Assistant Teacher

Position Overview

The Assistant Teacher will assist with classroom preparation, routines, documentation of child development, and implementation of child-related or family engagement activities. The Assistant Teacher will also provide coverage for classrooms in cases of absences and provide release time for Plan Time and other required meetings. The Assistant Teacher supports the teaching team to ensure that the education program is developmentally appropriate and meets the individual needs of the children as mandated by Office of Head Start, Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, Wisconsin’s quality rating and improvement system, YoungStar, and Next Door policies and procedures. 

Responsibilities/Duties/Functions/Tasks  

• Assists classroom staff in maintaining a safe, clean and healthy work environment.
• Assists in the compliance of Head Start Performance Standards, Licensing requirements, policies, procedures and guidelines in the day-to-day operation of the classroom. 
• Assists in the supervision and management of children in the classroom.
• Models appropriate behavior and interacts in a positive, friendly and courteous manner with children, staff, families and community volunteers in order to build and foster responsive relationships.
• Collects in-kind using take-home activities, field trips, and etc. 

Accountability and Performance Requirement

• All staff members are accountable for knowing and performing the responsibilities associated with their individual position in an efficient and effective manner, understanding that each of us plays an integral role in the success of our mission.  All staff will support the agency mission, vision, standards of conduct/code of ethics and strategic directions and support administrative decisions.  This must demonstrated by maintaining a positive work environment, and by behaving and communicating in an appropriate manner with children, families, coworkers, supervisors and the public while achieving performance expectations.  

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or High School Equivalency GED.
• Introduction to Childcare Profession, Fundamentals, and Skills and Strategies. 

Special Position Requirements

• Teacher must have a basic understanding of how children develop and learn.    

Preferences

• Infant Toddler Credential, Preschool Credential, or 3 credits in early childhood preferred.
   
  Safety and Health 

Next Door is committed to providing a safe work environment and to fostering the well-being and health of its employees. An essential part of each employees’ job is the development of safe working practices and the observance of safety rules, including:

• Following safety warnings and directions at all times.
• Using personal safety devices when required.
• Reporting any unsafe conditions to supervisor.
• Following process for reporting suspected child abuse and neglect.
• Reporting unsupervised children, after ensuring child’s safety.
• Implement active supervision practices at all times, including transition times.
• Ensure knowledge of each assigned child’s location at all times.
• Ensure medication is stored according to licensing regulations (DCF 251) and Next Door policies and procedures.

Physical Demands     

• Primarily active work; occasionally lifting, holding or moving up to 50 lbs.
• A biannual physical exam, drug screen and TB test are required as a condition of initial employment and continued employment. 

Physical Activity        

• Bending, stooping, kneeling, sitting on the floor, walking/transporting, handling, feeling reaching, climbing, balancing, crouching, crawling, talking and speaking clearly, hearing conversation level, smelling, and seeing; ability to interact daily with children outdoors in varied weather condition.

 Work Environment 

• Mainly classroom setting and travel to various sites for meetings and/or trainings.     

Personal/Physiological 

• Ability to make frequent, significant decisions to understand and react to the employees and candidates. 
• Ability to respond quickly and competently to an emergency or crisis situation in order to keep children and staff safe.