Preschool Teacher Assistant

JOB DESCRIPTION OF TEACHER ASSISTANT

REQUIREMENTS

Must enjoy children. Minimum requirement: High School Diploma. Our Preschool is a ministry of Hosanna! Lutheran Church therefore Teacher Assistants must be active professing Christians. Early Childhood Education background preferred.

DESCRIPTION

The Teacher Assistants position is designed to support and assist the children and Lead
Teacher. The T.A. is responsible for the care of children in their assigned classroom and all children present during outdoor gross motor time. The Teacher Assistant will help implement curriculum, help with the supervision of children, provide a healthy and safe environment for children, help with the set up of large motor activities in the gym, the play yard and help children to and from the bathroom. The Teacher Assistant is expected to maintain communication with Lead Teachers.

ACCOUNTABILITY

Guidance comes from both the Lead Teacher and Preschool Director. Questions about your role should be directed to the Preschool Director. DCFS guidelines should be read and understood.

DEMANDS OF THE JOB

Mental Demands

1. Patience and understanding
2. Ability to foresee the safety of the children to avoid accidents.
3. Ability to communicate effectively with all staff.
4. Ability to react quickly in emergency situations.
5. Ability to use good judgment under stress.

Physical Demands

1. To pass a physical examination, receive a TB skin test (first year), receive a T-dap and MMR or to show proof on immunity to MMR.

2. Lift preschool children.
3. Light cleaning.
4. Lifting and moving of preschool equipment
4. Outdoor activities which may involve, sun, wind, snow, wind chills of 15 degrees or higher.
5. Be prepared for variance in temperature-controlled classrooms.
6. Exposure to childhood illnesses.

RESPONSIBILITIES

To establish and maintain a safe and healthy environment
1. Practice proper health habits with children daily as outlined in the DCFS licensing standards and CPR-First Aid Infectious Disease control plan.

2. Maintain a constant watch over children entrusted to his/her care. Be aware of children’s safety and location at all times.

3. Maintain a safe environment. Inform Lead Teacher / Preschool Director when someone or something unsafe. Share solutions.

4. Maintain current first aid and CPR training, understand the food handling procedures, Take the Mandated Reporter and food handling online class, according to DCFS standards

5. Help children manage bathroom routine in their classroom.

To promote spiritual growth and development

1. Provide an atmosphere of Christian love and concern in the Preschool center.
2. Provide discussion, song, and stories pertaining to Christian topics.
3. Pray with children before snack.
4. Help promote a sense of self and spirituality with the children.

To promote the developmental curriculum philosophy of the Preschool

1. Help prepare a daily developmentally appropriate large motor environment for children.
2. Spend quality time in the classroom. Sometimes it means just sitting on the floor during playtime, facilitating plan or reading a book. Other times it may mean helping with a special project in the classroom. Ask the Lead Teacher for direction.
3. Keep an on-going list of special activities you may enjoy doing in the classroom. This may include, but is not limited to, songs or games to teach the children, special art experience or a story to read, etc.

To establish positive and productive relationships

1. Display a professional, caring, respectful attitude with children, Lead Teachers and Preschool
Director.

2. All parental concerns and questions are to be brought to the attention of the Lead Teacher of
Preschool Director.

To ensure a well-run, purposeful program

1. Add depleted supplies to a supply list.
2. Prepare water and beverage for your classroom in the morning and return it to the refrigerator at the end of the day. Provide each classroom with little pitchers for pouring the water.

4. Help keep extra classroom supplies organized in the storage room.
5. Restock supply of snack paper products in the classroom as needed.
6. Empty and or clean paint brushes and containers each day.
7. Wash dishes used for snack/juice.
8. Make playdough for the classroom as needed.

9. Request supplies and replenish supplies on the classroom cart as needed.

To maintain a commitment to professionalism

1. Promote the center’s philosophy and educational objectives
2. Engage in ongoing staff development of at least 15 service hours per year.
3. Attend staff meetings, workshops and in service training provided by the Preschool center.
4. Dress professionally; staff shirts are provided. See employee handbook.
5. Be familiar with DCFS licensing standards.
7. Practice confidentially. Refrain from participation in rumors-gossip which may be detrimental to the Preschool center, children, or staff.
8. Perform functions other than described above due to extenuating circumstances.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $15.19 - $17.00 per hour

Expected hours: 10.5 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan

Grade levels:

• Pre-Kindergarten

Schedule:

• 4 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• No nights

School type:

• Public school
• Religious school

Work Location: In person

Salary : $15 - $17