Teacher Assistant - Early Childhood Education

About the Role

Assist in the delivery of the preschool program (ages 3-5) based on the individual and group's educational, intellectual, physical, social, and emotional potential of the children enrolled utilizing an ecological model that focuses on the child and family. Service modalities include Trauma Informed Care, Conscious Discipline, Motivational Interviewing, utilizing the domains of CLASS (Classroom Assessment Scoring System), Head Start Child Development and Early Learning Framework, Creative Curriculum, and Teaching Strategies Gold.

Responsibilities

• Work alongside the Lead Teacher, Teacher Associate, and Foster Grandparents in managing the classroom's physical and educational environment
• Partner with families to support whole child development
• Collaborate with all team members and partners to consistently improve individual, team, and children's learning outcomes
• Prepare and maintain documentation in compliance with federal, state, and agency performance standards
• Create a positive classroom climate to benefit the social-emotional and academic development of students and welcome families
• Ensure that the family's voice is heard and their ideas play a prominent role in programming
• Assist in the implementation of high-quality, trauma-informed, large group and individualized lessons that align with Head Start, CLASS, and TSG performance standards
• Support top ECERS-R and CLASS ratings and create a welcoming and warm environment for all students and their families
• Utilize lessons and studies from the Creative Curriculum and Conscience Discipline to guide children's education
• Engage in consistent data gathering, documentation, assessment, and analysis of student's performance
• Discuss children's ongoing development in collaboration with the Education Coordinator, School Nurse, Mental Health and Developmental consultants
• Provide thorough documentation when referrals are made for students in need of further evaluation
• Maintain accurate records of students' daily and hourly attendance and Meal Counts
• Aide in the organization and maintenance of the classroom, kitchen, and other school-related materials
• Create and maintain a predictable schedule and routine for the classroom, including arriving to work on time and refraining from frequent absences
• Regularly maintain classrooms sanitization practices in accordance to licensing and best practices
• Attend orientations, trainings, education programs, staff meetings, community meetings, conferences, and workshops as requested and applicable
• May provide training and mentorship to team members and community stakeholders regarding best practices in relevant service models and practices
• Complete a minimum of 15 credit hours of continued education per licensing requirements
• Assume the role of the Associate Teacher during absences
• Cover teacher breaks and kitchen duties as needed
• Perform all duties in a professional manner, adhering to the NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) Code of Ethics, and maintaining confidentiality of all information
• May need to work in different classrooms or step into a Teacher Associate role during absences

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Must be willing to enroll in a CDA credential program to be completed within two years of time of hire, or must receive a state awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential within two years of hire
• Ability to effectively communicate to families, coworkers, consultants, volunteers, and community partners
• Good organizational skills
• Basic computer and tablet skills to input data and documentation
• Knowledge about human development
• Ability to use standard classroom office technology: I-Pad, copier, computer

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds
• Previous experience working in a classroom
• Knowledge of Teaching Strategies GOLD, CLASS, Trauma-Informed Care, and Creative Curriculum

Schedule

Full time Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:30 pm

Pay

Starting base pay $19.29/hr

Benefits

• Vacation Time/Separate Sick Time/Paid Holidays
• Floating Holidays/Personal Days
• Volunteer/Wellness Day
• Tuition Assistance
• Pension Plan
• 403b Retirement Plan with Agency Match
• Health, Dental, Vision, Pet Insurances
• Life Insurance/Accident Insurance
• Employee Assistance/Work Life Balance Program
• Employee Discount Program
• LifeLock with Norton
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness