What are the responsibilities and job description for the EC Teacher Assistant -FT position at YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago?
The Head Start Assistant Teacher collaborates with the Lead Teacher to provide support in effective instructional strategies, classroom
management, learning, assessment, evaluation and related research for children 3-5 years old. The Assistant Teacher is responsible for
providing developmentally appropriate learning experiences, supervision of children assigned in the classroom, and providing a supportive
and positive classroom climate, while ensuring the individual needs of the children are met. This includes alignment with DCFS, ExceleRate Illinois, NAEYC, federal, state and local standards, as applicable
Scope Of Responsibilities
completion.
applicable.
management, learning, assessment, evaluation and related research for children 3-5 years old. The Assistant Teacher is responsible for
providing developmentally appropriate learning experiences, supervision of children assigned in the classroom, and providing a supportive
and positive classroom climate, while ensuring the individual needs of the children are met. This includes alignment with DCFS, ExceleRate Illinois, NAEYC, federal, state and local standards, as applicable
Scope Of Responsibilities
- Supports and models high-quality teaching and learning in the classroom that promotes academic readiness.
- Demonstrates enthusiasm and uses interpersonal skills in order to relate well with children, parents, co-workers, administrators
- Maintains awareness and supervision of the needs of all children and ensures their health and physical safety, at all times.
- Interacts and assists children individually or in small groups in order to guide and reinforce learning concepts.
- Supports the Lead Teacher in planning for at least two parent/teacher conferences per program year.
- Identifies different instructional resources and methods to meet children’s varying needs.
- Organizes and supervises games and other activities to promote physical, mental and social development.
- Guides and supports all children, including dual language learners and those with special needs.
- Demonstrates culturally and linguistically appropriate practices that values all children and families and makes them feel welcomed
- Models and promotes appropriate grammar, language, positive interactions and discipline and interactions for children and
- Establishes a professional rapport and works cooperatively with adults assigned to the classroom (i.e., Teacher, Aide, Parents, and
- Develops effective partnerships with families and encourages parent involvement through a variety of methods (e.g., classroom
- Annually completes at least thirty clock hours of professional development, through participation in offered trainings, workshops,
completion.
- Reports and maintains a log of professional development requirements, including documents supporting completion through the
- Utilizes continuous quality improvement (CQI) strategies to improve the classroom experience for children and families.
- Participates and supports agency/center efforts toward recruitment, enrollment, attendance and retention of families.
- Collaborates with the Lead Teacher to develop lesson plans with goals, objectives, activities and outcomes for children that
- Assists the Lead Teacher in implementation of high quality, developmentally appropriate curriculum approaches (like Creative
applicable.
- Plans, prepares and delivers age-appropriate instructional activities that facilitate active learning experiences and promotes the
- With the support of the Lead Teacher, uses observational and child data to assist in planning developmentally appropriate and
- Assists the Lead Teacher in planning and adapting the early learning environment using researched based tools (like CLASS, ERS
- Supports and implements planned studies/projects for an in-depth investigation of a topic over time, based upon children’s
- Helps to create an inclusive classroom environment that will integrate and assist children with special needs.
- Participates in planning and implementation of developmentally age appropriate indoor/outdoor activities that will enhance the
- Gathers, arranges and displays children’s work to help develop perceptual skills and in a manner appropriate for their eye level.
- Ensures routines such as toileting, hand washing and meals are handled promptly and consistently within state and local
- Establishes and maintains an attractive, clean, safe and engaging classroom environment which includes positive guidance
- Models and implements family style eating during mealtimes, if applicable.
- Regularly sanitize all surfaces, classroom toys, equipment and laundry.
- Assists with classroom management, arrangement, organization, and labeling materials.
- Assumes joint share of classroom team to maintain a safe, clean, environment, and practice good personal hygiene and frequent
- Assists with completion of classroom inventory quarterly; and the selection of materials and equipment to support instruction and
- Issues and changes furnishings and materials to maintain and encourage new learning based upon children’s interests.
- Timely and accurately administers required screening
- Observes, documents and assesses children’s health, skills, behavior, growth and development.
- Follows the established system for collecting and managing daily/weekly observations of children.
- Take pictures and maintain anecdotal notes, written observations, and other approved forms of documentation for each child.
- Maintains documentation of each child’s progress and growth according to established guidelines.
- Inputs classroom data into appropriate information systems, as required.
- Adheres to timelines and completes child assessment information, at least four times annually.
- Completes all necessary paperwork for classroom activities including attendance and meal count sheets, as applicable.
- Assumes joint share of the classroom team to maintain and ensure accurate and up to date child enrollment files and portfolios
- Observes and respects issues of confidentiality.
- Associate’s Degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education or Early Childhood Special Education or equivalent
- Must have 1-3 years’ experience working in a child care program preferably with children 6 weeks - 5 years old. (this requirement
- Must demonstrate basic reading, writing, and communication skills at a level consistent with entry into college training programs.
- Passion and commitment to the YMCA’s mission and vision for early learning
- Must be registered in Illinois’ Gateway Registry within 90 days of employment and participate in ongoing professional
- Must be willing to complete a fingerprint background check and provide proof of current immunizations and related medical