co-workers at all times.
• Safely implement evacuation or lock-down during emergency drills or in actual emergencies.
• Welcome families and community members into the classroom by creating a positive, nurturing environment.
• Develop trusting relationships with the children and families by creating a positive, nurturing environment.
• Learn about each child and their family (including values, beliefs, ethnicity, cultural background, etc.) and use this knowledge to guide curriculum development
• Implement planned activities for the children in the teachers' absence.
• Provide positive guidance for children.
• Maintain, update and clean the classroom environment and adjoining areas; be responsible for the care of materials and equipment indoors and outdoors; assist in the development and implementation of interest areas.
• Maintain good interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work as part of a team.

SUPERVISION

The Support Teacher works under the general guidance of the Teacher and under the direct supervision of the Head Teacher.

• Professional child care experience preferred
• Strong oral and written communication skills and basic computer skills.
• High energy and the ability to work well with others (staff, children, and parents) and to foster a team environment.
• A strong understanding of child development.
• Infant/child CPR and First Aid certification.
• Must clear full background check and must pass health screening.
• Minimum of 9 credits in Early Childhood Education
• Requirements include the ability to take frequent walks, use hands and fingers, handle objects, tools or controls, talk to and hear voices at many levels. May also be required to kneel, bend, squat or crawl.
• A specific vision ability will be required including the ability to see up close and up to a certain distance, to see colors, have peripheral vision and depth perception.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

At Applewood, all staff should expect to:

• Kneel to address children at eye level.
• Be able to demonstrate motor activities that may include running, hopping, jumping, dancing, and full body motions.
• Be able to respond to a child in danger.
• Lift and carry children.
• Get on the ground with children in the event of fire and help them crawl to safety.
• Be able to respond to a child's periodic aggressive behavior.
• Maintain mental and physical alertness and appropriate level of energy.

QUALIFICATIONS

A minimum 9 credits in Early Childhood Education.

Must demonstrate warmth, understanding of young children and families, and enthusiasm for hard work. Willingness to respect and work with families with differing values, socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Ability to show imagination and flexibility in classroom planning, and open and professional attitude, and a sense of humor. Must be committed to professional development.

During employment, all employees must attend the following: Child Care Licensing Orientation and Early Learning Guidelines Training. 

Candidates with an Associate's Degree will be given preference.

Full time Support Teachers are offered benefits after 90 days. Part time Support Teachers are offered benefits after 2 years. Benefits are dependent on position. Additional details will be provided in the interview process.

Health Insurance

Life Insurance

STD

AD&D

Aflac

Paid Planning Time

Paid Assessment Time

NAEYC Membership

Professional Development Stipend

Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off

401K

Employee Discount

First Aid & CPR Training

Paid Lunch Break