Assistant Teacher

General Position Description

The Assistant Teacher supports the Lead Teachers and the Program 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 Assistant Teacher observes and documents children’s interest and progress, and relays that information back to parents and staff. Assistant Teachers are responsible for implementing developmentally appropriate activities based on children’s interests and needs under the direction of the Lead Teacher and the Program Director.

This position reports to the Program Director.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the implementation of curricula activities and encourage participation by children.
• Actively engage in activities; manage cleanliness, maintenance, 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.
• Help ensure smooth, daily transition from home to child care center.
• Follow all center policies and state regulations.
• Maintain personal professional development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement.

Additional Knowledge, Skills and Experience Required

• Minimum of 1-2 years of professional child care experience.
• High energy.
• Ability to work well with others.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and basic computer skills.
• An understanding of child development.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Infant/child CPR and First Aid certification OR willingness to obtain.
• Must clear full background check.

Educational Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED, and significant college credit in early childhood education or related field of study. CDA or 6 hours of ECE credit PREFERRED.

Physical Requirements

• Requirements include the ability to take frequent walks, use hands and fingers, handle objects, tools or controls, talk to and hear voices at many levels. May also be required to kneel, bend, squat or crawl.
• A specific vision ability will be required including the ability to see up close and up to a certain distance, to see colors, have peripheral vision and depth perception.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.