Preschool Teacher Assistant

General Definition of Work

Under general supervision, performs a variety of technical and clerical tasks in assisting a teacher. Employee may perform a wide range of tasks in order to support the efforts of the lead teacher, meet the needs of all students, and ensure the provision of quality instruction for all students. Employee provides one-on-one assistance with academics and behavioral problems and may lead small group activities. Employee assists lead teacher with general housekeeping and clerical duties.

Reports to
Principal and/or Lead Teacher

Salary
Pay Grade NC04

Qualification Requirements

• Holds or is eligible for a NC Dept. of Health and Human Services – Child Care Criminal Background Check and approval letter.
• Ability to complete Health and Safety training within the first year of employment and every 5 years thereafter.
• Ability to complete CPR/First Aid training within 90 days of employment.
• Ability to complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment.

Education and Experience

• Child Development Associate Credentials and
• High school diploma and 48 semester hours OR
• High school diploma and Associate degree in Early Childhood or higher OR
• High school diploma and at least a silver score on Workkeys

Essential Functions

• Assists teacher with planning, organizing, implementing, and evaluating Instructional activities, developing classroom procedures and preparing necessary materials.
• Helps assure that students are properly supervised at all times.
• Helps students with personal care and hygiene needs.
• Constantly monitors the safety and well-being of students; monitors student attitudes and encourages self-esteem; assists students with becoming increasingly independent in activities of daily living.
• Monitors student behavior through approved methods and helps maintain discipline in the classroom as established by teacher as well as IEP team.
• Assists students with learning; reinforces and clarifies instructions; keeps students on task; conducts short sessions on improving study skills; provides one-on-one assistance as needed for completion of assignments.
• Maintains standardized records and documentation concerning the progress of students.
• Performs general housekeeping duties in maintaining an orderly classroom; performs repair and maintenance tasks related to school equipment.
• Performs various clerical duties as needed, maintains records of student progress; maintains medication logs according to regulations; develops and files incident reports; grades student papers and scores tests; checks daily attendance; makes copies; develops classroom display and instructional materials; maintains and operates audiovisual equipment; orders supplies; maintains class files, etc.
• Helps ensure that students are properly supervised, staff/child ratios are followed, and the safety and well-being of students at all times
• Participate in staff development workshops.
Performs related tasks as required or directed by a supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• General knowledge of daily routines of the classroom.
• General knowledge of student handbook rules.
• General knowledge of procedures to follow in the event of an emergency
• General knowledge of the principles of organization and administration.
• General knowledge of NC Division of Child-Development Child-Care Rules and Requirements.
• General knowledge of Environmental Health Rules and Requirements
• Some knowledge of the curriculum for the grade.
• Possess excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Must be willing and able to learn new skills.
• Must be patient and kind showing respect for all students regardless of abilities and needs.
• Must be dependable and prompt.
• Ability to constantly monitor the safety and well-being of students, particularly when student is participating in an inclusive activity.
• Ability to display calmness, patience, and firmness in managing problem behavior.
• Ability to accept and follow direction of teacher as well as being a self-starter.
• Ability to motivate students.
• Ability to maintain a clean and orderly environment.
• Ability to perform general clerical duties.
• Ability to maintain order and discipline in a classroom.
• Ability to operate common office machines.
• Ability to maintain basic files and records.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to use a variety of equipment and classroom tools such as computers, copiers, typewriters, calculators, pencils, scissors, and equipment for children with special needs, etc.
• Must be able to exert a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
• Due to the amount of time spent standing and/or walking, physical requirements are consistent with those for Light Work.
• This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds of force

Disclaimer

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to this job.