EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHER ASSISTANT

About the Role

Under the guidance of the Teacher, this position provides a safe and nurturing environment for children that encourages their social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development. The role involves designing and implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum according to guidelines established by the Creative Curriculum, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

Pay

USD $15.50/Hr. – Max USD $21.44/Hr.

Responsibilities

• Interact frequently, affectionately, and respectfully with children by smiling, touching, and holding them. Speak in a friendly, calm, soft, and courteous manner within close proximity of the child.
• Respect and observe children’s interests. Intervene when needed to maintain safety and enhance children’s play with language, toys, and activities.
• Communicate directly with each child at their level and engage constructively during activities and routines. Extend children’s thinking and actions positively.
• Be available and responsive to children’s needs, questions, and requests.
• Encourage and model developmentally appropriate social behavior and expectations. Acknowledge feelings with sensitivity and demonstrate appropriate expression of emotions.
• Practice positive discipline techniques according to Memorial Child Care’s guidelines.
• Support children and their families during transitions to and from classrooms.
• Implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum based on the Creative Curriculum, reflecting observations and assessments of individual children.
• Assist in designing an environment that responds to children’s developmental levels, physical and emotional needs, and current interests.
• Foster positive self-concepts by supporting individuality, independence, and the ability to make choices. Encourage creative expression.
• Demonstrate respect for diversity through anti-bias, non-sexist language, images, and experiences reflecting both center and global communities.
• Participate in planning a daily schedule that balances activities using the Creative Curriculum lesson plan.
• Assist in documenting children’s accomplishments through anecdotal notes, observations, and portfolios.
• Acknowledge parents and classroom visitors in a friendly, courteous, and professional manner.
• Respond to parents’ comments and concerns with sensitivity, interest, and respect while maintaining confidentiality.
• Participate in a Primary Caregiving relationship with individual children and their families. Share appropriate developmental and activity-related information with parents daily.
• Assist in planning and attending center/classroom events and meetings.
• Maintain and follow all safety and health rules of the center. Supervise children at all times, demonstrating awareness of the entire group.
• Know the number of children in your group and maintain required ratios at all times. Maintain accurate attendance records.
• Complete appropriate paperwork (e.g., accidents, medication).
• Encourage children to utilize appropriate health, safety, and nutritional practices.
• Keep the environment and equipment safe, clean, and attractive. Encourage respect for classroom materials and notify designated individuals when supplies are needed.
• Assist in arranging space in clearly defined, well-organized activity areas. Organize materials on low, open shelves for independent use by children.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding faculty, children, families, and Memorial Child Care operations. Do not involve parents in center concerns.
• Familiarize yourself with the ages and stages of development for children under your care. Understand physical, social, cognitive, and emotional development for this age group.
• Support the organizational mission, philosophies, values, goals, and policies with parents, co-workers, and the community.
• Ensure continuity of care by reporting to work on time, maintaining consistent attendance, and communicating leave requests in advance.
• Respect and adhere to staffing schedules, which may include working in another classroom as program needs change.
• Demonstrate flexibility and openness to new ideas in childcare practices.
• Attend faculty meetings, training sessions, and other center events. Pursue professional growth through courses, feedback, and reading professional literature.
• Receive constructive criticism with a willingness to improve and provide feedback respectfully.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and respectful relationships with co-workers. Assume a fair share of work and demonstrate initiative.
• Assume additional classroom and center responsibilities as needed (e.g., kitchen, pets).
• Share ideas and materials with co-workers and participate actively in the teaching team through communication, collaboration, and curriculum planning.
• Communicate directly, resolve conflicts quickly, and avoid gossip. Exercise care in expressing views about co-workers’ personal attributes or professional conduct.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must be at least 19 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalency certificate (GED).

Skills

• Excellent communication skills.