Division: Student Support and Engagement

Department: Childcare and Development

Reports to: Director of Childcare and Training

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Hours: Monday to Thursday, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Job Title

Part-time Childcare Teacher Assistant (Evening)

Definition

The Part-time Childcare Teacher Assistant is responsible for the daily care, learning, supervision, and safety of the children enrolled in the Childcare and Development program at The Next Step Public Charter School. The childcare teacher assistant works as part of a team led by the director of childcare and training and assists the lead teacher in preparing structured lesson plans and activities that will stimulate and educate children to help them reach developmental milestones. The childcare teacher assistant is also responsible for reporting the progress of the children enrolled in the program, building and maintaining relationships with parents to promote and teach new skills and healthy practices. The individual in this role will implement activities designed to develop a range of social, cognitive, and/or motor skills for individuals and groups of children, manage various aspects of the classroom and attain specific learning and developmental outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Implement program operating policies
• Supervise children in play and education activities in a safe manner
• Sign in and check out children to parents and guardians
• Complete child safety check upon receiving a child and document important information
• Document and report any incidents that may occur in the classroom with parents, children, and staff
• Assist the lead teacher with curriculum and lesson plans for children, ensuring it is appropriate at age and developmental levels
• Assess, document, and provide for the children’s physical needs, including but not limited to holding, rocking, cleaning, diaper changing, toilet assistance, clothing, feeding and nap, and rest supervision; assist children with the development of self-help skills
• Implement department goals, objectives, and curriculum
• Promote a program that is inclusive of limited English proficiency children, children with disabilities, and children who are classified as homeless
• Collaborate with other staff in developing plans for activities and strategize on program development and implementation weekly
• Involve parents and families in children’s activities; provide information and referral services as needed
• Ensure parent involvement and awareness in program planning through regular open communications, center parent meetings, monthly newsletters, and parent conferences three during the school year.
• Involve parents in the classroom in meaningful ways, which demonstrates the belief that parents are the principal influencers on their children's education and development.
• Assist the lead teacher with child's evaluation, individual child developmental plans, parent/teacher conferences, and make appropriate referrals when necessary.
• Promote engagement in positive parent/child relationships, families as learners, family engagement in transitions, family connection to peers and community, family well-being, and families as advocates and leaders
• Ensure records on children and families are current, complete, and confidential.
• Uphold a departmental culture that centers on parent/child relationships, families as lifelong educators, families as learners, family connection to peers and community, family well-being, and families as advocates and leaders.
• Actively participate in meetings, conferences, in-service training, and parent engagement activities.
• Demonstrate a willingness to accept supervision and coaching to improve work performance
• Seek out various professional opportunities to improve and master skills

Major Areas of Accountability

• Adheres to, implements, and performs within the federal legislation that mandates child protective services and reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect
• Understands and maintains the continuing education requirements per the Council for Professional Recognition and National Association for the Education of Young Children competency standards
• Adheres to, implements, and performs within standards set forth by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
• Documentation of any incidents occurring with children, parents, and staff that need to be reported to Supervisors

Education and Training

• High School Diploma plus a Child Development Associate (CDA) Certification in infants and toddlers (Required); Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, Child Development, Early Childhood Special Education, or a related field (Preferred)
• At least two years of experience in an early childhood setting and demonstrated capacity to plan classroom activities, observe children’s behaviors, and maintain educational records.
• Current first aid and CPR card
• Experience in a multi-age classroom setting
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to speak, read, and write in English
• Strong writing and communication skills
• Experience working with parents and conducting training for a variety of audiences
• Demonstrate the ability to work ethically according to professional and organizational values.
• Maintain compliance for health, safety, and early childhood licensing
• Foster a sense of community by encouraging interaction, empathy, connectedness, responsibility, and independence
• Demonstrate the ability to seek feedback to assist with continuous self-development actively; take responsibility for setting up opportunities for own learning; accurately identify own development needs

General responsibilities of all staff members

As a member of The Next Step staff, this position also involves the following:

• Fully embrace and promote The Next Step's mission, vision, and values
• Develop and maintain positive and supportive relationships with all students
• Consistently implement school-wide expectations in classrooms and common areas
• Participate actively in special events, including field trips, community days, college tours, graduations, etc.
• Work cooperatively with colleagues to develop and implement effective and relevant policies
• Adhere to school policies as described in the personnel manual and/or staff handbook
• Reflect upon performance, set goals for improvement, and take advantage of training opportunities to learn and implement effective strategies.
• Participate in assessment administration as needed throughout the school year
• Participate in staff meetings, weekly welcoming morning meetings, and any other meetings assigned in relation to the position
• Maintain organized, clean, and inviting work area
• Any other duties as assigned

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $20.00 per hour

Schedule:

• 4 hour shift

Experience:

• Childcare Center or Childcare Program: 2 years (Preferred)
• Childcare: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Child Development Associate Certification (Preferred)

Work Location: In person