Infant/Toddler Assistant Teacher

Assistant Teacher (Ages 0-1) and (Ages 1-2)

The assistant teacher is responsible for supporting the lead teacher in the planning and implementation of the center curriculum and children’s program.

This is a professional position and includes responsibilities related to the classroom, center and community. The following is a list of specific areas of responsibility for this position. It is understood that some factors which affect the quality of a teaching program may not be quantifiable or possible to clearly define. Therefore, this list may not be all inclusive; specific duties may vary according to the needs of the program and children in the classroom. Policies relating to benefits, evaluations, and procedures may be found in the employee handbook. It is expected that professional staff members will maintain professional attitude and exhibit a commitment to the field of early childhood.

An Assistant Teacher is hired to the Center and may be assigned to any classroom.

This position requires the possession of a valid Infant/Toddler CDA, or equivalent.

Job Description:

The assistant teacher is responsible for supporting the lead teacher in the planning and implementation of the center curriculum and children's program. This is a professional position and includes responsibilities related to the classroom, center and community.

Qualifications:

• At least 30 college-level semester hours in coursework related to early childhood or related field are required, or a current CDA
• Physical and mental stamina; including repeated lifting (30 lbs or more), ability to move quickly from sitting on the floor to standing position repeatedly, and the ability to run if needed
• Knowledge of teaching and activity methods used with infant, toddler, preschool or early elementary school-age children and principles of child development, the behavior of young children, positive discipline and redirection techniques
• Ability to establish warm supportive relationships with the children, recognize illness symptoms, accept and profit from supervision and constructive criticism, develop and maintain working relationships with parents and staff, and thrive in a team-oriented environment
• Experience with planning lessons and activities that support an emergent learning environment
• Basic computer skills including ability to access the internet for research, send and receive emails, and experience using Microsoft Office to create documents
• Knowledge of the Michigan Early Learning Standards for Infants and Toddlers
• Ability to lead and supervise support staff members
• Assist the lead teacher in writing and posting weekly lesson plans; these may be thematic or developmental and must meet the criteria required by High Scope curriculum
• Aid in the evaluation and documentation of the developmental progress of the children
• Step into the lead teacher position when there is an absence
• Collaborate in supervising and planning activities and lessons to be implemented in the classroom.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities with other professional staff
• Create a safe environment designed to promote the physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional growth and development of each child
• Carry out experiences which promote global awareness and sensitivity to the likenesses and differences among people of all cultures
• Encourage respect for other individuals, including the teaching of non-violent problem-solving techniques. Employment is contingent upon the completion and positive review of a Criminal History Background Check, Central Registry Clearance, Tuberculosis Test, and References Check.

Responsibilities related to other staff:

Working with the Lead Teacher:

o Assist the lead teacher in writing and posting weekly lesson plans; these may be thematic or developmental and must meet the criteria required by High Scope curriculum

o Aid in the evaluation and documentation of the developmental progress of the children

o Discuss daily health and developmental observations of the children

o Step into the lead teacher position when there is an absence.

o Collaborate in supervising and planning activities and lessons to be implemented in the classroom.

o Coordinate with the lead teacher in orienting new staff members to the classroom, providing written information about specific room limits and procedures, including emergency procedures.

• Coordinate with the lead teacher in directly supervising all classroom staff; provide ongoing training via modeling, daily instruction, immediate feedback, notes, and formal classroom meetings.
• Collaborate to complete Aide evaluations and conduct classroom meetings, twice a year
• Meet regularly with other professional staff and Administrative/Assistant Director to improve own teaching skills.
• Comply with all of the center’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook
• Attend and participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities with other professional staff
• Share activities, ideas and resources; share information from professional and/or popular publications, conferences, etc.
• Share playground supervision duties, clean-up responsibilities and classroom supervision duties.

Responsibilities related to the children:

· Create a safe environment designed to promote the physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional growth and development of each child.

· Supervise the children’s activities inside and outside, be engaged with the children, ensure the safety and well-being of the children while under the center’s care, and intervene to support children when necessary.

· Participate in problem solving related to classroom management issues.

· Interact directly with children during all parts of the day including indoor and outdoor play, meals and naptime.

o Dress appropriately for these times of the day

· Regularly rotate children’s art displays.

· Discuss with the lead teacher regular observations of the children for the purpose of detecting early symptoms of developmental challenges and determine if children are well enough to participate in group care on a day to day basis.

· Ensure that children with allergies are not exposed to materials which may be harmful to them

o Post this information in the classroom.

· Create a pleasant mealtime atmosphere which encourages healthy eating habits and social interactions; include tooth brushing as a regular part of the lunchtime meal.

· Work with the lead teacher to enhance children’s experiences through creative use of community resources such as field trips and visitors.

· Carry out experiences which promote global awareness and sensitivity to the likenesses and differences among people of all cultures.

· Encourage respect for other individuals, including the teaching of non-violent problem solving techniques.

Responsibilities related to the parents:

· Maintain informal daily communication with parents, ensuring that confidentiality is maintained.

· Inform parents when a child is ill or has been injured and complete an accident report.

· Establish rapport through use of parent involvement activities and/or parent education conferences.

· Encourage parents to visit, observe, and participate in their child’s classroom

· Assist the lead teacher with formal communication with parents via newsletters, room signs, and/or personal notes.

· Coordinate with the lead teacher to be available to parents for in-center or telephone conferences upon request and inform parents of this option.

· Discuss with the lead teacher the resource options for parents, other sources of information or assistance, or seek guidance from the administration.

· Coordinate with the lead teacher to meet with prospective and new parents to provide specific information about the classroom and other concerns.

SCDC reserves the right to add and/or require attendance for trainings, meetings and special events per center policies, state or accreditation guidelines. This may include but is not limited to the following:

Mandated training and development

o Annual Enrichment Training and Professional Development

o First Aid/CPR

o Blood Borne Pathogen training

o Infant/Toddler Training (Infant/Toddler/Transition teachers)

o Room Meetings

o School Readiness Seminars/Trainings (Preschool teachers/assistants)

· Center special events

o International Night

o Parent Involvement Activities

· Meetings

o Committee Meetings and Board Meetings

• Staff Meetings

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $34,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person