Assistant Teacher

About the Role

The Assistant Teacher functions as an integral part of the teaching team, assisting with the planning and implementation of a developmentally appropriate daily program of activities promoting each child’s affective, cognitive, physical, perceptual-motor, communicative, and social competence. Work is performed under the close supervision of the Lead Teacher and involves sharing responsibilities to ensure the safe and healthful care and management of enrolled children. This includes maintaining contact and open communication with parents, program staff, and community resources.

Schedule

Monday through Friday, with availability for either opening (6:00 AM) or closing (6:00 PM) shifts. Full-time, school-year appointment (180 school days + Professional Development days).

Qualifications

• Possession of an active Child Development Associate (CDA) or an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education and two (2) years of work experience related to the care and development of children.
• Ability to obtain compliance with Act 33, including documentation of Child Abuse History (Form CY-113), Criminal History (Form SP4-164), FBI fingerprinting, National Sex Offender Registry Verification (NSOR-V), and Mandated Reporter training.
• Biannual physical examination and initial TB (Mantoux) Test, with freedom from any infectious or communicable disease.
• At least 18 years of age.
• CPR, First Aid, AED certifications, and Child Abuse mandated reporter training within 30 days of hire date.
• Ability to plan, organize, and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities.
• Previous experience with diverse populations and ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Assists in establishing and maintaining a safe and healthful learning environment:
  • Maintains an efficient, well-arranged classroom with interest areas that provide direction and organization.
  • Keeps equipment and materials in good repair and stored safely.
  • Cleans and sanitizes toys and cots weekly and as needed.
  • Provides materials and activities appropriate for children’s developmental progress and individual learning styles.
  • Supports a multi-sensory classroom environment (visual, auditory, tactile, etc.).
  • Supports children’s social-emotional development and provides positive guidance.
  • Provides opportunities for success through individual, small group, and large group activities, including free play.
  • Involves children in self-help training (dressing, toileting, handwashing, eating, etc.).
  • Utilizes appropriate group management techniques.
  • Eats with children, modeling proper table manners and sharing the same menu.
  • Encourages daily health routines, including tooth brushing and hand washing.
  • Provides adequate supervision to ensure the safety of active children.
  • Maintains emergency information and initiates emergency action when necessary.
• Assists in curriculum planning that includes multi-cultural and multi-ethnic materials, displays, and activities.
• Provides educational opportunities through hands-on food experiences integrating curriculum areas (reading readiness, science, math, language, etc.).
• Guides nutritional experiences, including family-style meals (self-service, passing, pouring, table setting, table cleaning, etc.).
• Assists in establishing positive and productive communication with families:
  • Maintains contact with parents through verbal and written communication, posted information, etc.
  • Speaks with families in a friendly, courteous, and respectful manner.
• Carries out supplementary and planning responsibilities:
  • Provides input into daily curriculum.
  • Maintains accurate, up-to-date records (children's files, time sheets, attendance, meal participation forms, inventories, etc.).
  • Helps maintain classroom cleanliness (washes tables, sweeps floors, cleans spills promptly, etc.).
  • Attends and participates in monthly staff meetings.
  • Prepares classroom materials, bulletin boards, and learning centers.
  • Assumes responsibility for the classroom in the supervisor’s absence.
  • Reports immediately any child suspected of being abused to the Director.
  • Follows the dress code set forth by the agency.
  • Completes the required number of training hours annually.
  • Adheres to policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook and Policy and Procedure Manual.
• Undergoes continuous professional development as outlined by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), up to 24 hours per school year.
• Maintains all Department of Human Services (DHS), Keystone STARS, and Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) requirements.

Skills

• Ability to work with and relate well to young children and coworkers.
• Ability to supervise adults when necessary.
• Ability to plan, lead, and participate in activities.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 35 pounds.
• Ability to stand for long periods and interact with children at their level (e.g., sitting on the floor).
• Effective communication with diverse audiences, including children, families, and staff.
• Operational effectiveness, including sound judgment, goal-setting, and adaptability.
• Commitment to personal growth and professional development.
• Collaboration and rapport-building with people of different backgrounds, abilities, and opinions.