The Teacher Assistant supports the Leader Teacher and the Director by helping to create a caring and safe environment for the children and assisting in activities to improve the overall care and quality of education. S/he must be able to communicate, listen and work well with others in a team environment. Assisting the staff in implementing a quality educational program and in developing positive relationships with the children and their parents, the Teacher Assistant observes and documents children's interests and progress, and relays that information back to parents and staff. Teacher Assistants are responsible for implementing developmentally appropriate activities based on children's interests and needs under the direction of the Teacher and the Director.
Job duties:
· Assist in the implementation of Gee Whiz Curriculum activities and encourage participation by
children.
· Actively engage in activities; manage cleanliness, order, and availability of classroom materials.
· Maintain frequent communications with parents through informal discussions and progress reports.
· Encourage self-help and good hygiene through behavior modeling.
· Create an open and positive learning environment for the school's teen parents.
· Coach and mentor teen parents as they learn about child development and positive parenting.
· Help ensure smooth, daily transition from home to childcare center.
· Follow all center policies and state regulations.
· Maintain personal professional development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement.
· Maintain a healthy classroom environment – including maintaining appropriate hygiene and
cleanliness standards and safety and security of children.
· Compliance with other regulatory requirements as applicable.
· Clearance of level 2 background check.
· Effective verbal and written communication skills.
· Pediatric First Aid/CPR (may be obtained after employment).
· High energy.
· Strong oral and written communications skills; technology skills.
· Ability to work well with others (staff, children, teen parents, and grandparents) and to foster a
team environment.
· A strong understanding of child development.
· Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
Physical Requirements
· Safely lift a child or children with total weight of 50 pounds
· Conduct activities involving substantial standing, walking and moderate sitting, stooping, kneeling, bending, crouching, crawling, twisting, and reaching on a frequent basis.
· Work with hands above shoulder height with a weight up to 20 pounds.
· Work with arms extended at shoulder height with a weight up to 20 pounds.
· Must be able to stoop, bend and kneel on the floor without assistance
· Must be able to walk within a 4 square block of the center and lead / attend field trips within the community riding on public transportation or rental vehicle
· Push, pull, playground equipment, art supplies, manipulate office equipment, etc.
· Participate in routine conversation in person or via telephone and distinguish telephone,
radio/pager signals, alarms, and other auditory tones