Assistant Teacher

Signal Centers has been named one of the best employers to work for in TN and one of the best nonprofits to work for in the nation. Come see why people love working here!

Assistant Teacher - Inclusive Early Childhood Education
Partner with the Lead Teacher in carrying out the curriculum, plans and daily activities in an inclusive early childhood environment.

JOB DUTIES INCLUDE:

• Create a positive and welcoming environment for children and families.
• Assist in the implementation and development of a variety of daily activities that are developmentally appropriate for the children served.
• Work with children on developmentally appropriate goals and individualize activities as needed.
• Assist in maintaining documentation as directed.
• Follow positive discipline procedures as directed.
• Assist in maintaining equipment, toys, and materials in a clean, safe, organized and accessible order.
• Follow confidentiality standards regarding students and their families.
• Refer parent questions, comments and/or concerns to the Lead Teacher, Coordinator, or Director/Asst. Director as needed.
• Treat children, parents, and staff with respect.
• Maintain a harmonious working relationship.
• Participates in required continuing education annually. Some of these will be in-service days which will be required attendance, and some may be evening or weekend training opportunities as available.

Core Values/Ethical Conduct:

• The ability to consistently model our Core Values of Accountability, Community Impact, Compassion, Trustworthiness, and Teamwork
• The ability to interact with staff, clients, management, community partners, and funders in a respectful and professional manner.
• The ability to create and embrace new ideas and utilize creative problem solving with an eye to improve services and delivery methods.
• The ability to be wise, accountable, and careful with use of resources and time.
• The ability to conduct oneself with honesty, reliability, and fairness, holding to our code of ethics.

Nature of Work:

• Hours of work and schedules are determined by the Director of the Chattanooga Children’s Program on an annual basis, based on program needs.
• Work involves providing comprehensive care for Infants/Toddlers/Preschoolers in an educational setting.
• This is a physical job that requires frequently lifting up to 25lbs, getting up and down from the floor and occasionally running after children.
• Staff is required to participate with children in an outdoor environment each day that weather permits.

QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE:

• Must have a HS Diploma/GED with either a TCC Certificate or Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. An Associate or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Child & Family Studies or another related field is preferred.
• At least one year of experience working with the birth to five-year old population, and a thorough understanding, and awareness of developmentally appropriate practices and procedures.
• Previous experience working of volunteering with children or adults with special needs is strongly recommended.
• Must be at least 21 years of age and have proof of eligibility to work in the USA.
• Prior to employment, must complete a health form with TB Skin Test and be able to pass criminal background check via TBI fingerprinting and checks of TN’s registries including sexual offender, neglect/abuse, meth offender, felon registry, etc.

Working Here:

We believe in supporting our employees and their families as they journey throughout life. Our commitment to our full-time staff includes the following benefits:

• A competitive benefits package with health, vision, and dental coverage, HSA, Dependent Care FSA, group life insurance, Teladoc (telemedicine), EAP mental health resources, and short & long-term disability options.
• Up to 4% matching 401(k) employer contribution, plus a 3% base contribution.
• Generous paid time off to support work-life balance.
• Employee discounts on paid services

Our culture is important and we’ve included it in our strategic plan by creating goals which include creating a culture of belonging where everyone has what they need to succeed and thrive and investing in developing the next generation of leaders. Join us in our mission to create a community of lifelong independence, where your contributions are valued, and your professional growth is nurtured. Together, we can make a difference.

Signal Centers is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to affirm the dignity and worth of every person in all that we do. It is, therefore, the policy of the organization to practice and ensure the fair and equitable treatment of all employees and to promote the full realization of this policy through all employment practices.