Assistant Preschool Teacher

About This Role

We're seeking a dedicated and caring Teacher Assistant to join our team at Bristol Child Development Center. Our center is a non-profit child care agency that serves infants through preschoolers, and we're accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). We're looking for someone who is passionate about early childhood education and is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for our children. As a Teacher Assistant, you will work closely with our lead teacher to develop and implement lesson plans that meet the unique needs of each child.

What You'll Do

• Assists & supports teacher in designing and implementing indoor and outdoor learning environments that engage the total development of each child while addressing the individual needs of the children in the group
• Participates in team-teaching approach within the classroom by collaborating in developing and implementing lesson plans along with documenting children's development and growth.
• Shares responsibility with the teacher in maintaining written records designed to evaluate each individual child as well as the class as a whole.
• Create a pleasant, inviting classroom atmosphere in which children feel comfortable and secure.
• Works with staff, parents, and other professionals to integrate services to benefit the child.
• Encourage parental involvement in the program.
• Assist in maintaining parent contacts through progress reports, parent conferences, daily and weekly classroom reporting methods, newsletters, and personal contact.
• Assists & supports teacher in planning individual and group activities to stimulate growth in all areas of development.
• Physically able and willing to interact with children in the indoor and outdoor environment.
• Ensure the safety of children through constant supervision, effective arrangement of space, proper maintenance of equipment.
• Maintain an open, friendly, and cooperative relationship with each child and each child's family.
• Contribute to the operation of the center by participating in staff meetings and sharing information gained through attendance at workshops and professional development.
• Report issues and/or incidents concerning children, parents or staff to the administrative staff.
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality.
• Follows the centers abuse and neglect policy for reporting suspected abuse.
• Shares responsibility with the teacher in evaluating the needs and progress of children using methods of developmental assessments and screening including, but not limited to, cognitive development assessments, observations, and anecdotal records to implement educational plans during the year.
• Works in conjunction with the teacher and consultants to provide educational instructions within the classroom.
• Acts as a role model to other staff promoting a harmonious environment for staff and children.
• In collaboration with the administrative team assist in setting program goals and strategic planning.
• In the absence of the teacher, assume designated responsibilities as assigned.
• Maintain a healthy and safe learning environment for children following DPH & NAEYC guidelines.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Educational Qualifications

Minimum of a Child Development Credential (CDA) and at least 12 credits in Early Childhood Education or an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education or a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field with a minimum of 12 credits in Early Childhood Education.

Experience and Training

• First Aid and CPR certification or willingness to complete required courses
• Medication and Epi-pen certification or willingness to complete required training
• At least one year of experience in an early childhood setting.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Must be able to lift 40 lbs.
• Must be energetic and physically agile. Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, pushing light objects, and lifting children.
• Ability to work in a center environment, actively participate in physical activities with children.
• Vision and hearing corrected to normal
• Must be able to communicate fluently in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to work with parents, staff and community.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise good judgment in situations and flexibility in accommodating individual needs/skills for each child.

Other Requirements:

• Statement of good health from personal physician including documentation of a negative tuberculosis test.
• Required to undergo a criminal and Department of Children and Families background check per the Office of Early Childhood's state licensing requirements.

Nice to Have

Medication and Epi-pen certification or willingness to complete required training

First Aid and CPR certification or willingness to complete required courses

Associates Degree in ECE or related field

Benefits

• We offer excellent benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, paid holidays, 401K, and short/long term disability and are an equal opportunity employer.

About Bristol Child Development Center

Bristol Child Development Center began in preschool education in 1971, we serve over 200 students, ages 12 weeks through 12 years of age in two locations: 291 Burlington Avenue, and 339 West Street, Bristol, Connecticut. We are a non-profit organization licensed by the State of Connecticut, Office of Early Childhood and receive School Readiness and Child Day Care Funding. We are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. BCDC is a full year educationally based program our mission is to provide early care and education to children to assist in their healthy, emotional, social, mental and physical development for lifelong learning.

Our program is based upon the premise that each child has the inherent right to develop the skills necessary to be a life-long learner. The Early Childhood Program stimulates thinking and expression, exploration, and curiosity. We believe every child is unique in terms of life experiences, developmental readiness, and cultural heritage. We value the partnership between school and home as it provides for a better understanding and increased knowledge of the child's educational goals, development, and activities. The foremost task of Bristol Child Development Center, Inc. program is to promote optimum development of a healthy self-concept in each child.

Salary : $19 - $21