Summary:

In collaboration with supervisory staff, the Teaching Assistant I will be responsible for assisting with the planning, development, and implementation of all classroom activities that promote the social, spiritual, physical, and intellectual growth of the children at the Center. The individual will be responsible for the care, hygiene, learning, and development activities, specialized programs, and sanctioned discipline of the children. Additional responsibilities include maintaining records, cleanliness, and orderliness of the classroom.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Commits to the Vincentian Child Discovery Center (VCDC) mission to nurture and sustain a ministry of compassionate care that preserves the human dignity of persons within a diverse and changing society.
2. Upholds and promotes the VCDC values of spirituality, compassion, quality, dignity, collaboration, advocacy, and stewardship.
3. Assist supervisory staff in providing a quality curriculum taking into consideration the needs of each child and family and the goals, objectives, and philosophy of Vincentian Child Discovery Center.
4. Maintain the safety of the children, including implementing emergency procedures, as necessary.
5. Administer first aid and/or medication to children as may be required for the purpose of meeting immediate health care needs.
6. Provide new children and families the necessary information and environment to ensure a comfortable transition into the classroom and/or facility.
7. Orient new employees for the purpose of ensuring their understanding of VCDC operations/regulations.
8. Model positive reinforcement, appropriate discipline practices, and effective classroom management techniques.
9. Model appropriate behaviors and communication to children, and other Caregivers.
10. Provide for the basic needs of the children based on age and individual needs.
11. Assist in the completion of classroom paperwork and daily record keeping assignments.
12. Assist in the completion of all observations and assessments for individual children.
13. Assist in the maintenance of a clean, safe, organized, and age-appropriate classroom environment.
14. Complete requests for cleaning and art supplies as needed to maintain sufficient classroom supplies.
15. Communicate effectively and respectfully with parents both verbally and in writing as needed.
16. Assist in organizing family events.
17. Assist in planning and implementing all VCDC special events.
18. Acquire knowledge of current Keystone Star requirements and completed at least 20 credits per year related to the requirements.
19. Attend staff meeting and in-service trainings as required by the Director.
20. Able to travel occasionally to work at other VCDC locations.
21. Engage in professional development activities including but not limited to community events, workshops, completing online or mail-based courses, and exploring current childcare literature.
22. Supervise all classroom staff and volunteers in the absence of the Lead Teaching Assistant or Lead Teacher.
23. Prepare meals provided by parents and supplement with center food supplies, as needed, to offer meals that are satisfying and meet daily nutritional requirements.
24. Assume any other duties as assigned by the Director or Lead Teaching Assistant or Lead Teacher.
25. Required to support the organization’s Code of Ethical Conduct and Compliance Program by timely reporting any actual or suspected compliance, fraud and abuse, ethics, or policy violations.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities:

1. Complies with federal, state and local laws and regulations to which the Center is held responsible.
2. Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner.
3. Prioritizes classroom activities and uses time efficiently.
4. Easily adaptable in the work environment and is able to deal with change, delays or unexpected events.
5. Must be dependable and able to complete work in a timely, accurate, and thorough manner.
6. Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing with children, parents, co-workers, management and/or other individuals at the Center.
7. Works effectively and relates well to others including children, parents, co-workers, management and/or other individuals at the Center.
8. Exhibits a professional manner in dealing with others and works to maintain constructive working relationships.
9. Is energetic, forward-thinking and creative.
10. Responds effectively to sensitive and confidential situations, inquiries or complaints.

Education/Experience:

The employee must meet one of the following minimum requirements:

1. Verified Child Discovery Associate (CDA) and Career and Technology (CTE) graduate OR Enrolled CDA coursework
2. Enrolled School-Age Professional Credentials (SAPC)
3. Enrolled in an OCDEL Approved Certificate OR Credential
4. Enrolled ECE Program OR 6 Early Childhood Credits (ECE) credits

Work Environment:

1. In indoor classroom conditions, temperatures are that of a normal indoor

environment.

1. In outdoor conditions, temperatures may be as low as 25 degrees in the winter or reach as high as 90 degrees in the summer. Some humidity/wet conditions may be present.
2. Noise conditions are normal but may reach moderate or loud levels during some activities.
3. Occasional exposure to unpleasant sights, smells, infectious diseases, blood

and bodily fluids.

Vincentian is an Equal Opportunity Employer