Preschool Teaching Assistant

Position: Dutilh Preschool Teaching Assistant

Appointment Authority: Staff Parish Relations Committee

Staff Classification: Part Time – Hourly

Position Reports To: Dutilh Preschool Director

Term: 3.75 hours per day (Late August – May) Monday through Friday

Salary: Pay starts at $15.00 per hour and will be commensurate with experience

The Preschool Teacher Assistant provides support to the Dutilh Preschool Teacher and keeps an open line of communication with the teacher and director. The Teacher Assistant implements the curriculum and sets up the classroom according to the teacher’s lesson plans. The Teacher Assistant follows the lesson plans as directed and supports the children (ages 3 to 5)and the teacher in any way necessary.

Overall Responsibilities

· Prepare activities as requested by your teacher. This may include but is not limited to gathering needed supplies from the supply room or the Director’s office, refilling paints, organizing toys and supplies, cutting out or hanging items, making copies, filing, etc. Please ask the teacher for guidance.

· Supervise children and assist in their needs. The children should always come first. Bend down to make eye contact with them. Refrain from talking about a child to a teacher, parents, or anyone else while the child is present. Respect the children’s feelings.

· Assist the teacher in positive behavior management practices and discipline when needed. Follow the teacher’s procedures and support as needed.

· Be accountable to the teacher and the Director. Inform them both when using personal days. You are responsible for finding your own substitute.

· Be responsible for teaching the class during the teacher’s absence. A substitute will do your duties for the day.

Primary Responsibilities

· Be responsible for the classroom:

o Set up and clean daily. Ask the teacher for guidance.

o Keep rooms safe (check for broken toys, uncovered wall plugs, large items on high shelves, etc.).

o Be aware of fire hazards. Do not block fire extinguishers with artwork or other supplies.

o Report unsafe toys or areas to the teacher and the Director.

o Keep the rooms clean throughout the day, which may include, but may not be limited to: organize shelves, wash out paint brushes, wipe tables with disinfectant before and after snack, return items to proper places, sweep floor, etc.

o Assist children in hygiene practices by helping them wash their hands, cleaning toys after use, etc.

· Attend school-sponsored events.

· Attend staff meetings and other events for professional development.

· Assist with taking children to the bathroom.

o Supervise flushing, hand washing, and paper towel use.

o Make sure bathrooms and sinks are orderly and clean during the day.

o Do not have children use the bathroom at dismissal time (the child may be dismissed early and then can go with the parent).

o We are not licensed for diapering or bottom wiping. If a child has an accident, dry clothes are stored in the classrooms or in their backpacks. They need to change themselves.

o After a child has pulled up their own pants, you may assist in fastening (button, snap, zip) a child’s pants but only in the presence of another adult.

· Help encourage good hygiene.

o Be aware of runny noses, toys in mouth, and other bodily fluids. Have children wash hands frequently and use sanitizing gel in the classroom.

o Encourage children to sneeze or cough into their elbows, not their hands.

o Encourage tissue use.

· Remember that no child may leave the room without telling the teacher or yourself.

· Be aware of the security system and, with your teacher, be sure that it is being utilized properly.

· Count the children every chance you get. Watch doorways, be aware of who is washing hands or using the bathroom, especially during arrival, dismissal, and when changing classrooms.

· Never leave a child unattended.

· When walking with a class of children, keep an adult at the front of the line and at the back of the line for safety purposes.

· During field trips, take a first aid kit and a class list with contact information. The children cannot leave the school property without parent and Director permission.

· Children can only be dismissed to the people listed in writing on their Release form. There should be no exceptions. If a parent needs to add someone to the list, have the parent write a separate letter that will be kept in the child’s file. If someone other than the person who typically picks up a child is picking up at dismissal, make sure we have it in writing that we can release the child to them, and they must show you their Driver’s License.

· Report all injuries to the parents and the Director. Record the injury and the treatment given on an injury report form. Parents must receive a copy, and a copy must be placed in the child’s file in the Director’s office.

· Report any needed supplies, equipment, or repairs to the teacher and the Director.

· Direct all parents’ questions regarding development and academic performance of the child to the teacher.

· Be aware of allergies or other special needs within your classroom.

· Read the parent handbook, know the school policies, and follow them.

· Be confidential with all information shared. Do not discuss children or their needs with others outside of school.

Qualifications

· Be an active, committed follower of Jesus Christ.

· Experience assisting teachers of preschool age children.

· Experience in setting up the classroom and following preschool lesson plans.

· Ability to communicate and interact with other aides, teachers, the director, and parents of preschool children.

· PA Act 33 and 34 clearances and FBI fingerprinting clearances.