Job Description for: Teacher Assistant (0-3 Infant/Toddler)
Exemption Status: Full Time, Non-Exempt - Hourly
ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW
Educare West DuPage puts into practice the latest science, research, and evidenced-based strategies to help vulnerable infants, toddlers and preschoolers build the skills they need to arrive at kindergarten safe, healthy, eager to learn, and ready for school.
Educare West DuPage drives to inspire children to fall in love with learning, exploring and problem solving. We expect staff to put their early learning knowledge to work nurturing and engaging our infants, toddlers and preschoolers, and to get parents involved in their child’s education.
POSITION SUMMARY
As part of the classroom educational team, and under the general direction of the School Director and direct supervision of the Lead Teacher (0-3 Infant/Toddler), the Teacher Assistant (0-3 Infant/Toddler) helps plan and participates in classroom, playground, and walking field trip activities. These activities are designed to enhance all areas of each child’s development. The Teacher Assistant (0-3 Infant/Toddler) will be held responsible for assisting with the implementing all programming requirements in adherence to all performance and outcomes standards as prescribed by the multiple funding and model requirements.
RESPONSIBLE TO: School Director, Master Teacher and Lead Teacher
SUPERVISOR TO: None
EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed in such a position.
REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES
Educare West DuPage is an Equal Opportunity Employer
ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW
Educare West DuPage puts into practice the latest science, research, and evidenced-based strategies to help vulnerable infants, toddlers and preschoolers build the skills they need to arrive at kindergarten safe, healthy, eager to learn, and ready for school.
Educare West DuPage drives to inspire children to fall in love with learning, exploring and problem solving. We expect staff to put their early learning knowledge to work nurturing and engaging our infants, toddlers and preschoolers, and to get parents involved in their child’s education.
POSITION SUMMARY
As part of the classroom educational team, and under the general direction of the School Director and direct supervision of the Lead Teacher (0-3 Infant/Toddler), the Teacher Assistant (0-3 Infant/Toddler) helps plan and participates in classroom, playground, and walking field trip activities. These activities are designed to enhance all areas of each child’s development. The Teacher Assistant (0-3 Infant/Toddler) will be held responsible for assisting with the implementing all programming requirements in adherence to all performance and outcomes standards as prescribed by the multiple funding and model requirements.
RESPONSIBLE TO: School Director, Master Teacher and Lead 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
- 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
- Proof of a physical examination within the last six months, which includes a tuberculosis test, 1 dose of Tdap, 2 doses of MMR vaccine or is immune to MMR and comply with other background checks as required by the organization and/or Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) licensing
- Personal qualifications as required in Part 407: Licensing Standards for Day Care Centers, emotional maturity, willingness to cooperate with the aims of the program, respect for children and adults, flexibility, patience, good personal hygiene, and physical and mental health which does not interfere with responsibilities
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Participate in training to build an understanding of the Educare Model of early learning programming
- Support the Primary Caregiver structure to ensure a continuity of care system is in place for all children
- Assist with the implementation of the Creative Curriculum for Infants, Toddlers and Two’s framework in the classroom
- Assist with 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, guide and facilitate activities of the children, including: daily activities, walking field trips, 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 conducting the daily health and environment check list
- Assist in implementing an IFSP (Individual Family Service Plan) seeking clarification for any aspects that are not well understood
- Assist in recruiting and orienting volunteers, providing them with guidance as needed
- Assist the Lead Teacher in the completion of required reports
- Complete timely and accurate time sheets
- Assist, as requested, in transition activities
- Distribute newsletters, flyers, and other information to families as instructed by the Lead Teacher
- Actively participate in the development and implementation of the Teacher Assistant Professional Development Plan
- Facilitate reflective supervision as a participant
- Perform other duties, as may be required
- Engage in active supervision of children which requires focused attention and intentional observation of children at all times. Teacher 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.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed in such a position.
REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES
- Successful experience working in a team setting
- Ability to present a positive image of the organization to members of the community
- Ability to work with the Teacher to plan, organize and implement position responsibilities effectively, providing input
- Visual and auditory acuity within professionally determined normal ranges, with correction if need
- Manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer and office equipment, including, but not limited to, the telephone, fax machine, copier, and tape recorder
- Must be able to travel
- Must be able to enter and exit a vehicle without assistance, and withstand exposure to adverse weather conditions
- Must be able to lift 55 pounds
- Experience successfully working with a culturally diverse staff and clients
Educare West DuPage is an Equal Opportunity Employer
