Assistant Teacher

Description:

The AT works hand in hand with the Group Teacher creating and implementing a developmentally-appropriate curriculum that meets the needs and interests of a given group of children.  The AT assists in the proper supervision of a given group of children at all times.  The position reports to the Site Education Director

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include but is not limited to:

• Work within the framework of the sponsoring agency of the child care center and carry out its functions, policies and procedures

INTERACTION BETWEEN FACULTY AND CHILDREN

• Interact frequently, affectionately and respectfully with all children every day.  This includes: smiling and comforting children.  When in close proximity to children, speaking in a calm, friendly, soft and courteous manner
• Be available and responsive to children’s needs, questions and requests
• Encourage and model social behavior and expectations that are developmentally appropriate
• Intervene in play in order to maintain safety
• Communicate directly with each child at the child’s level

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH, SAFETY AND NUTRITION

• Supervises given group of children at all times
• Maintain accurate attendance records
• Complete appropriate paperwork (accident reports, allergy lists, etc.)
• Maintain a clean and safe environment for children at all times.  Encourages respect for classroom materials and notifies supervisor in advance when supplies are needed
• Arrange the space in clearly defined, well-organized centers to promote optimal program functioning
• Organize a variety of materials and equipment as to encourage maximum constructive use
• Understands the responsibilities as a mandated reporter

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Work is primarily performed in the center environment which is a dynamic place with a high level of physical activity
• Must be able to stand for a majority of the day, bend to be at a child’s eye level, perform all activities with the children such as running, dancing, walking, jumping, etc., move from a seated position to a standing position promptly to respond to emergency situations
• Must possess acceptable hearing and visual capabilities in order to monitor the environment and children’s wellbeing

CURRICULUM

• Assists the Group Teacher in creating and implementing a rich and developmentally-appropriate curriculum based upon the needs and interests of the students, with a focus on intellectual, social, emotional and physical growth
• Assist the Group Teacher in planning and implementing child-oriented, self-initiated activities while limiting large group, faculty-initiated activities
• Provide more than one option for group activity and maintain flexibility in changing planned activities, according to children’s interests
• Create documentation of children’s accomplishments through anecdotal notes, work sampling and/or portfolios
• Plan the use of community resources to enrich the educational content of the children’s program
• In a timely fashion, assist the Group Teacher in completing all documentation, including, but not limited to, weekly lesson plans, anecdotal notes, checkpoints, home visit forms, parent-teacher conference forms
• Take into consideration the individual needs of children and differentiate instruction to meet their needs
• Provide a variety of developmentally appropriate materials and activities that foster social skills, encourage children to think, problem solve, question and experiment
• Foster positive self-concept development by supporting individuality, independence, and the ability to make choices
• Encourage creative expression that in individualized

FACULTY/PARENT INTERACTIONS

• Acknowledge parents and all classroom visitors
• Demonstrate a friendly, courteous and accommodating demeanor at all times
• Respond to parents’ comments and concerns with sensitivity, interest, and respect while maintaining confidentiality

TEAMWORK

• Keep the supervisors informed of any necessary information regarding the care and safety of children
• Establish and maintain a relationship built on trust, cooperation and respect with co-workers
• Offer and share ideas and materials with co-workers
• Communicate directly, work to resolve conflicts quickly and avoid gossip

PROFESSIONALISM

• Attend and participate in all staff meetings, center events, and parent/teacher meetings
• Demonstrate flexibility in assignment and work hours
• Be receptive to feedback and willing to change practices to best serve children
• Maintain confidentiality about issues concerning other faculty members, children and families
• Demonstrate knowledge of ages and stages of development
• Ensure continuity of care for children by reporting to work on tie and maintaining consistent attendance
• Continue professional growth by attending courses, asking for feedback and reading professional literature
• Check HMH email daily as well as staff mailboxes weekly

Compensation:                 Commensurate with qualifications and experience

Hours:                                   35 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Hamilton-Madison House is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualifications: