BIRTH TO THREE TEACHER ASSISTANT–Job Description
EDUCARE WEST DUPAGE
Exemption Status: Full Time, Non-Exempt - Hourly rate of $17.96 - $21.42
POSITION SUMMARY
The Teacher Assistant works cooperatively with the Lead Teacher and Teacher Aide to plan and implement the daily education program for the children. Under the supervision of the Mentor Teacher, the Teacher Assistant will execute classroom activities and help maintain a classroom environment that is developmentally appropriate and meets the individual needs of children.
The Teacher Assistant works with the Lead Teacher and Teacher aide collaboratively to plan and participate in indoor and outdoor activities. These activities are designed to enhance all areas of each child’s development. The Teacher Assistant will be held responsible for assisting with implementing all programming requirements in adherence to all performance and outcomes standards as prescribed by the multiple funding and model requirements of Educare West DuPage.
RESPONSIBLE TO: Mentor Teacher
SUPERVISOR TO: None
EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
An Associate’s Degree in early childhood education, child development or a related field with a minimum of (9) semester hours in courses specifically in the care and education of children 0-5 years old
or Birth to Three Child Development Associates Credential (CDA)
Have knowledge and experience with the basic principles of child development; and some knowledge of best practices of Infant and Toddler development and care;
Must be willing to pursue coursework specific to infants and toddlers, adhering to program guidelines, as necessary;
Bilingual English/Spanish preferred, but not required;
Must hold or be willing to obtain highest possible Gateways to Opportunity Early Childhood Education Credential and/or Infant Toddler Credential based on Education/Experience
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Successful completing a medical exam that includes screening for tuberculosis (TB), Tdap and MMR.
Successfully completing a Background Clearance before hire date.
Successful experience working in a team setting.
The ability to present a positive image of the organization to members of the community.
The ability to to work with the teaching team to plan, organize and implement position responsibilities effectively; providing input.
The ability to work respectively and cooperatively with the teaching team; assisting him/her to increase knowledge and skills.
Experience successfully working with a culturally diverse staff and clients.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Participate in training to build an understanding of the Educare Model of early learning programming; remain up to date in required curriculum training and any other training as assigned or required.
Implement curriculum to support lesson planning
Perform the functions of this position with a strong understanding of Developmentally Appropriate Practices and Child Development
Assist with planning and implementing learning experiences that promote all developmental areas, including improving the readiness of children for school by developing their language acquisition and vocabulary through a balanced, dual language approach that supports both Spanish and English language acquisition;
With the Lead Teacher and Teacher Aide, guide and facilitate activities of the children, including: daily activities, selecting and arranging equipment and materials in the classroom;
Cooperate with other staff and classroom groups to maintain the smooth functioning of the center, which at times may require changes to meet the needs of the children;
Write weekly observations per assessment procedure;
Assist with conducting both home visits and parent conferences to discuss the child's individual development and progress, and assist the parents in developing observational skills and solicit parent observations;
Eat with and assist children in development of social and self-help skills, and sound nutritional practices;
Guide children's acquisition of social skills;
Attend staff training and meetings, and parent meetings as requested;
Assist in providing and maintaining a safe and healthy developmentally appropriate environment;
Assist in implementing an IFSP (Individual Family Service Plan) seeking clarification for any aspects that are not well understood;
Support in the completion and submission of required forms and records in a timely and accurate fashion, e.g., lesson plans, portfolio forms, assessment, time sheets, meal reports etc;
Assist, as requested, in transition activities;
Aide in the recruitment of families
Actively participate in the development and implementation of the Teacher Assistant Professional Development Plan;
Participate in individual reflective supervision; team reflective supervision and data dialogues regarding classroom observations and assessments.
Engage in active supervision of children which requires focused attention and intentional observation of children at all times. Teachers position themselves so that they can observe all of the children: watching, counting, and listening at all times. They also use their knowledge of each child's development and abilities to anticipate what he/she will do, then get involved and redirect them when necessary. This constant vigilance helps children learn safely
Follow guidelines in the employee handbook, positive guidance and code of conduct
Perform other duties, as may be required.
PHYSICAL ABILITIES
Visual and auditory acuity within professionally determined normal ranges, with corrections if needed.
Must be able to use all physical and mental capacities in order to perform the job duties
Must be able to lift and carry children up to 55lbs; including supporting children on and off the changing tables.
Ability to bend, kneel, squat and sit on the floor.
Ability to move quickly to ensure children’s safety, including running short distances.
Ability to stand, walk, and actively engage with children for extended periods.
Ability to assist children with daily routines, including transitions and activities.
Possible exposure to bodily fluids and infectious disease.
Participate in indoor and outdoor activities with children; adverse weather conditions are taken into consideration by referencing the Child Care Weather Watch guidelines.
This job description is not intended to be all inclusive of the duties and responsibilities and employee may be asked to perform. This job description is not intended to create, nor should it be construed as, a contract of employment. Employment is at will and may be terminated by either party at any time with or without cause or notice.
