Stepping Stones Nursery School’s overall mission is to create a loving, caring environment that promotes creativity, imagination, early literacy and numeracy skills as well as self-confidence, independence and ‘tools for learning’. Teacher Assistants for Early Childhood programs assist Lead Teachers in planning and implementing learning experiences that advance the intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development of children within a safe, healthy learning environment. They encourage the involvement of the families of the children of the program and support the development of relationships between children and their families.

Position Responsibilities:

• Interact with Children
  • Develop a positive relationship with each child and promote the development of self- esteem and self-discipline.
  • Model positive behavior by utilizing appropriate language, interactions, and positive discipline methods.
  • Implement age appropriate activities and practices that support Stepping Stones Nursery School’s vision.
  • Continuously monitor children to ensure safety at all times, and report child abuse and neglect when necessary.
• Assess Children
  • Observe each child daily to assess skills, interests, and needs and use this information to facilitate learning and growth.
• Curriculum Preparation
  • Assist Lead Teacher and Associate Teacher with implementing the daily program of activities based on principles of child development and in accordance with the program’s curriculum.
  • Research, plan, and develop age appropriate activities for lesson plans in conjunction with the Lead Teacher.
• Communicate with Parents
  • Establish a positive relationship with each child’s family and share information about the child’s day at school.
  • Maintain open communication with parents by scheduling and conducting parent/teacher conferences to help resolves issues or concerns that are raised and incidents that have been observed and/or recorded on site.
• Documentation
  • Complete all necessary paperwork for classroom activities including meal counts, attendance, screenings, parent/teacher conferences, in a timely manner.
  • Maintain up to date and accurate education folders to include completed incident reports, permission slips, medical forms and all required DCFS documents.
  • Maintain classroom supply lists and inventory.
• Administration
  • Participate in staff meetings, staff In-Service training, center activities, and staff development.
  • Engage in continuing education and professional development activities such as trainings, workshops, and classes to meet required qualifications.
  • Assist Program Director with tours and marketing when necessary.
• Classroom Maintenance
  • Maintain a well-organized, safe and attractive classroom and playground environment conducive to the optimal growth and development of children, including daily safety checks of both the indoor and outdoor classrooms, sanitizing all surfaces, equipment, and classroom toys, routine checks of classroom equipment and materials, minor repairs as needed, reporting of major repairs needed, etc.
• Other Duties As Assigned

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum of 1-year experience in a child development setting.
• Must demonstrate a strong knowledge of appropriate practices in early childhood development including working with parents.
• Must demonstrate success in working as a member of a team.
• Must have effective and strong communication skills (orally and written).
• Must demonstrate the ability to work well with young children.
• Must be able to supply a yearly certificate of good health.
• Must be willing to work flexible hours in order to meet the needs of the program.
• Must be CPR/First Aid certified.

Benefits:

Stepping Stones Nursery School offers a variety of benefits to create a positive and connected environment and culture. We value our team of employees and offer benefits such as:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Voluntary Life, Voluntary Short-Term Disability, Accident, Hospital Indemnity, Critical IllnessPaid Time Off (Vacation, Company Holidays, Sick Time, etc.)
• Company Gatherings
• Continuing Education
• 401(k)