Job Description
Job Description
Position Summary
Hamilton-Madison House’s Early Childhood Services is seeking an Assistant Teacher (AT) for our Early Childhood Program, which serves children between the ages of 3-5 years old. We are seeking a warm, responsible, dedicated teacher, sensitive to the needs of young children and their families and able to work well with others. 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 Education Director.
Responsibilities :
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 timesMaintain accurate attendance recordsComplete 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 neededArrange the space in clearly defined, well-organized centers to promote optimal program functioningOrganize a variety of materials and equipment as to encourage maximum constructive useUnderstands the responsibilities as a mandated reporterPHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work is primarily performed in the center environment which is a dynamic place with a high level of physical activityMust 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 situationsMust possess acceptable hearing and visual capabilities in order to monitor the environment and children’s wellbeingCURRICULUM
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 growthAssist the Group Teacher in planning and implementing child-oriented, self-initiated activities while limiting large group, faculty-initiated activitiesProvide more than one option for group activity and maintain flexibility in changing planned activities, according to children’s interestsCreate documentation of children’s accomplishments through anecdotal notes, work sampling and / or portfoliosPlan the use of community resources to enrich the educational content of the children’s programIn 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 formsTake into consideration the individual needs of children and differentiate instruction to meet their needsProvide a variety of developmentally appropriate materials and activities that foster social skills, encourage children to think, problem solve, question and experimentFoster positive self-concept development by supporting individuality, independence, and the ability to make choicesEncourage creative expression that is individualizedFACULTY / PARENT INTERACTIONS
Acknowledge parents and all classroom visitorsDemonstrate a friendly, courteous and accommodating demeanor at all timesRespond to parents’ comments and concerns with sensitivity, interest, and respect while maintaining confidentialityTEAMWORK
Keep the supervisors informed of any necessary information regarding the care and safety of childrenEstablish and maintain a relationship built on trust, cooperation and respect with co-workersOffer and share ideas and materials with co-workersCommunicate directly, work to resolve conflicts quickly and avoid gossipPROFESSIONALISM
Attend and participate in all staff meetings, center events, and parent / teacher meetingsDemonstrate flexibility in assignment and work hoursBe receptive to feedback and willing to change practices to best serve childrenMaintain confidentiality about issues concerning other faculty members, children and familiesDemonstrate knowledge of ages and stages of developmentEnsure continuity of care for children by reporting to work on time and maintaining consistent attendanceContinue professional growth by attending courses, asking for feedback and reading professional literatureCheck HMH email daily as well as staff mailboxes weeklyMinimum Qualifications :
High School Diploma plus CDA credential or AA in Early Childhood Education with one year teaching experience with children 3-5 years of ageAssistant Teacher CertificationBilingual English / Asian language preferredAn ability to work positively and patiently with children, parents and staffProficient in MS Office and other industry related technologiesCompensation : $31,601 (HS Diploma), $35,494 (Bachelor Degree) Salary based on credentials with DC 37 Local 95, Union Position, and generous benefits
Hours : Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week
Hamilton-Madison House is an Equal Opportunity Employer
