Preschool Teaching Assistant, School for Young Children

About the role

This role assists the teacher in the classroom with all the aspects of the routines. Collaborates with the teacher to design and implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum as guided by SYC’s curriculum document, the CT ELDS, and NAEYC’s accreditation standards.

Responsibilities

• Helps to set up the classroom and maintain necessary educational materials to attract and keep children’s interests.
• Supports the teacher in modifying curriculum and lesson plans as needed to support the learning environment and to guide short & long term learning goals for children.
• Shares assessment observations and CT DOTS documentation with the teacher.
• Aids in gathering assessment documentation such as narratives, work samples, and photos.
• Supports the teacher during family-teacher conferences.
• Maintains NAEYC accreditation status by participating in various activities during re-accreditation cycles.
• Supports the teacher in maintaining the classroom portfolio.
• Reviews the portfolio at least once per month to assess sections in need of updating.
• Welcomes families into the program on a daily basis.
• Communicates with families about children’s activities and progress.
• Attends school family events such as picnics and fundraisers to support a welcoming environment for families.
• Supports college student’s professional development through modeling and supportive interactions.
• Assists the teacher during their absence.
• Grows professionally by attending staff meetings, workshops, courses, and other sources of professional development (reading, networking etc.).
• Follows school policies and procedures as outlined in the USJ and SYC handbooks.
• Submits paperwork on time such as time sheets, surveys and other documents as needed.
• Maintains all school communications through the USJ email account and alert systems.

Qualifications

• Associate Degree
• 2-3 years working in an early childhood education program or related field (preferred)
• Experience in a model laboratory school preferred
• Demonstrated ability to work in an active school environment
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with fellow teachers
• Positive organizational, interpersonal, and customer service skills
• Demonstrated computer literacy skills
• Demonstrated ability to recognize and appropriately handle matters of a confidential nature
• Professional, courteous demeanor and appearance; ability to work professionally with students, faculty, staff and administration and represent the College professionally to the public
• Physical activity: Bending - Substantial, Climbing (stairs) - Some, Keyboarding - Some, Kneeling - Substantial, Lifting (maximum weight) - Some, Reaching - Some, Sitting - Substantial, Standing - Some, Walking - Some, Other (please explain): Needs to be active enough to supervise children ages 3-4 years old in an active preschool environment both indoors and outdoors.