Assistant Teacher

POSITION TITLE: Assistant Teacher – Full-time

DEPARTMENT: Child Care Center

REPORTS TO: Manager, Child Care Center

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The candidate has primary responsibility for supervising and caring for children in compliance with regulations established by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services and NAEYC’s recommendations for developmentally appropriate practices. In addition, the candidate supports other staff in the implementation of the early childhood curriculum and child care program. Responsible for providing effective customer service to all internal and external customers.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

I. Learning Environment and Teaching Responsibilities

• To interact frequently with children in a positive, respectful, responsive, and encouraging manner which follow guidelines of NAEYC.

• To assist in providing a safe, cheerful and motivating environment for the children that allows for individual and group activities.

• To assist in maintaining a neat, clean, and orderly classroom, with stimulating learning centers and hands-on activities which follow the center curriculum.

• To assist in the supervision of children in all activities, inside and out.

• To be a primary caregiver to assigned children and families.

• To give input to planning classroom activities and Center events.

• To assist in the preparation, care and stocking of classroom materials.

• To assist the children in their personal and self-care needs, toileting, diapering, feeding, washing, clothing, comforting, preparing for rest.

• To know every child as an individual, observing and recording growth and development using the center approved developmental screening and assessment system.

• Parent Relationships

• To build relationships of trust through open and interactive communication.

• To know every child’s parent (s) by name, and to communicate positively with them.

• Make classroom information available to parents

• Participate in parent involvement/engagement activities.

• To tactfully and professionally address parent concerns in collaboration with teacher.

III. Staff Communication

• To work cooperatively with other classroom staff, Center Director and Administrative staff and consultants.

• To assist new and substitute staff assigned to the classroom.

• To guide activities of student staff and field workers in absence of teacher.

• As appropriate, shares information about classroom or child-related issues with supervisor and other classroom staff.

• Professionalism

• To maintain confidentiality.

• To attend and participate in staff meetings and in-service programs

• To seek professional growth and development, and participate in a minimum of 15 hours of required ECE training per year.

• To maintain personal, ASPIRE Professional Development listing.

• To receive and maintain Pediatric First Aid/CPR

• To be supportive of the Center and Center Administration.

• To maintain a positive work climate.

• To maintain a professional image.

• Assumes duties of lead teacher in the absence of lead teacher.

V. General

• To follow daily schedules and routines.
• To follow Center policies, practices, and procedures.
• To assist with required record-keeping.
• To, at times, be responsible for a group of children without assistance.
• To follow all licensing regulations.
• To report for work on time and on a consistent basis.
• All other duties as assigned.

VI. Knowledge, Skills and Abilitie

• Knowledge of NYS child care regulation.

• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices and age appropriate activities, which correspond with NAEYC guidelines.

• Effective and tactful oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to maintain positive relationships with children, co-workers, and parents.

• Ability to use constructive methods for maintaining group control and individual behaviors.

• Ability to use sound judgment and tact.

• Strong team player.

• Flexibility (especially in scheduling and practice to respond to the needs of the program).

• Creativity and patience.

• Ability to lift 40 lbs. from floor to a waist high table, 20 – 30 times per day.

• Ability to reach a child 20 – 30 feet away within 30 seconds.

• Ability to crouch to a child’s height, maintain eye contact at the child’s level, and sit on the floor for extended periods of time on a regular basis.

• A strong sense of responsibility.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Child Development Associate (CDA) or 12 credits in early childhood education is required or must be obtained within one year of employment
• Candidate must be 18 years of age
• One year of experience with young children is required
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with proven ability to provide exceptional customer service to a wide variety of customers

Hiring Requirements:

• Completed job application form
• Minimum of three references (personal and professional),
• Official transcript of college grades
• Must be able to pass physical exam, NYS Central Registry Clearance, NYS Justice Center SEL clearance and criminal conviction check (Comprehensive OCFS Background check).