Teacher Assistant Job Description

General Summary

As part of the education team, under the general direction of the Site Director, with support from the Teacher, the Teacher Assistant helps plan and participates in classroom, playground, and field trip activities. These activities are designed to foster or enhance all areas of the child's development.

Qualifications and Requirements:

Preschool Teacher Assistants

High school diploma or GED

Infant/Toddler Teacher Assistants

High school diploma or GED

All Teacher Assistants

• Proof of a physical examination within the last six months, which includes a tuberculosis test, MMR, TDAP
• Comply with other background checks as required by DCFS licensing standards
• Proof of Education per DCFS Licensing Standards
• Comply with La Escuelita Numero Dos, Inc Personal and Parent Handbook, Comply with DCFS Licensing standards for daycare centers.
• Have education or experience in collaborating with parents in the education of their children.
• Participate in La Escuelita Numero Dos, Inc New Staff Orientation

Essential Functions:

• Implement Creative Curriculum in the classroom
• With the teacher, guide and facilitate activities of the children, including: daily activities, field trips, selecting and arranging equipment 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 changes to meet the needs of the children
• Write weekly observations per assessment procedure
• Use home visits and parent conferences to discuss the child's individual development and progress, assist the parents in developing observational skills and solicit parent observations
• Eat with and assist children in development of social and self-help skills, and sound nutritional practices
• Guide children's acquisition of social skills
• Attend staff training and meetings, and parent meetings as requested
• Assist in providing and maintaining a safe and healthy developmentally appropriate environment
• Assist in conducting the daily health and environment checklist
• Assist in implementing children's I.E.P. (Individual Education Plan) seeking clarification for any aspects that are not well understood
• Assist in recruiting and orienting volunteers, providing them with guidance as needed
• Assist the teacher in the completion of required reports
• Assist, as requested, in transition activities
• Distribute newsletters, flyers, and other information to families as instructed by the Site Director
• Perform other duties, as may be required

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed in such a position.

Additional Requirements:

• Successful experience working in a team setting
• Ability to present a positive image of the organization to members of the community
• Ability to work with the Teacher to plan, organize and implement position responsibilities effectively, providing input
• Visual and auditory acuity within professionally determined normal ranges, with correction if need
• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate computer and office equipment, including, but not limited to, the telephone, fax machine, copier, and cd player
• Must be able to travel as required
• Must be able to enter and exit a vehicle without assistance, and withstand exposure to adverse weather conditions
• Must be able to lift 55 pounds
• Experience successfully working with a culturally diverse staff and families

Working Conditions:

• Possible exposure to blood and bodily fluids or tissues
• Possible exposure to communicable diseases
• Job requires standing for long periods of time, as well as stooping, squatting, and running; and
• A moderate amount of driving is required.

Requirements

• Must be able to work as team with all staff members
• Must appreciate cultural differences and respond to individual learning styles.
• 15 hours training in early childhood education per year
• First Aid/ CPR & First Aid Certifications (Required)
• Illinois Food Handler Certificate (Required)
• Illinois Gateway Membership (Required)
• Bilingual (Preferred)

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $14.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• Teaching: 1 year (Preferred)
• Childcare: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• CPR Certification (Preferred)
• Child Development Associate Certification (Preferred)

Work Location: In person