Teacher Assistant

Responsibilities

• Help ensure safety of each child, whether in the classroom or outside, in compliance with State regulations and university policy
• Interact with children in a manner expressive of genuine warmth and concern, demonstrating understanding of their developmental needs
• Respect children’s ideas, feelings, abilities, and differences
• Demonstrate insights into and tolerance for the range of age-appropriate behavior
• Assume needed duties and responsibilities without supervision
• Use discretion in communications with parents in the Teacher’s absence
• Move and react quickly and handle emergencies effectively
• Abide by all rules and regulations applicable to workers of the center
• Accept changes in schedules, environment, and other alterations
• Acquire knowledge of the current curriculum and implement curriculum practices in the classroom
• Work with the teaching team in all activities, including but not limited to housekeeping, diapering, toilet training, meal service, and record keeping
• Share responsibility for the preparation of Daily Plans and developmentally age-appropriate teaching materials
• Conduct daily small-group activities for an assigned group of children, sharing responsibility for large-group activities and using appropriate adult/child interaction strategies with all children
• Assume responsibility for a classroom at any given time
• Collect required evidence of learning, anecdotes, and information for required ongoing assessments
• Observe and/or participate in parent-teacher conferences
• Provide coverage for breaks for other staff members
• Supervise and help with daily lunch and outdoor activities, field trips, and walks
• Promote individualized attention for children by freeing teachers from routine duties
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent, preferably in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or closely related field from a regionally accredited program
• Preferred: Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or closely related field from a regionally accredited program
• Minimum three (3) years' experience as a childcare/daycare assistant or equivalent