Job Description
Summary The Teacher Assistant supports the Teachers and the Director by helping to create a caring and safe environment for the children and assisting in activities to improve the overall care and quality of education. S/he must be able to communicate, listen and work well with others in a team environment. Assisting the staff in implementing a quality educational program and in developing positive relationships with the children and their parents, the Teacher Assistant observes and documents children?s interest and progress, and relays that information back to parents and staff. Teacher Assistant are responsible for implementing developmentally appropriate activities based on children?s interests and needs under the direction of the Teacher and the Director.
Duties - Assist in the implementation of curricula activities and encourage participation by children.
- Actively engage in activities; manage cleanliness, maintenance, and availability of classroom materials.
- Maintain frequent communications with parents through informal discussions and progress reports.
- Encourage self-help and good hygiene through behavior modeling.
- Help ensure smooth, daily transition from home to child care center.
- Follow all center policies and state regulations.
- Maintain personal professional development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement.
- Taking initiative to go the classroom with the highest need at the moment.
- Activities are implemented effectively in the event that the lead teacher is absent for a period of time, or assistant teacher and lead teacher are out at the same time.
- Advises EEC assistant teachers/substitutes and volunteers on daily plans and supervises on the implementation of such plans in the absence of the Lead Teacher.
- Maintains an orderly though active and fun environment while engaging with the children through conversation and play.
- Maintains Licensing Regulations for the State of Vermont. Licensing renewal requirements are met.
- Continuously ID?s unfamiliar individuals picking up clients.
- Maintains open and consistent communication with families and co-workers.
- Assists in updating parent boards monthly.
- Creates an atmosphere of safety, caring and support for the children. Carries out discipline with a positive attitude, calm demeanor and tone of voice.
- Positively represents the program to the community including licensing agents, parents, employers and the general public.
- Maintains appropriate teacher/child ratios in the classroom.
- Institutes an open-door policy for families; treats all families with respect.
- Completes minimum amount of required training hours, per State of Vermont Regulations and Accreditation Standards
- Reconciles issues with families in a positive manner, asking the Program Supervisor or Director for assistance when necessary.
- Annually updates Individual Professional Development Plan, maintains current CPR/First Aid certifications.
- Does not use cell phone when in the presence of clients and while on the clock.
Requirements - Minimum of 1-2 years of professional child care experience.
- High energy.
- Ability to work well with others.
- Strong oral and written communication skills and basic computer skills.
- An understanding of child development.
- Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- Infant/child CPR and First Aid certification.
- Must clear full background check and must pass health screening.
- Required education is as follows: at least a Level I or II on the VT Early Childhood Career Ladder; or a current CDA and 12 months experience; or State Board of Education approved Human Services Program Certificate and 12 months experience; or successful completion of the Fundamentals for Early Professionals' course and 12 months experience; or successful completion of a 3-credit college course in child or human development and 12 months experience.
Benefits - 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
Job Tags
Full time,