Afternoon Assistant - Early Childhood, Part Time, 3-5 days per week

Leila Day staff have a commitment to progressive early childhood education, emphasizing play, inquiry, and experiential learning in the natural world. Afternoon assistant teachers support the learning and developmental curriculum, both indoors and outdoors, that is reflective of children's interests and filled with meaningful relationships and joyful adventures that encourage curiosity, exploration and experimentation. Afternoon Assistants work under the supervision of the Teacher(s) in their classroom as well as the Assistant Director. All staff work in a manner that promotes Leila Day's culture of respect, collaboration and kindness.

• Assist other classroom teacher(s) with implementation of activities, experiences and curriculum
• Contribute to an environment that is welcoming, child-centered and developmentally appropriate by engaging with children during play, preparing materials for teacher led activities and setting up the learning environments.
• Encourage children's positive self-concept while supporting and respecting the cultural backgrounds, languages, individual interests and learning style of each child and are sensitive to issues of equity and implicit bias.
• Assist with the maintenance of the classroom and outdoor spaces, including stocking of supplies and organizing instructional materials.
• Care for materials and equipment to ensure the indoor and outdoor spaces are properly tidied and organized at the close of each day
• Relay messages to and from the teachers and families as necessary.
• Carry out daily routines and procedures under the direction of lead or co-teachers (e.g. behavioral expectations, group management, limit setting and transitions) reflective of children's different needs and that ensure the safety and well-being of the group.
• Engage in on-going professional learning opportunities to remain current with early childhood research and best practices.

Expectations

• Afternoon Assistants communicate with teachers and maintain a cooperative and professional relationship with them.
• Afternoon Assistants attend relevant staff meetings, school wide events, professional development trainings, conferences, and other activities outside of regular hours as deemed necessary by the Education Director.
• Other duties as assigned or necessary.

Physical, Health & Safety Requirements

• Must adhere to all CT State guidelines and Leila Day policies regarding immunizations, physical exam, and required health and safety training such as CPR, First Aid, and Administration of Medications, as well as all Covid-19 related guidelines as revised due to pandemic conditions and response.
• Must have the physical ability to participate in activities that may include lifting, moving or holding children from 20-60 pounds as well as walking, squatting, climbing and sitting on the floor.
• Must have desire and ability to regularly spend time outdoors.
• Must be able to maintain mental and physical alertness, and appropriate level of energy and respond quickly to emergencies or unexpected situations.

Education & Experience

• At least 18 years of age
• Minimum 2 years experience working in child care or school setting

      Bachelor's degree (in early childhood education or a related field) preferred but not required

Expectations

• Assistants are paid hourly at a rate starting at $15 per hour, based on education and experience.
• Regular hours are 10-20 hours/week
• Part-time employees are not eligible for health and dental insurance benefits.

Salary : $16 - $20