Assistant Teacher - PreK

Duties & Responsibilities

• Create a secure environment that invites learning through exploration and discovery
• Respectfully guide and implement family-style mealtimes, eating with the children to model healthy nutrition habits and table manners
• Talk with children in ways that show respect, caring and build optimum self-esteem
• Work collaboratively to assist children in resolving conflicts by using a problem-solving approach
• Ask children open-ended questions and make suggestions to promote problem solving
• Attend regularly to children's physical needs such as nose wiping, hand and face washing, toilet training and toilet accidents
• Staff practices regular and proper hand washing techniques. Practices proper use of rubber gloves. These procedures should be handled in a relaxed manner
• Quickly comfort children in distress infants in distress
• Respect cultural diversity
• Support parents helping them feel confident as parents
• Provide opportunities for parents to learn about the curriculum and how they can extend learning at home
• Conduct parent-teacher conferences twice a year
• At least annually, conduct an assessment with the Supervisor & Director to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the program and set program goals for the next year

Curriculum

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Early Childhood Education
• Demonstrate knowledge of child development
• Work collaboratively with Lead teacher and teaching team to Plan and prepare weekly and long-term lessons/ study projects
• Work collaboratively with Lead Teacher to plan and implement developmentally appropriate classroom activities which will promote the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of each child
• Work collaboratively with Lead teacher to develop lesson plans with goals, objectives activities, and outcomes for children that integrate health, nutrition, mental health, disabilities, and parent involvement into the plans

Classroom Environment

• Work collaboratively with the team to establish and maintain a classroom environment which includes positive guidance techniques that meets state and local licensing regulations, NAEYC performance standards and Marillac St. Vincent’s philosophy and curriculum
• Establish and create a secure environment that invites learning through exploration and discovery
• Ensure that all children are always under appropriate supervision
• Develop and maintain an attractive, clean, safe, and engaging environment that encourages children’s independence and self-selection of activities
• Work collaboratively with team to ensure they care for equipment and materials
• Notify supervisor and appropriate parties of any needed repairs or maintenance in classroom, playground, gym, and large motor room
• Work collaboratively with the team to ensure that daily, weekly, and monthly health and safety policies and procedures are implemented and documented

Parent Involvement

• In coordination with teaching team and Family Support: Schedule and participate in at least two Parent Teacher conferences for each child
• Encourage and provide opportunities for parent participation in the program
• Provide examples and ideas for educational activities for parent/child participation at home
• Develop effective partnerships with families

Other

• Attend all required meetings and trainings, including mentoring and coaching trainings
• Regularly participate and make contributions at Teacher meetings, trainings, supervision, weekly team meetings; etc.
• Complete a minimal of (20) CEU’s annually to meet DCFS and Accreditation continuing education with infant and toddler focus
• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the job description
• In collaboration of team, track the utilization of materials, recommends supplies, equipment and supplies needed for program
• Provide classroom coverage as needed to ensure teacher, child ratios
• Follow all mandates of NAEYC, state and local licensing and St. Vincent’s philosophy and curriculum