Assistant Teacher

Job Summary
The Assistant Teacher works with the classroom team to implement the education curriculum including individual assessment and planning for Head Start and Community Development sponsored children.

Minimum Qualifications: Preschool CDA, enrolled in program that will lead to an associates or baccalaureate degree, or are enrolled in a Preschool CDA program to be completed within two years from date of hire. Job requires traveling within area served by the program. Must have valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.

Essential Duties:

• Communicates with children in a positive manner, providing a supportive social and emotional climate.
• Maintains control of the classroom group situation.
• Takes time to listen to children and is sensitive to their needs.
• Uses guidance and redirection to help children deal with anger and challenging behaviors.
• Provides an environment of acceptance and enhances children's understanding of themselves as individuals.
• Models developmentally appropriate practices.
• Use positive methods of child guidance and will not engage in corporal punishment, emotional, or physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, or humiliation.

No use of methods of discipline that involve isolation, the use of food as punishment or reward, or the denial of basic are not permitted under any circumstances. This includes: physical restraint, hitting, kicking, shaking, grabbing, pushing, pulling, lifting, dragging, jerking, swatting, twisting, squeezing, flicking/plucking, slapping, spanking, pinching, punching, scratching, biting, and any other physical force that intends or results in harm.

• Makes at least two home visits and facilitates two parent/teacher conferences per year. Works within a team to inform and involve parents in their child's educational program.
• Provides and prepares for parent involvement in the classroom.
• Assists the Head Teacher in planning and scheduling classroom activities and field trips.
• Ensures that on-going communication exists between home and the Center.
• Works with teacher, aides, interns, and parent volunteers as a team member.
• Assists and supports new staff members and promote positive staff morale.
• Works with children with special needs in an inclusive setting.

Assists in the implementation and adheres to Head Start Performance Standards, specifically 1304 and OCFS Regulations.

• Promotes teamwork among all staff.
• Maintains a professional and positive attitude.
• Participates in workshops, in-service training, and regular staff meetings. Shares appropriate information.
• Uses feedback from CLASS observations to improve classroom environment. Develops action plans when needed.
• Actively seeks staff resources and reads information in early childhood education.
• Works within a team to conduct a comprehensive child development program.
• Participates as a member of a sub-committee of the Head Start Policy Council. Participates in Agency events and other community affairs as requested.
• Contributes to the development of the children's individual education plans by observing, recording, and assessing behavior of assigned children in morning and afternoon sessions. Maintains accurate, confidential, and prompt documentation.
• Plans and implements activities which address curriculum goals.
• Plans a balance of teacher-directed and child-initiated activities.
• Responsible for the health and safety of children. Assists in filing accident reports and incident reports in a timely manner.
• Prepares for and participates in case conferencing, parent/teacher conferences, team meetings, and all sites meetings.
• Uses the Creative Curriculum to assist in creating and maintaining a classroom environment that meets the developmental needs of children and encourages their independence.
• Assists in the care and inventory of classroom equipment. Requisitions supplies as needed.
• Contributes to the creation of a classroom newsletter.
• Integrates health and nutrition activities into the daily program.
• Nurtures children’s social/emotional development by integrating the importance of feelings into the education curriculum and teaching strategies from the Second Step curriculum.
• Attends one Family Engagement Event and serves on one committee.
• Implements Conscious Discipline and Pyramid Model techniques into the classroom to address social/emotional needs of children.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $16.76 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person