Teacher's Assistant

Duties / Responsibilities

• Supervise and ensure the safety and well-being of children at all times.
• Interact with the children during learning/free-choice time and gross motor time to facilitate children's play.
• Adhere to all safety and sanitation requirements set forth in the Minimum Standards for Licensed Child-Care Centers; ensure that children are supervised and dressed appropriately.
• Collaborate with the therapy team, if appropriate, on the development and implementation of IIPs.
• Aid in the integration of children with and without disabilities in the classroom.
• Assist with children's transition to the next classroom or educational setting.
• Utilize technology and adaptive equipment as appropriate.
• Aid in the training of college interns/volunteers.
• Attend conferences/workshops as required, staff planning, and evaluation meetings.
• Understand and use Alternative and Assistive Communication devices for individual children with the support of the Speech Therapist.
• Understand and use visual supports in the classroom.

Specialized Educational Duties

• Assist with additional assessments of children as part of the assessment team, if needed for a student.
• Facilitate integration of children with and without disabilities in the classroom.
• Aid in the training of college interns/volunteers.

Instructional Duties

• Assist the lead teacher in your classroom in ensuring an appropriate classroom environment and in carrying out lesson plans.
• Maintain communication with families via telephone calls, email, daily notes, newsletters, and Brightwheel, and conduct parent conferences at designated times throughout the year.
• Help to document each child’s performance and progress with daily data records and yearly updated assessments, or earlier if necessary.
• Handle behavior promptly and in accordance with the stated school policy on behavior management.
• Notify the Director of any behavioral problems immediately.
• Encourage the use of language and independent functioning using positive reinforcement.
• Promote "family style" meals.

Minimum Requirements

• A high school education or equivalent.
• Must be certified as a Child Development Associate or have 12 hours of equivalent training in Early Childhood Education.
• Must have 1 year of full-time verifiable experience working with young children in a classroom setting.
• Must have excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
• Must be able to meet DHR License-Exempt qualifications.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with Teaching Strategies Gold is preferred.
• Knowledge of NAEYC standards is desired.
• Infant/child CPR certification is preferred.