EC Pre-K Teacher Assistant

POSITION DESCRIPTION

 POSITION PURPOSE:

The EC Pre-K Teacher Assistant performs a wide range and variety of technical and clerical tasks in assisting the teacher. These duties include tasks that support the efforts of the teacher in meeting the needs of all students. Examples of duties of an EC Pre-K Teacher Assistant may include, but are not limited to assisting the teacher with quality instruction for all students, providing one-on-one assistance regarding classroom management, leading small group activities, assisting exceptional children in the Pre-K classroom, and assisting the teacher with general housekeeping and clerical duties as needed. All duties listed under “Essential Duties” are at the request of, or under the direction of, the teacher to whom the Pre-K Teacher Assistant is assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Working knowledge of effective methods of dealing with children.
• Working knowledge of the core subjects at the grade level or chronologically, the age at which employment assignment is given.
• General knowledge of the school organization and community.
• General knowledge of the expected behavior of children based on their chronological age.
• Ability to comprehend the purpose of teacher-designed strategies as a fulfillment of the instructional objectives.
• Ability to discern significant student behaviors and refer them to the supervisor.
• Ability to impart information to the child’s level of comprehension.
• Ability to apply impartially and consistently proper methods of recognition, reward, and punishment.
• Ability to solve most minor problems independently.
• Ability to follow minimally detailed written and oral instructions without constant supervision.
• Ability to record and store data accurately.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of student information.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• Associate Degree in Early Childhood or Credentials I and II
• 48 hours of college or university credit or two years of supervised experience in a licensed child care facility.
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess a valid driver’s license issued by the NC Department of Motor Vehicles

• If assigned as an assistant working with Emotionally Disabled students, the EC Teacher Assistant is required to become initially certified in a Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) program and maintain that certification through the proper renewal process (adhering to all timelines)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Two (2) to five (5) years serving as a classroom Pre-K Teacher Assistant in a licensed childcare facility.
• Training in assisting students with special needs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
    1. Assist the classroom teacher with performing specific duties assigned or undertaking specialized tasks to achieve and enhance instructional and behavioral objectives
    2. Work with individuals, small groups, or large groups as assigned by the teacher
    3. Assist with behavior modifications as requested by the teacher
    4. Lift, move, and operate adaptive equipment
    5. Assist students with personal care tasks, including but not limited to lavatory, clothing, hygiene, diapering, toileting, and wash-up routines
    6. Escort students as assigned by the teacher or administrator
    7. Assist students with mobility needs such as lifting and positioning students, lifting in and out of wheelchairs, loading and unloading on/off the bus, transporting students in and around the school, and on field trips
    8. Monitor students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments to maintain a safe and positive learning environment
    9. Provide programmed practice activities and repetitions as developed by the teacher, therapist, or pathologist
   10. Report student concerns directly and expeditiously to the teacher and assist with

student resolution
    11. Assist with breakfast, lunch, and snack, including clean-up
    12. Maintain various confidential records and files
    13. Participate in staff development activities as directed by the Department for Exceptional Children
    14. Perform additional duties as requested by the teacher, principal, or District EC Staff

Pre-Kindergarten Classes
         1.  Assist teacher with setting up the room for morning activities; greet students; assist students with the placement of                belongings; may be asked to supervise morning activities
         2. Supplement the activities of the teacher; reinforce learning in small groups; provide one-on-one individual                            assistance; supervise Centers; participate in activities for children with special needs; assist students with                               independent projects; listen to students; read stories
         3. Constantly monitor the behavior of the students and employ strategies as necessary to protect students from injury;               reward good behavior; respond to inappropriate behavior as instructed by the teacher; supervise play time and                       situations where the classroom teacher is out of the room
         4. Give approved medications; assist sick or hurt children; contact parents, if necessary, as directed by the teacher
         5. Prepare letters for parents, informing them of classroom activities as directed by the teacher

Therapeutic Settings/ 1:1 Behavioral Support

       1. Assist teacher with setting up the room for activities; greet students; assist students with belongings; supervise                     activities

       2. Reinforce learning in small groups; provide one-on-one individual assistance; supervise Centers; assist students with               independent projects; listen to students; read stories

       3. Constantly monitor the behavior of the students and employ strategies as necessary to mitigate behavioral issues;                   reward good behavior; respond to inappropriate behavior as instructed by the teacher; supervise play time and                       situations where the classroom teacher is out of the room

       4. Monitor the administration of medication

       5. Collaborate with the teacher to incorporate information provided by parents, doctors, nurses, therapists, and                             counselors to understand the needs of and provide appropriate services for students

       6. Perform general housekeeping duties, i.e., set up various equipment each morning; put equipment away at the end of            the day; wash mats, toys, equipment, etc. with antibacterial soap/Clorox; perform repair and maintenance tasks                    related to school and student equipment

      7. Coordinate with teachers, bus drivers, administrators, and other assistants as directed by the teacher

      8. Engage in CPI techniques as a last resort to maintain the safety and security of the student and others

WORKING CONDITIONS
PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is considered medium physical work requiring the exertion of up to 50 pounds of force. Position entails significant walking, bending, standing, stooping, and possible interventions in order to maintain a safe learning environment. Assignment may require the ability to physically move students or equipment, position students in specialized equipment, change diapers as needed, and/or perform skilled nursing procedures. (e.g., feeding tubes)

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Employees in this position are required to work in indoor and outdoor environments and come into direct contact with OCS staff, students, and the public.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The following signatures acknowledge that the supervisor has verified the accuracy of the position description, has discussed position requirements with the employee, and has advised the employee of work performance expectations

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position. They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills that may be required of the employees assigned to this position. This description may be revised by the supervisor, with HR review and approval, at any time.