Job Description: Early Childhood Teacher Assistant

Reports to: Lead Teacher / Facility Director

Broad Function: Works under the direct supervision of an early childhood teacher and does not assume responsibility for a group of children.

To assist the Lead Teacher in developing an educational program for the children which includes opportunities for creative expression, interaction of language among adults and children, the promotion of literacy, assist in the planning and execution of indoor/outdoor, and encourage parents to become involved in the facility at all levels. Adhere to Cee Cee’z Imagination Station Preschool & Child Care Center Performance Standards. Become familiar with the philosophy, goals, policies and guidelines, DCFS regulations and ExcelleRate IL standards. The Teacher Aide works collaboratively with the Lead Teacher, Substitute Teacher, Volunteers, and Administrative Staff.

Qualifications and Requirements

1. Must have High School degree or GED and be at least 19 years of age.
2. Candidate must;
   1. Have at least a CDA credential or above, or
   2. Be enrolled in a CDA program to be completed within 2 years, or
   3. Be enrolled in an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program in a related field, to be completed within 2 years.
3. Have good health and be agile enough to work with small children
4. Must be able to relate well to children, staff, parents and volunteers.
5. Must have the ability to read, write and keep records.

Essential Functions

1. To assist the Teacher in every aspect of the classroom. The Teacher Assistant will help prepare lesson plans and assist other staff in cleaning of the building; Eat with the children at meals. Help plan indoor/outdoor activities; Assist the Lead Teacher and Bus Driver while on field trips.
2. To provide a safe, healthy, inviting, and creative classroom environment for the children.
3. Plan music and creative art activities, two cooking experiences per month, and daily large and small group activities.
4. Can improvise when necessary. With support from the Lead Teacher be able to deviate from the lesson plan in a positive manner to meet the needs of the children. Be flexible in the planning and implementing of classroom activities.
5. Provide opportunities for the children to explore and experiment through learning by doing.
6. Assist the Lead Teacher in coordinating daily plans to involve volunteers, parents, students, and other adults in the classroom.
7. Be a good role model. Provide the children with a warm and accepting environment.
8. Supervise the children in all areas.
9. Sits with the children at meal tables, initiates positive conversations with the children about the food they are eating, eating the same food, and drinking the milk the table.
10. Maintains confidentially related to the children, parents and staff.
11. Assists the Lead Teacher in the planning and implementation of behavior management techniques.
12. Attends all in service trainings, required conference, and other training sessions as required. Utilizes training in planning for classroom activities.
13. Carries out procedures for emergencies and tornado/fire drills.
14. Plans with staff and parents for activities and/or projects that stimulates and increases parent and community involvement.
15. Other essential functions as assigned.

All job essential functions listed above are based on Cee Cee’z Imagination Station Preschool & Child Care Center Performance Standards.

Personal Qualities

1. Takes educational opportunities.
2. Is mature, stable, friendly, warm, patient, understanding, tactful, and courteous.
3. Accepts each child as she/he is.
4. Profits from constructive criticism.
5. Is dependable, absenteeism is kept at a minimum. Reports to the teacher before 8:00 a.m. if ill or if an emergency arises.
6. Must be self-confident.
7. Is enthusiastic about teaching, independent in responsibility, manages time efficiently.

Working Conditions

1. Possible exposure to blood and bodily fluids or tissues;
2. Possible exposure to communicable diseases;
3. Job requires standing for extended periods of time, as well as stooping, squatting, running, and sitting on small chairs/floor;

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed in such a position.