Preschool Associate Teacher

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:  

Associate Teachers are responsible for supporting the design, planning, and implementation of a quality early childhood education classroom and the implementation of the program’s philosophy and curriculum. The position requires skill and expertise in child supervision, child assessments, and the ability to accept and work effectively with children and adults from diverse populations. This position is a role model for developmentally appropriate practices in the classroom and has shared responsibility for classroom setup and classroom management. This position may have direct responsibility for a specific group of children in a shared classroom.

The position provides support and assistance in the classroom by providing a warm and nurturing environment that helps children grow intellectually, physically, emotionally and socially. The position participates in all activities in the classroom and works as a team member with other staff.  

We are highly encouraging BIPOC, LGBTQ2IA+, or any other minority groups are encouraged to apply. Bilingual speakers in a multitude of languages are a plus.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Visually help supervise the indoor classroom, the outdoor play area, and on field trips. Anticipate and move quickly to prevent potentially injurious situations that may arise during play.
2. Help set up the classroom activities according to plans developed by the staff.
3. Interact, initiate, and encourage the children in all the activities during the day.
4. Model a positive, consistent approach to helping children develop inner behavior controls and good social skills, using conflict resolution techniques, when applicable.
5. Assist teacher in planning activities for the group and help be a resource for materials.
6. Assist the teacher in record keeping such as childcare food program, attendance, child assessments, and observations.
7. Help maintain a clean and appealing environment for the children, by picking up toys, cleaning tables, moving equipment (i.e. setting up cots, mats, or setting up and taking out outside equipment.)
8. Take part in caring for the physical needs of the children at mealtimes, toileting, diapering (for infant/toddler classrooms) and at naptime.
9. Maintain good communication with parents and help make them feel at ease at the center.
10. Participate in parent conferences when asked.
11. Observe and record information about children for portfolios or assessment file.
12. Attend and participate in staff meetings as scheduled. These may be held in the evening.
13. Adhere to and participate in the program evaluation of program using the Environment Rating Scale, Desired Results, and/or NAEYC accreditation standards.
14. Follow health and safety policies, including universal health practices
15. Supervise teacher aides in the absence of the classroom teacher, as assigned by director.
16. Must follow all policies and procedures for handling confidential documentation and confidential information.
17. Timely and accurate submission of time record to supervisor
18. Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

ADMINISTRATIVE:

1. Know emergency procedures and be prepared to take responsibility for carrying them out (Fire drills, earthquake, CPR, first aid). Conduct and complete monthly Safety Checklist as requested.
2. Assist in completing record keeping such as childcare food program, attendance, child assessments, and observations (i.e. DRDP’s, ERS’s, ASQ’s, etc.) Observe and record information about children for portfolios or assessment file.
3. Perform other assigned duties relevant to the needs of the program.

1. Must possess or be eligible and apply for a Child Development Associate Teacher Permit.
2. He/she must be l8 years of age
3. Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
4. Twelve college units in Early Childhood Education
5. One-year experience with the preschool or infants and toddler age group
6. This position requires personal qualities of maturity, sensitivity to children's needs, and ability to work cooperatively with other members of the team.

COMMUNICATION REQUIREMENTS:

The Associate Teacher should be able to communicate (verbally and in writing) with parents and other adults in English; use grammatically correct language; and when possible, speak in the child’s home language.

PREFERRED LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to speak with children and families in their native language. Some classrooms may require bilingual abilities due to needs of the children and families enrolled.

1. Prior to first day of employment, obtain a medical health clearance and maintain clearance as required.
2. Prior to first day of employment, verification of a negative TB test and maintain verification as required.
3. Prior to first day of employment, submit transcripts.
4. Prior to first day of employment, must submit proof of eligibility to work in the U.S., and maintain eligibility.
5. Prior to first day of employment, must have fingerprint clearance and maintain clearance.
6. Within one month of employment obtain CPR and first aid certification and keep current.
7. Driving the organization’s car on Family Service business requires an appropriate level of personal insurance and must be cleared to drive through Family Service’s insurance carrier. (HR will identify appropriate level of insurance and will clear driver through Family Service insurance carrier.)
8. Continue to acquire knowledge about early childhood development by attending classes, workshops, or reading.
9. Be physically, mentally and occupationally capable of performing the following actions without endangering one’s own health:
10. Reach a child 25 feet away within 10 seconds or less
11. Hear a child call for help from at least 50 feet away
12. Comprehend and react to dangerous situations involving children without hesitation
13. Crouch to a child’s height and maintain eye contact
14. Reach children on the highest piece of play equipment
15. Lift a minimum of 40 pounds
16. Sit on the floor and/or low chair and interact with children for an extended period of time.