Early Childhood Learning Center Teacher Assistant

Description

Summary:

This position will assist and be responsible for the overall supervision and management of a group of up to 16 children between the ages of zero and six. The full-time teacher assistant will assist in the supervision of work study, part-time assistants, volunteers, parents and students in the absence of the lead teacher. Must be able to open (7:30 a.m. and/or close 5:30 p.m.) when needed.

Responsibilities:

The Teacher Assistant will assist and/or cover in the classroom when extra assistance is needed and be responsible to supervise and manage a group of up to 16 children between the ages of birth to 6 years old. The Teacher Assistant will be responsible for making sure that all children are taken outside, weather permitting, and that all individual children’s needs are met including diapering, feeding, interacting, and napping. These full-time assistant positions require that you supervise and mentor work study students and part time staff in the classroom.

Essential Duties

Teaching: Curriculum and Assessment:

• Assist in the supervision and implementation of a developmentally appropriate program of children in accordance with the policies and philosophy of the center.
• Assist in the planning and preparation of the learning environment, setting up centers, and preparing needed materials and supplies.
• Assist in meeting the needs of individual children with concerns for their interests, disabilities, special talents, and individual style and pace of learning.
• Consider individual children in relation to their gender, cultural and socio-economic background.
• Treat children with dignity and respect.
• Help children to become aware of their roles as integral members of a group.
• Knowledgeable in good teaching practices and of child growth and development.
• Maintain a safe, sanitary, and pleasant learning environment.
• Assist in joint housekeeping responsibilities.
• Supervise the classroom when the teacher is not available.
• Assist in the ongoing evaluation of the developmental levels of the children and the effectiveness of the center.
• Assist the teachers in any other appropriate ways.

Supervisory

• Responsible for the children in their care during the absence of the lead teacher; breaks, planning, days off, and after the teachers’ work day.
• Responsible for work study students, student teachers, and lab students when teacher and director are not available.

Partnerships

• Communicate regularly with the director and the lead teacher
• Share information with parents at pick-up
• Maintain positive relationships with children, co –workers, students and parents.
• Assist in public relations events sponsored by the center.

Center Operations

• Adhere to professional standards through professional development. Comply with extensive NAEYC criteria.

Health & Safety

• Be in good health as confirmed by a physician’s statement
• Provide proof of being tuberculosis free
• Current certification in CPR and First Aid
• Demonstrate knowledge and follow universal guidelines in health and safety protocol for example: hand washing, latex gloves comply with American Pediatric diaper changing procedures, appropriate disposal of body fluids, completing injury/biting reports, knowledge and consideration of children’s allergies and health issues daily.
• Recognize symptoms of communicable diseases and follow existing written procedures.
• Responsible for checking identification of adults picking up children from the center.
• Authorize a Central Registry screening background check and Fingerprinting for any record of allegations of child abuse, neglect or other concerning information
• Knowledge of emergency procedures and the ability to make sure all children and staff are cared for in the event of an emergency.

Other Essential Responsibilities:

• Other requirements as related by the licensing agency, including, but not limited to: obtaining required professional development education yearly.
• Maintain assigned working hours; notify the Director in the event of an absence.
• Maintenance of a neat and professional appearance.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Experience in early childhood education
• At least 18 years of age
• Sensitive and mature
• Relate well to both children and adults
• Be certified or ability to become certified in both CPR and First Aid
• Be willing to fulfill responsibilities in accordance with the Early Childhood Learning Center’s Philosophy
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Ability to effectively organize and prioritize assigned work
• Must agree to background check that reveals no allegations of child abuse or neglect; consent to fingerprinting
• Proof of being tuberculosis free
• Demonstrated knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices, nutrition, and health
• Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to follow universal guidelines in health and safety protocol. For example: hand washing and sanitizer, latex gloves, appropriate disposal of body fluids, administering and recording medication, filing injury reports, posting records of each child’s allergies and considering those allergies in daily operations.

Desired Qualifications:

• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or relevant field or a Child Development Credential (CDA) or enrolled in course work towards an education degree

Supplemental Information

Typical work environment is a classroom, kitchen, and office setting requiring normal to advanced safety precautions. Work is usually performed during the normal workday however, occasional early morning, late evening and weekend work may be required. This position will work closely with children, so extra safety precautions will be required. This position is frequently exposed to bodily fluids (excrement when changing diapers or toilet accidents, blood due to scrapes and other injury, and exposure to mouth and nose fluids when wiping/cleaning nose & mouth/face). Frequent periods of time will be spent outdoors supervising children on the playground in various weather conditions. Occasional traveling between campus buildings and between schools in various weather conditions.

Physical Demands:

Employee is regularly required to sit, speak, hear, stoop, crouch, use hands and fingers to handle materials and use computer, feel, and reach/lift with hands and arms. Frequent lifting/carrying of up to 30 pounds will be required (picking children up, etc.).Less frequent lifting/carrying of up to 50 pounds may be required (office supplies, paper boxes, small children etc…). This position requires a lot of movement, due to working with children.

• Complete online application
• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Contact information for three work-related references
• Copies of unofficial transcripts

• Employment contingent upon successful background check
• Official transcripts required upon hire
• This is a full-time, benefited, 9-month position

Disclaimer: The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list and the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands.

Remote Work Eligibility:

Unless otherwise noted, all positions provide vital support to Casper College and require the successful candidate be available to work on location at the Casper College campus.