Whole School Assistant (6 weeks - 5 years old)

Job Title: Assistant Teacher/Float Supervisor’s Title: Director of Education

Status: Non-Exempt

Primary Purpose: The primary purpose of the Assistant Teacher/Float is to provide a safe, loving, and nurturing environment for children under the guidance of the primary teacher in any classroom that will encourage the social, emotional, physical and intellectual development of the children.

Responsibilities

Faculty/Children Interactions

· Respect and observe children’s interests to enhance children’s play with language, toys, and activities

· Interact frequently, respectfully and affectionately with all children

· Encourage and model social behavior and expectations that are developmentally appropriate

· Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of ages and stages of development, and the general areas of physical, social, cognitive, and emotional development

· Practice positive discipline techniques according to Positive Behavior Support and Conscious Discipline including the Six Steps of Conflict Resolution

Curriculum

· Assist in the implementation of the Creative Curriculum with all age groups as needed

· Help to maintain an environment that responds to children’s individual developmental levels, physical and emotional needs, and current interests

· Maintain flexibility, implementing changes according to children’s interests and organizational needs

Faculty/Parent Interactions

· Acknowledge families and all classroom visitors in a friendly, courteous, and professional manner

· Establish and maintain a primary care-giving relationship with children and their families

· Communicate verbally and in writing with families

· Keep relationships with families friendly, but professional

Physical Environment, Health, Safety and Nutrition

· Maintain and follow all safety and health rules of the school

· Supervise children at all times, demonstrating an awareness of the entire group while working with a small group or individuals

· Know the number of children in your group and maintain ratios at all times

· Maintain accurate attendance records throughout the day on daily tracking sheets

· Complete appropriate paperwork (i.e. accident reports, daily reports, food program meal counts, etc.) in a timely and efficient manner

· Encourage children to utilize appropriate health, safety, and nutritional practices

· Keep classroom and playground environment and equipment safe, clean, and attractive by encouraging respect for classroom materials.

· Notify the designated individual in advance when supplies are needed

· Assist teachers with minor maintenance work in the school and on the playgrounds, including but not limited to: pulling weeds and vines, tightening screws and table legs, folding laundry, plunging toilets, or changing light bulbs

· Assist teachers with arrangement of classroom space into clearly defined, well-organized activity areas, frequently rotating a variety of materials on low shelves for children’s independent use

Professionalism/Teamwork

· Ensure continuity of care for children by reporting to work on time and maintaining consistent attendance; arrange and communicate leave requests in advance

· Adhere to all policies concerning work schedules, absences, and tardiness as outlined in the WPDN Personnel Manual

· Maintain confidentiality according to the organization’s policies

· Support organizational mission, philosophies, values, goals, and policies to children, parents, co-workers, and the community

· Demonstrate flexibility and openness to new ideas in child care practices

· Attend staff meetings, training sessions, and other school events

· Continue professional growth by attending courses, asking for feedback, and reading professional literature

· Establish and maintain a relationship of cooperation and respect with co-workers

· Demonstrate initiative

· Provide direct, sandwich feedback to other teaching staff in a positive, respectful manner

· Offer and share ideas and materials with co-workers

· Communicate directly, work to resolve conflicts quickly, and avoid gossip

· Exhibit respect for diversity by utilizing anti-bias, non-sexist language, images and experiences

· You are expected to be cognizant that you represent the Winter Park Day Nursery at all times both while at work as well as in your time outside work

· Be available to help with tasks around the school including, but not limited to: organizing spaces such as the library and break room, filing paperwork, folding laundry, assisting in the kitchen, and other administrative and organizational support as needed

· Give feedback in a respectful manner

· Receive constructive criticism with an attitude that indicates a willingness to improve

Physical Demands

· Follow state, federal, and Winter Park Day Nursery guidelines including immunizations, employment physical, and required health and safety trainings

· Frequently lift, move, or hold children with a range of weight from 10 to 40 pounds; occasionally lift, move, or hold weight more than 40 pounds

· Supervise and interact daily with children outdoors for extended periods in varied weather conditions

· Demonstrate full range of motion to lift, reach, squat, climb, sit, and otherwise fully participate in activities

· Respond immediately and appropriately to multiple or unexpected situations or emergencies

· Maintain mental and physical alertness and an appropriate level of energy to perform essential job requirements

Requirements

· Must be at least 16 years of age.

· Meet federal as well as individual state requirements (i.e. physical health clearance, OSHA and CPR /1st aid) and maintain credentials for the position (i.e. ongoing training)

· Must have completed state mandated training and passed all tests

Scope of Authority

· Must have prior approval from supervisor to:

o Contact a sponsor or designee regarding a child’s temperature or illness when a child must be sent home

o Changing classroom schedule

o Requesting personal time off/changing work schedule

o Scheduling field trips or outside agencies to come to the school

o Scheduling parent-teacher conferences

· May take action, but must inform supervisor when:

o Caring for a child with a significant injury

o Acknowledging and listening to a family’s concern

o Filing a neglect and abuse complaint

o Recording an unusual incident

o Observing standards, policies, and procedures that are not being upheld as set by Winter Park Day Nursery including, but not limited to: High/Scope, Positive Behavior Support, Conscious Discipline, Creative Curriculum, Department of Children and Families or accreditation agencies such as NAC

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $15.60 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Work Location: In person