Early Childhood Education Teaching Assistant 26/27 SY

Creative Minds International Public Charter School is a unique and dynamic working environment with a respectful and positive school culture. We offer a highly-engaging, international curriculum with project- and arts-based activities with an emphasis in STEAM that foster creativity, self-motivation, social and emotional development, and academic excellence.

Position Summary

Early Childhood Education Teaching Assistants at Creative Minds International provide an inviting, exciting learning environment for students. Under the direction of Early Childhood and Elementary Directors and Principals, Early Childhood Education Teaching Assistants assist with supervision and instruction of children in a classroom setting, supporting student engagement in meaningful learning opportunities.

Key Responsibilities Instructional Support

• Support implementation of International Curriculum and Common Core State Standards-based goals and objectives in small group instruction
• Reinforce clear objectives for all lessons, units, projects, and assessments
• Support classroom teachers in meeting the needs, interests, and abilities of all students, including students with disabilities, EL students, and those who are gifted and talented
• Draw on content from CMI professional development to reinforce student learning, promote social-emotional development, and contribute to a positive school culture
• Support the use of a variety of instructional materials, resources, and experiences to enrich student learning
• Incorporate technology into instruction

Student Observation & Assessment

• Support observations of students and take anecdotal notes to inform planning in the arrangement of small groups, classroom setup, integration of student interests, and subsequent assessments
• Enhance student progress through informal student evaluations
• Use appropriate techniques and strategies that promote and enhance creative problem-solving and evaluative thinking
• Collaborate with teachers to provide educational opportunities that reflect an understanding of students' unique sensory and information processing profiles

Communication & Documentation

• Perform record-keeping and clerical functions (e.g., scheduling, copying) in support of the teacher and/or administrator
• Provide verbal feedback and/or written documentation to inform teachers and/or parents of students
• Work with teachers to support the progress of individual students
• Establish positive relationships with colleagues, students, families, and the community that reflect recognition of and respect for every individual

Classroom & School Community

• Prepare and organize classroom materials and equipment
• Provide flexible classroom coverage in response to staffing or scheduling needs
• Ensure compliance with school rules, policies, and safety procedures
• Maintain composure and empathy when working with students who may be struggling
• Use effective, positive, and respectful interpersonal communication skills
• Attend required professional development
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications Required

• High school diploma required; Bachelor's degree preferred
• One year of previous experience working with school-age children required; experience with students with special needs preferred
• Demonstrated ability and experience engaging the interest of school-age children
• Prior experience in a public or private school, preferably in an urban setting
• Demonstrated ability to work well with parents and as an effective team member
• Patience, flexibility, and a willingness to take risks
• Experience working with linguistically and ethnically diverse student populations and children with developmental differences
• Demonstrated commitment to professional growth and the well-being and success of all students
• Excellent communication skills

Preferred

• Valid Child Development Associate (CDA) certification
• Consistent reflection on one's own teaching practices

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and talk or hear
• Must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds