Preschool Teacher Aide

About the Role

The Teacher Aide works cooperatively with the Preschool Teacher and Teacher Assistant to plan and implement the daily education program for children. Under the supervision of the Master Teacher, the Teacher Aide executes classroom activities and helps maintain a developmentally appropriate environment that meets the individual needs of children. As part of the classroom educational team, the Teacher Aide assists in planning and participates in classroom, playground, and field trip activities designed to enhance all areas of each child’s development.

Responsibilities

• Participate in training to build an understanding of the Educare Model of early learning programming.
• Provide a dual language model within the classroom, supporting both Spanish and English language acquisition.
• Aide in learning experiences that support children’s executive functioning in literacy, language, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, fine arts, and social/emotional development.
• Assist with the implementation of the Creative Curriculum for Preschoolers framework in the classroom.
• Guide and facilitate children’s daily activities, including selecting and arranging classroom environment and materials.
• Cooperate with staff and classroom groups to maintain smooth program functioning, adapting to meet children’s needs.
• Maintain a comprehensive and ongoing portfolio assessment for each child, including observations and developmental assessments completed three times a year.
• Conduct home visits at least twice a year and two parent conferences to discuss individual development and progress.
• Participate in family-style meals, eating with children to support self-help skills, nutrition, and social experiences.
• Guide children’s acquisition of social skills in a developmentally appropriate manner.
• Attend staff training, meetings, and parent meetings as requested.
• Assist in maintaining a safe and healthy developmentally appropriate environment.
• Use the playground as an extension of the classroom, ensuring safety.
• Write weekly observations per assessment procedure.
• Assist in conducting health, supervision, and environment checklists according to schedule.
• Support the implementation of an I.E.P. (Individual Education Plan).
• Complete required reports accurately and timely, including lesson plans, portfolio forms, assessments, timesheets, and meal reports.
• Actively participate in transition activities (e.g., preschool to kindergarten, birth to three to preschool).
• Engage in the development and implementation of a Professional Development Plan.
• Assist in family recruitment.
• Participate in individual and team reflective supervision and data dialogues regarding classroom observations and assessments.
• Engage in active supervision of children, ensuring focused attention and intentional observation at all times.
• Follow guidelines in the employee handbook, positive guidance, and code of conduct.
• Perform other duties as required.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• Willingness to pursue coursework specific to early childhood and obtain a CDA credential within 18 months of hire.
• Some knowledge of best practices in child development and care.

Skills

• Experience working in a team setting.
• Ability to work respectfully and cooperatively with a Lead Teacher and Teacher Assistant.
• Ability to present a positive image of the organization to the community.
• Ability to plan, organize, and implement responsibilities effectively.
• Visual and auditory acuity within professionally determined normal ranges (with corrections if needed).
• Ability to learn and implement child development and early childhood principles and practices.
• Must be able to lift 55 pounds, including supporting children on and off changing tables.
• Ability to participate in outdoor experiences with children, following Child Care Weather Watch guidelines.
• Experience working with a culturally diverse staff and clients.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred but not required.