Early Childhood Assistant Teacher (ages 2-3)

Assistant Teacher

The assistant teacher is responsible for supporting the lead teacher in the planning and implementation of the center curriculum and childr s program.

This is a professional position and includes responsibilities related to the classroom, center and community.
The following is a list of specific areas of responsibility for this position. It is understood that some factors which affect the quality of a teaching program may not be quantifiable or possible to clearly define.
Therefore, this list may not be all-inclusive; specific duties may vary according to the needs of the program and children in the classroom. Policies relating to benefits, evaluations, and procedures may be found in the employee handbook. It is expected that professional staff members will maintain professional attitude and exhibit a commitment to the field of early childhood.
An Assistant Teacher is hired to the Center and may be assigned to any classroom.

1. Qualifications or related field; or a current CDA. At least 30 college-level semester hours in coursework related to early childhood are required
Physical and mental stamina; including repeated lifting (30 lbs or more), ability to move quickly from sitting on the floor to standing position repeatedly, and the ability to run if needed
Knowledge of teaching and activity methods used with infant, toddler, preschool or early elementary school-age children and principles of child development, the behavior of young children, positive discipline and redirection techniques.
Knowledge of materials and equipment used in group settings of young children

Ability to establish warm supportive relationships with the children, recognize illness symptoms, accept and profit from supervision and constructive criticism, develop and maintain working relationships with parents and staff, and thrive in a team-oriented environment.
Experience with planning lessons and activities that support an emergent learning environment
Basic computer skills including ability to access the internet for research, send and receive emails, and experience using Microsoft Office to create documents
Knowledge of the Michigan Early Learning Standards for Infants and Toddlers
Ability to lead and supervise support staff members

2. Responsibilities related to other staff:
Working with the Lead Teacher: Assist the lead teacher in writing and posting weekly lesson plans; these may be thematic or developmental and must meet the criteria required by High Scope curriculum, Aid in the evaluation and documentation of the developmental progress of the children, Discuss daily health and developmental observations of the children, Step into the lead teacher position when there is an absence. Collaborate in supervising and planning activities and lessons to be implemented in the classroom.

Coordinate with the lead teacher in orienting new staff members to the classroom, providing written information about specific room limits and procedures, including emergency procedures.
Coordinate with the lead teacher in directly supervising all classroom staff; provide ongoing training via modeling, daily instruction, immediate feedback, notes, and formal classroom meetings.

Collaborate to complete Aide evaluations and conduct classroom meetings, twice a year o Meet regularly with other professional staff and Administrative/Assistant Director to improve own teaching skills. Attend and participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities with other professional staff o Share activities, ideas and resources; share information from professional and/or popular publications, conferences, etc. Share playground supervision duties, clean-up responsibilities and classroom supervision duties.

3. Responsibilities related to the children:
Create a safe environment designed to promote the physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional growth and development of each child.
Supervise the children and outside, be engaged with the children, ensure the safety and well- children when necessary.

Participate in problem-solving related to classroom management issues.
Interact directly with children during all parts of the day including indoor and outdoor play, meals and naptime. Dress appropriately for these times of the day

Discuss with the lead teacher regular observations of the children for the purpose of detecting early symptoms of developmental challenges and determine if children are well enough to participate in group care on a day to day basis.

Ensure that children with allergies are not exposed to materials which may be harmful to them, Post this information in the classroom.

Create a pleasant mealtime atmosphere which encourages healthy eating habits and social interactions; include tooth brushing as a regular part of the lunchtime meal.

Work with the lead teacher to enhance chi experiences through creative use of community resources such as field trips and visitors.

Carry out experiences which promote global awareness and sensitivity to the likenesses and differences among people of all cultures.

Encourage respect for other individuals, including the teaching of non-violent problem-solving techniques.

4. Responsibilities related to the parents:
Maintain informal daily communication with parents, ensuring that confidentiality is maintained.
Inform parents when a child is ill or has been injured and complete an accident report.
Establish rapport through use of parent involvement activities and/or parent education conferences.

Assist the lead teacher with formal communication with parents via newsletters, room signs, and/or personal notes.
Coordinate with the lead teacher to be available to parents for in-center or telephone conferences upon request and inform parents of this option.

Discuss with the lead teacher the resource options for parents, other sources of information or assistance, or seek guidance from the administration.

Coordinate with the lead teacher to meet with prospective and new parents to provide specific information about the classroom and other concerns.

5. Responsibilities related to the classroom
Regularly rotate picture displays and books, using both in-center and community resources.
Label items and make name tags as needed.
Arrange room to facilitate safe circulations and optimal use of space.
Post room limits and label classroom play areas.
Post allergy lists in room and give a copy to the cook.
Post safety and emergency information in a conspicuous place in the room. (These must include tornado, fire and accident procedures.)
Maintain a clean, orderly environment
Create and implement daily/weekly cleaning/organizing schedules for the classroom
Take attendance and meal counts daily

6. Responsibilities related to the center:
Cooperate with other classrooms in rotating center resources.
Help organize, participate in, and attend center-wide functions when they occur.
Attend and participate in Center-wide parent involvement activities, including but not limited to,

General Board Meetings, Board Election, Open House, and International Night.
Read literature made available by the Center staff.
Serve actively on at least one board committee.

7. Professional Development
Staff members are strongly encouraged to maintain an active interest in the field of Early Childhood

Education and in the community as it affects the profession.
Participate in informal discussions related to Child Development philosophy by learning theories, classroom management techniques, etc.
Maintain awareness of political issues which affect child welfare. Share information with parents, peers, community members, and political representatives where appropriate.
Participate in at least 12 hours of professional development each year. These may include in and out-of-center trainings.

8. All other duties, as assigned o Annual evaluations will take place as outlined in the employee handbook.

9. Compensation o An hourly wage with benefits including health, dental, vision insurances, supplemental insurances, paid holidays and leave time.

10. SCDC reserves the right to add and/or require attendance for trainings, meetings and special events per center policies, state or accreditation guidelines. This may include but is not limited to the following:

Mandated training and development o Annual Enrichment Training and Professional Development o First Aid/CPR o Bloodborne Pathogen training o Infant/Toddler Training (Infant/Toddler/Transition teachers) o Room Meetings o School Readiness Seminars/Trainings (Preschool teachers/assistants)

Center special events/meetings o International Night o Parent Involvement Activities o Committee Meetings and Board Meetings o Staff Meetings

Employment is contingent upon the completion and positive review of a Criminal History Background
Check, Central Registry Clearance, employee Health Appraisal with Tuberculosis Test, and References
Check.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $31,250.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Employee discount

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

License/Certification:

• Child Development Associate Certification (Required)

Work Location: In person