Child Care Center Teacher's Aide

Description

Assist the Teacher and Co-Teacher to provide comprehensive Early Childhood Education services to children/families. Provide a successful, safe and supervised educational setting for infants, toddlers, preschool children while they are in the early learning environment (classroom, outdoor play area, and field trips). To abide by Transformations Early Learning and Development Center’s Code of Conduct and Ethics Statement written within the employee manual. Must meet requirements per any local, state and or agency policies and procedures.

Requirements

Essential Job Responsibilities – Performance Indicators

Classroom Time

• Supervise and monitor children at all times.
• Assist in setting up environment (indoor/outdoor) for the activities of the day.
• Maintain a well-organized, safe and attractive classroom environment conducive to the optimal growth and development of children.
• Use developmentally appropriate practices to facilitate activities with groups and individuals.
• Integrate all Early Childhood Education components into classroom time. ‘Encourage experimentation, exploration, problem solving, cooperation, socialization, and choice making; ask open-ended questions and listen respectfully to the answers.
• Observe and record behaviors of children to assist the Teacher and Co-Teacher in the identification of each child’s strengths and areas to grow.
• Provide an atmosphere that promotes and reinforces parental involvement in the classroom.
• Respond to crisis or emergency situations that may occur. Provide first aid or CPR, prevent the spread of blood borne pathogens, and access emergency services as needed.
• Assist with providing daily meal service.

Additional Job Responsibilities:

• Sanitize classroom equipment and laundry.
• Assure/assist in general maintenance and security of facility.
• Assist with inventory of equipment and supplies.
• Assist with breaks and other classroom needs as requested.
• Attend meetings, trainings, and appropriate professional development activities.
• Monitor and report child abuse.
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements:

• Infants, Toddlers and Preschool (ages 2-5) classroom assistant/teaching experience is required, two years is preferred. Experience and knowledge should include the ability to adapt curriculum to meet the needs of all children including at risk, special needs, gifted, and culturally diverse populations as well as family dynamics and adult learning principles.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. Bilingual English/Spanish skills highly desirable.
• Intermediate to advanced computer skills, internet and e-mail.
• Within 30 days of employment must be Pediatric CPR and First Aid certified and have a current Food Handler’s Card.
• Medical Evaluation is required at hire and will be updated annually.
• Enrollment in Early Child Care Division-Federal Rap Back System (Background Check) at time of hire. A new background check will be required every five years.
• Within 60 days of employment, must provide valid proof of apply for the Maryland Child Care Credentialing Program.
• High school diploma or GED, preferred.
• Must demonstrate experience and interest in working with young children, parents, and volunteers.
• Must demonstrate a strong knowledge of appropriate practices in early childhood development including working with parents.
• Must demonstrate success in working as a member of a team.
• Must demonstrate the ability to work well with young children.

Must be willing to work flexible hours in order to meet the needs of the program.

Knowledge/Skills/Experience Required:

• Frequent significant decision and problem solving abilities.
• Ability to supervise and monitor children at all times to ensure a safe environment. This includes the physical ability to monitor and move quickly in order to respond to children who are very active and may need restraint or redirection in order to ensure their safety or the safety of others.
• Ability to handle sensitive family situations in a non-threatening and professional manner
• Ability to set and maintain professional boundaries with families.
• Must be able to work independently without intensive supervision.
• Ability to respond appropriately to an emergency or a crisis situation.
• Regular kneeling, bending and sitting on the floor to attend to child’s needs.
• Occasional lifting up to 50 pounds. The ability to carry or drag a child in an emergency situation in classroom setting and on the playground to a safe area.