Teacher's Assistant (Preschool)

Job Description

About us

The TEAM Charter School student, parent, staff and community are passionately committed to providing a nurturing, loving, educational environment serving Pre-Kindergarten through 5th Grade children.

The TEAM mission is "To cultivate healthy bodies, minds, and spirits based on compassion and love for all humanity." The academy is committed to achieving individual and community success and teamwork by bridging cultural norms from a variety of diverse and often misunderstood settings. Emphasis will be on integrating into all subject matter, a non-biased, multicultural, socially just, quality environment embracing the rich cultural diversity of our country, leading to successful student learning outcomes.

Overview of Position: Under the supervision of the lead teacher and site supervisor, the teacher’s assistant is responsible  for supporting the teaching staff to implement all components of equality in the preschool program. Utilizing quality components such as: working effectively with parents, maintaining positive staff relations and supporting the teachers to develop age appropriate programs for 2-5 year old children.

Qualifications:

Title 5

• 6 units of Early Childhood Education (ECE) or Child Development (CD); OR
• Completion of accredited HERO program (including ROP); OR
• CTC approved training
• High School Education
• 18 years of age or work permit required

Essential Requirements:

• Consideration given to the needs of children and families in a sensitive manner
• Able to communicate (verbal and written) in English (other language as appropriate); with staff, children and families in an effective manner

Essential Physical Functions (including classroom and outdoor environment)

• Physically capable to respond to the children’s needs, emergencies and conflicts that may occur within a childcare center environment
• Able to lift and carry at least 30 lbs. (from floor to waist) in a repetitive manner
• Physically capable to assist children when needed to ensure safety in the play area
• Physically able to crouch, squat, sit and stand on the floor (up to 30 minutes), to relate to the children in their environment
• Able to handle the daily commotion, high noise levels, and pressures of the Center on a daily basis
• Perform other duties as assigned

Performance Standard: The responsibilities of this position will include all information contained in the Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual but not limited to the following:

Personal and Professional Behavior:

• Adhere to all personnel policies and procedures of Agency on a consistent basis
• Assume responsibility for continued professional growth
• Willingness to learn professional issues and need for incorporating code of ethics in educational practice

A. Early Childhood Programming:

• Assist in the planning and implementation of lesson plans that reflect the value statement and philosophy of Center (integrating indoor and outdoor environments)
• Assist in developing age appropriate classroom environments which include displays of children’s work and attractive interest centers with attention to housekeeping tasks
• Assist in providing a discrimination free environment that makes understanding, acceptance and respect for all persons an integral part of daily programs
• Assist the teaching staff in assessment of the developmental level of each child in the class
• Assist in using ECERS (Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale) for regular evaluation of the classroom environment to achieve a score of 5 or higher
• Assist in integrating NAEYC Accreditation guidelines as appropriate into the classroom curriculum
• Facilitates smooth transitions during the day

B. Health, Safety, and Nutrition

• Recognize the mandate to report suspected child abuse
• Supervise children at all times to ensure a safe environment according to Cal OSHA Guidelines (SB 198) Plan
• Assist in implementing healthful practice within the classroom environment using universal health precautions (washing hands, using latex gloves when appropriate, changing diapers/clothing in a timely manner, dispensation of authorized medication, etc.)
• Ensure those children implement healthful practices (washing hands, blowing noses, etc.)
• Assist in keeping accurate emergency information and authorizations for treatment of all children
• Maintain current CPR/First Aid and Health and Safety training certification
• Assist in keeping first aid supplies well stocked
• Provide food service support (serving and clean up) for snacks, lunches, and other activities
• Assist in implementing Agency’s plan for medical and disaster related emergencies
• Communicate all family updates to the teacher and/or Site Supervisor
• Ensure mealtimes are enjoyable experiences and children are encourage to be as independent as possible

C. Working With Children, Families, and the Community

• Treat all children and their families in courteous, friendly, and professional manner while maintaining respect for their norms, language, and socio-economic background
• Assist children in the resolution of conflicts by enforcing limits in a consistent manner and by helping children find the appropriate ways to deal with their feelings
• Assist in promoting advocacy for children and families
• Present a professional attitude, appearance and display a sense of humor, common sense and emotional maturity when dealing with children, their families, and the community

D. Supporting Positive Staff Relations

• Maintain confidentiality at all times
• Attend and participate in all required staff meetings and inservice trainings
• Implement positive communication and problem solving skills in accordance with Agency’s policy and procedures
• Work cooperatively with other staff members, including the administrators of the program, accept supervision and contribute to the effectiveness of the team
• Bring concerns/problems to the attention of the Teacher and/or Site Supervisor in a timely manner
• Maintain a professional attitude and loyalty to the Agency at all time
• Regularly evaluate the needs of the Center, staff, and self
• Maintain excellent work habits (attendance, punctuality, time management, teamwork, etc.)

E. Organization Task

• Assist in maintaining materials and supplies needed for instructional activities
• Assist Teachers/Site Supervisor when needed in general housekeeping chores
• Demonstrate familiarity with all licensing requirements and ensure that all procedures and policies are followed to meet or exceed the standards
• Complete tasks on schedule and demonstrate efficient use of time and materials