Elementary School Teacher Assistant

About the role

The Teacher Assistant will support lead teachers in delivering educational programs, managing classroom activities, and promoting a positive learning environment. This role involves assisting with instructional tasks, supervising students, and providing clerical support to ensure the smooth operation of the classroom.

Responsibilities

• Uses knowledge of the principles of child growth and development to work with children
• Facilitates a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation to promote development in all domains for children of all abilities
• Addresses challenging behaviors by observing to determine possible causes of the behavior, implementing preventive measures, teaching the child new social and communication skills and partnering with families to support the child at home
• Creates partnerships with families to establish positive interaction patterns in program, school, and home
• Aids in preparing lesson materials and classroom activities
• Assists in ensuring that the written curriculum includes: goals for children's development and learning; the experiences through which children will achieve these goals; what staff and parents can do to help children achieve these goals; the materials needed to support the implementation of the curriculum towards achieving the stated goals
• Collaborates with the teacher in the preparation of daily lesson plans
• Assists in the development of individual plans for each child including goal-setting based on identified needs and prescriptions for objectives and activities to meet established child outcomes
• Supports small group and individual instruction under the teacher’s direction
• Maintains a conducive learning environment by managing student behavior and ensuring classroom rules are followed
• Affixes to implementing assessments, grading assignments, and recording academic progress
• Implements daily lesson plans in response to children’s needs and interests incorporating observations, anecdotal record keeping, knowledge of early childhood development and the key experiences
• Implements strategies outlined in Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), 504 Plans, behavior plans, and any other action plans for children
• Provides children with a consistent classroom routine
• Supervises and ensures the safety and security of children at all times in accordance with day care licensing and program requirements
• Supports the provision of nutritionally prepared meals and/or snacks with the children as a curriculum activity, to model good nutrition and proper social
• Supervises all classroom field trips and outdoor activities
• Understands regulations associated with prevention of disease and injury, including the exercise of universal precautions and the prevention of contamination
• Attends training sessions, workshops, and professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge
• Stays updated with educational best practices and school policies
• If a lead teacher is absent, teacher assistants may support with coverage and implementation of curriculum and instruction to ensure the continuity of learning continues
• Fosters positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues
• Schedules at least two parent-teacher conferences per year and participates as needed
• Shares pertinent information with school administrators and pupil services staff ensuring coordinated services to meet the needs of individual children and families
• Directs developmental, behavioral, and/or social emotional concerns to the appropriate school staff

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, or a related field
• Valid CPR and First Aid certifications
• Experience working with children in a childcare or educational setting
• Ability to communicate effectively with children, parents, and colleagues
• Strong organizational and administrative skills
• Passionate about fostering a positive learning environment

Skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize responsibilities
• Knowledge of child development and educational theories
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Flexible work schedule
• Professional development opportunities
• Health insurance benefits
• Employee assistance program

Pay

$18.00 - $20.00 per hour

Schedule

Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM