Teaching Assistant Apprentice Reports to: Nourish Administrator

Job Description: Teaching Assistant Apprentice
Reports to: Nourish Administrator

About the Position

Nourish Early Learning is looking for qualified assistants and substitutes who are a pivotal part of our team, assisting the leads in teaching and supervising while also motivating the children to use their mental capacities and exercise their imagination. Early learning is a unique time in development and our desire is to support children in expanding their independence while building further curiosity and deeper understanding of the world around them. Our substitutes are on call and also float around the building, helping our educators carry out their routines of the day.

You would be a wonderful if:

• You have a deep love of children, the way their minds work and the magic they create

• You connect with young children quickly through a wide range of methods (stories, media, indoor or outdoor games, drawing, etc)

• You are courageous in silliness, sustain high energy levels, and have some dance moves

• You recognize children's intuitive need for individualization, and meet this need with connection on their level

• You are attuned to your surroundings and can recognize the most important need of your lead teacher in the moment, both methodical and creative

• You would rather ask than assume, and you understand that open and honest communication can move a class forward

• You want to support a lead teacher by reading and assisting in the execution of lesson plans

• You are looking to learn about child development, assisting with ideas towards the vision of the classroom and the individual needs of each child

• You calmly approach children who may be using unsafe behavior by speaking to them on their level and using age-appropriate, respectful language and tone

• You love to be empowered to come into work better the next day, knowing you use your best judgement to make decisions without constantly seeking permission

• You want to connect with parents in the community and want to encourage their involvement in the classroom

• You are proactive and willing to be coached

• You see a 2-5 minute job and think “yes, that is something I can and will complete!” (includes, but not limited to: taking out the trash, wiping down tables, filling water cups, changing toilet paper, sweeping the floor)

• You want to be a part of loving community of co-workers who support each other’s growth and mutually respect each other’s well-beings

• You love the question “how can I help you today?”

• You are patient, flexible and kind

Responsibilities

As an assistant teacher in a classroom, you will be responsible for (but not limited to):

• Maintaining positive relationships among children, teachers, parents, and community.

• Assist the teacher in planning and implementing a curriculum that is developmentally appropriate and meets the state standards and the stated philosophy of Nourish Early Learning.

• Maintain a Christian atmosphere in the school, devoting a portion of each session to the direct, daily teaching of Bible Truths in a way that is appropriate to the developmental level of the children.

• Assist the teacher in planning and implementing appropriate field trips.

• Responsibly supervise discipline and safety of the school’s children during school hours maintaining ratios and ensuring no child is left unattended.

• Promote and encourage parental involvement in Nourish activities.

• Assist the teacher in keeping parents informed as to the progress and/or needs of their child(ren).

• Designing and following a full schedule of activities and discover suitable teaching material

• Balancing your teaching between logical and social exercises

• Providing basic care and caregiving activities

• Using a wide range of teaching methods (stories, media, indoor or outdoor games, drawing etc) to enhance the child’s abilities

• Evaluating children’s performance to make sure they are on the right learning track

• Remaining in constant communication with parents and update them on the progress of their children

• Observing children’s interactions and promote the spirit of concord

• Identifying behavioral problems and determining the right course of action

• Collaborating with other colleagues

• Adhering with teaching standards and safety regulations as established by the official sources-i.e. ODJFS

• Maintaining a safe and clean environment for children to thrive

Requirements

The requirements for this position include:

• Proven experience as a child care / daycare teacher, a plus

• Knowledge of child development and up-to-date education methods

• Methodical and creative mindset

• Patience, flexibility and love for children

• Strong communication and time management skills

• Certificate in first aid and CPR

• High School Diploma

• Degree in early childhood education, a plus

• FBI & BCII background checks complete

• Medical affirmation of physical work