Assitant Teacher

Responsibilities

1. Professional Conduct

   1. Arrive to work when scheduled, be punctual and give ample notice for absences

   2. Have the ability to open/close your classroom, as well as the center if needed

   3. Maintain respectful working relationships and work collaboratively with other teachers, staff and directors

   4. Maintain confidentiality concerning children

   5. Complete tasks in a timely manner

   6. Have the ability to problem solve and maintain composure under new or stressful circumstances

   7. Maintain an overall positive attitude when presented with challenges (i.e. in front of coworkers, parents, and children)

2. Working with Children

   1. Present a friendly, warm demeanor and engage with children in an inviting manner, including hugs, tone of voice and eye contact

   2. Provide a variety of age-appropriate experiences that help children develop an emerging sense of self-awareness while also applying knowledge of child development in planning activities, setting up classroom environments and interactions

   3. Use positive approaches to help children control impulses and fears and adhere to the Green Bean’s discipline policy which incorporates redirection as the primary discipline strategy. Never use corporal punishment, theats, derogatory remarks, or withholding of food as a means of managing behavior

   4. Encourage self help and independence in developmentally appropriate situations

   5. Facilitate positive interactions and friendships among children and model pro-social language and behavior by interacting in a respectful manner with staff and children

   6. Work with each child at their developmental level

3. Classroom Responsibilities

   1. Be prepared to step in to lead the classroom with help from other staff on occasions when the lead teacher is absent

   2. Support lead teacher in providing high-quality care including changing diapers, following hand washing procedures for staff and children, participate in family style dining, and monitor the safety and well-being of each child

   3. Follow the daily classroom schedule laid out by the lead teacher that includes choice time, circle time, gross motor sessions, and art/sensory activities

   4. Aide lead teacher in completing blogs, investigation templates, and portfolios when needed

   5. Support lead teacher in conducting regular documentation to be used to inform lesson planning as well as for display, both inside and outside of the classroom (photos, children’s work, quotes, observations, teacher reflection, etc)

   6. Exhibit proper sanitation behaviors, such as washing hands after diapering or wiping noses, sanitizing tables and surfaces and sweeping floors after meals

   7. Supervise all children at all times by sight and sound and include roster check after transitions

   8. Participate in fire/tornado drills, and be aware of emergency evacuation plan

   9. Check to make sure playground is free from hazardous objects and gates are closed and locked

   10. Keep classroom reasonably clean and uncluttered

   11. Have basic knowledge of NAEYC Standards and how they relate to curriculum, assessment, developmentally appropriate practice, parent communication, and safety

   12. Have basic knowledge of DCFS Licensing Standards as it relates to teacher-child ratios, health & safety, sick policy, diaper changing policy, sanitation, and nutrition

   13. Have the ability to implement best practice in order to meet and exceed Licensing Standards

   14. Complete accident reports, incident reports and other paperwork in a timely manner - have parents fill out medication consent forms as needed

4. Working with Parents

   1. Seek partnerships with parents while maintaining respectful rapport

   2. Listen and respond respectfully to parents and remain tactful when discussing children - confidentiality must be practiced when discussing other children.

   3. Regularly communicate with parents verbally and in writing as needed and remain available and approachable with parents

5. Working with School Staff

   1. Be open to constructive feedback

   2. Work collaboratively with Lead Teachers, TAs, Floaters, and Directors

   3. Incorporates suggestions from Teachers and Directors in your daily work

   4. Maintain respectful relationships with all staff and students

   5. Show capability in helping train new staff

6. Professional Development & School Culture

   1. Attend Professional Development Day and other trainings offered

   2. Participate in professional development hours (a minimum of 15 hours per year is required by DCFS)

   3. Participate in annual Back-to-School Night and other family events

   4. Contribute to a healthy school culture

   5. Offer constructive feedback and show support to fellow teachers when troubleshooting

   6. Express interest and offer support in the activities of other classrooms

   7. Actively work to create a healthy and positive classroom and center environment

Qualifications

Section 407.150 Qualifications for Early Childhood Assistants and School-Age Assistants

a) Early childhood assistants shall meet the requirements of Section 407.100, with the

exception of subsection (b).

b) Early childhood and school-age assistants shall have a high school diploma or

equivalency certificate (GED).

c) Early childhood assistants shall work under the direct supervision of an early

childhood teacher or school-age worker and shall not assume full responsibility for a

group of children, except as allowed by Section 407.190(e)(2).

d) School-age assistants shall work under the direct supervision of a school-age worker

and shall not assume full responsibility for a group of children, except as allowed by

Section 407.90(e)(2).

• Meets all DCFS licensing requirements including a physical examination which provides evidence that staff are free of communicable disease, including active tuberculosis, and physical or mental conditions that could affect their ability to perform assigned duties.

• Receipt of the flu shot, Tdap and MMR immunizations

• Three (3) written character references

• Complete a background check and fingerprinting

• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice

• Maintain valid first aid and CPR certification

• Must be available to work between the hours of 6:45 a.m. and 6:15 p.m.

General Requirements for Personnel, per DCFS Guidelines

a) Staff shall be able to demonstrate the skill and competence necessary to contribute to each child’s physical, intellectual, personal, emotional, and social development. Factors contributing to the attainment of this standard include:

1) Emotional maturity when working with children;

2) Cooperation with the purposes and services of the program;

3) Respect for children and adults;

4) Flexibility, understanding and patience;

5) Physical and mental health that do not interfere with childcare responsibilities;

6) Good personal hygiene;

7) Frequent interaction with children;

8) Listening skills, availability and responsiveness to children;

9) Sensitivity to children’s socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds,

and individual needs and capabilities;

10) Use of positive discipline and guidance techniques; and

11) Ability to provide an environment in which children can feel comfortable, relaxed,

happy and involved in play, recreation and other activities.

b) Child care staff shall generally demonstrate skill and competence necessary to assume direct responsibility for child care including:

1) Skills to help children meet their developmental and emotional needs; and

2) Skills in planning, directing, and conducting programs that meet children’s basic needs.

c) Child care staff shall be willing to participate in activities leading to professional growth in child development and education, and in training related to specific needs of children served.