Teacher's Assistant

The UAH Early Learning Center blends best practices from early childhood education, child development, early childhood special education, and integrated therapy to give all children a firm foundation for their future. The learning environment is designed to promote and allow for multidimensional growth: socially, cognitively, physically, and emotionally. The selected candidate will be working within the RISE School, which strives to provide a curriculum that fosters self-confidence, self-esteem, independence and curiosity within an inclusive environment that brings together traditional learners and learners with exceptional needs.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Assist the lead teacher in your classroom in ensuring an appropriate classroom environment. The lead and teacher’s assistant will share instructional responsibilities, child supervision, and other classroom duties.
• Interact with the children during learning/free-choice time and gross motor time to facilitate children's play.
• Supervise and ensure the safety and well-being of children at all times, being alert for the needs and/or problems of the children as individuals and as a group.
• Assist the lead teacher in carrying out lesson plans.
• Maintain communication with families via telephone calls, email, daily notes, newsletters, and Brightwheel, and conduct parent conferences at designated times throughout the year.
• Help to document each child’s performance and progress with daily data records and yearly updated assessments, or earlier if necessary.
• Handle behavior promptly and in accordance with the stated school policy on behavior management. Notify the Director of any behavioral problems immediately.
• Adhere to all safety and sanitation requirements set forth in the Minimum Standards for Licensed Child-Care Centers; ensure that children are supervised and dressed appropriately. Adhere to guidelines for Accreditation by NAEYC. Be familiar with and follow all UAH & Rise Program Policies, CACFP/USDA, DHR, and NAEYC program criteria, and ADPH guidelines.
• Interact frequently with children; encourage the use of language and independent functioning using positive reinforcement.
• Promote "family style" meals.
• Assist with additional assessments of children as part of the assessment team, if needed for a student.
• Collaborate with the therapy team, if appropriate, on the development and implementation of IIPs.
• Facilitate integration of children with and without disabilities in the classroom.
• Assist with children's transition to the next classroom or educational setting.
• Utilize technology and adaptive equipment as appropriate.
• Assist with the training of college interns/volunteers.
• Attend conferences/workshops as required, staff planning, and evaluation meetings.
• Understand and use Alternative and Assistive Communication devices for individual children with the support of the Speech Therapist. Understand and use visual supports in the classroom.
• Treat parents with respect; direct parent concerns to the director and lead teacher; make parents feel welcome.
• Treat colleagues with respect; willingly communicate with team members, display a positive attitude; maintain confidentiality; keep the director and the lead teacher informed of special needs or problems of children or parents.
• Attend and assist with after-school special events & fundraisers for the UAH Early Learning Center.
• Perform routine duties and responsibilities on time; take initiative in recognizing what needs to be done and do it.
• Daily duties may include diaper changing, sterilizing/cleaning toys and equipment, assisting with children’s snacks/lunches/feeding, vacuuming/sweeping, mopping, laundry, washing dishes/utensils, and other general cleaning duties.
• Arrive on time for work, maintain good attendance; request leave following set policies and within the required amount of time (unless in an emergency situation).
• Perform other duties as assigned.