PreK Assistant

Duties And Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and implementing the daily program under the direction of the lead teacher.
• Assist in planning and preparing the preschool learning environment, setting up interest centers, and preparing needed materials and supplies.
• Auxiliary in promoting and supervising the healthy physical, cognitive, emotional and social development of each child.
• Auxiliary in teaching and supervising all activities to ensure each child’s involvement and safety at all times.
• Eats meals with children and encourages the development of good nutrition habits and personal hygiene.
• Maintain a safe, secure, warm, nurturing environment for all preschoolers as part of the preschool team.
• Handle all information pertaining to children, family, and the center with confidentiality and discretion.
• Assist with the coordination of equipment and materials as directed by the Preschool Coordinator.
• Organize the classroom program and equipment to create a safe, nurturing, warm environment that reflects developmentally appropriate practices and promotes a multi-cultural, non-sexist, non-violent philosophy and curriculum in coordination with the Lead Teacher.
• Implement the recommendations of the center director(s) in a timely manner.

Essential Functions

• Flexibility to work in either infant/toddler or the preschool room when needed.
• Attend monthly staff meetings.
• Meet weekly with the Preschool Coordinator.
• Attendance, punctuality, and dependability is evidenced.
• Follow personnel policies of the Child Development Center and NICC.
• Maintain required continuing education and training required by DHS guidelines.
• Demonstrate a professional attitude.
• Perform other duties assigned by the immediate supervisor.
• Assist with Gold Standard Curriculum Assessments (due 3 times a year).
• Assist with annual Home Visits for PreK Students.
• Assist in the preparation of semi annual Parent/Teacher conferences.
• Attend semi annual Parent/Teacher Conferences with the Lead PreK.
• Lead the Summer School Age Program when PreK is not in session for the school year.

Qualifications

• EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS : Educational background in Early Childhood is required (must meet Department of Human Services licensing requirements and State of Iowa PreK associate educational requirements) . Experience in Early Childhood program is preferred, especially knowledge in assessment documentation for Gold Standard Curriculum Assessments. Strong desire to work with children. Demonstrates a warm, nurturing, and friendly personality. Relates well to children and supports positive family-Center relationships. Mature attitude that allows for effective communication, problem solving, and team building.
• CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES : Must possess a valid driver’s license. Must also have completed mandatory reporting training, current certification in First Aid/ CPR , and completion of OSHA -Universal Precautions Training. Current physical exam including communicable disease tests as defined in section 109.9D. Physical vitality and stamina.