Position Description

The Teacher Assistant will be responsible for developing a cohesive teaching team, to effectively assist teachers during the delivery of lesson plans, individualization and the implementation of the Curriculum and assist on the day-to-day operational activities. S/he will begin to understand children’s cognitive, social, emotional and physical development in order to ensure a safe and stimulating classroom environment where children are actively engaged and encouraged to succeed. S/he will assist with the incorporation of Conscious Discipline within the daily routines. S/he will assist the teaching team in providing a safe and secure environment where children feel comfortable and a sense of belonging that aligns with Olive Tree Values, Policies & Procedures and DHS regulations. S/he must be skilled in communicating with both children and adults in order to meet the needs of the children and to effectively work with the teaching teams. S/he will perform teachers duties during teachers absences. S/he will participate in the professional development plan to maintain continuing education as required for Olive Tree and The State of Tennessee.

This position reports to Olive Tree Early Learning Academy’s Director of Curriculum and Learning.

 Job Responsibilities 

• Effectively work with infants, toddlers, and/or preschoolers. 
• Effectively collaborate with other staff members daily
• Document and verify that each child has been signed in/out for the day
• Utilize positive communication methods with parents during pick-up and drop-off.
• Assist teaching teams with the implementation of the Creative Curriculum & TS-GOLD Assessment into classroom activities and lesson plans with training & support.
• Incorporate Conscious Discipline as an effective classroom management strategy within daily classroom procedures with training & support
• Maintain classroom interest centers that align with the Creative Curriculum and TS-GOLD Assessment and promote children’s curiosity and age-appropriate development 
• Clean up classroom before and after breakfast, snacks, lunches, class parties, and other activities
• Delivering the food to the classrooms from kitchen
• Prepare and distribute disinfectant solution every morning and discard it every afternoon
• Tend to children’s personal hygiene needs, including but not limited to changing diapers, assisting with toilet training, assisting hand washing, etc.
• Respond quickly to the needs of children who display distress or discomfort 
• Assist with the integration of children with special needs in a positive supporting and respectful manner
• Maintain a positive, calm attitude and a calm tone of voice, and model this attitude and voice to parents and others working at Olive Tree
• Attend professional development and staff meetings as required by Olive Tree
• Attend annual Open House & parent/teacher conferences and provide parents of each child with results from student assessments/evaluations, overall development, and classwork samples

Additional Knowledge and Skills Required

• Dedication and commitment to the mission and values of Olive Tree Early Learning Academy and The Restoration House.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Experience working in a childcare or other educational setting
• Have a flexible schedule

Essential Functions

• Able to observe, see, hear, and respond to children’s and staff’s needs, emergencies, and conflicts that might occur in a classroom on the playground, in the restroom, and in common areas.
• Able to lift 30-40 lbs from the floor to a waist high table 10-15 times a day.
• Able to crouch, bend or stoop to a child’s height, maintain eye contact at a child’s level, sit on the floor, and stand tall enough to reach children on the highest piece of equipment.
• Able to effectively handle the stress, tension, and exasperation that contact with children/parents from diverse backgrounds may bring.

• CPR
• ECE Associate or CDA
• Infant Mental Health Endorsement
• Experience working with low income families
• Be comfortable with the use of technology

Employment Type

Hourly, Non-Exempt (20-30hrs per week)

Schedule may require duties begin as early as 6:30am and end as late as 6:30pm

Wage Range

Benefits include

• Paid time off including vacation, sick days, paid holidays, self-care days
• Paid individual professional development up to $600 per year
• Reimbursement for individual therapy sessions up to $500 per year