Description
Purpose:
To be responsible for assisting in the general supervision and management of a classroom of children by performing the duties necessary to provide a safe, nurturing, stimulating and educational environment. This includes allowing the children to grow at their own pace and gain in social, physical, emotional and cognitive development. Reports To: Classroom Head Teacher or Teacher Supervises: Self
Requirements:
- Able to observe, see, hear and respond to children's needs, emergencies and conflicts that might occur in a classroom, on the playground, other Center areas, or on field trips
- Able to lift approximately 30 pounds from the floor to a waist high table 25 - 30 times daily
- Able to reach a child 20 - 30 feet away within 30 seconds
- Able to crouch to a child's height, maintain eye contact at the child's level, and sit on the floor for extended periods of time on a regular basis
- Good health as confirmed by a physician's statement and proof of being free of tuberculosis
- New York State Registry clearance
- Criminal History Fingerprint clearance
- Be at least 18 years of age
Responsibilities:
- Adhering to all policies and procedures of First Learning Child Care and the child care licensing regulations of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services
- The care, safety and well-being of all children in the classroom, including attending to children's personal needs, e.g., diapering, toileting, feeding, washing, clothing, comforting, preparing for rest
- Assisting in the planning and implementation of an age-appropriate, open-ended program which coincides with the philosophy of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
- Assisting in preparing an inviting, clean and organized classroom environment with learning centers and hands-on activities which coincides with the philosophy of NAEYC
- Interacting frequently with children in a positive, respectful, responsive and encouraging manner which follows the guidelines of NAEYC
- Orienting and actively supervising children by overseeing both small and large groups of children
- Developing parent relationships and communicating directly with parents on a regular basis
- Maintaining classroom records and keeping necessary written documentation
- Maintaining a positive work climate
- Communicating effectively and directly with other staff
- Assisting new and substitute staff assigned to the classroom
- Assisting supervisor and rendering staff support to all other classrooms and employees as necessary
- Assisting in the maintenance, general housekeeping and repair of assigned areas and common space
- Performing administrative duties as necessary for the classroom and Center operations
- Serving in the absence of the Head Teacher or Teacher as necessary
Completing 15 hours of early childhood training within the first 6 months and every year thereafter Maintaining current Aspire account to record education and training with QualitystarsNY
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of NYS child care regulations
- Increasing knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices and age appropriate activities which correspond with NAEYC guidelines
- Effective and tactful oral and written communication skills
- Ability to maintain positive relationships with children, co-workers, and parents
- Increasing ability to use constructive methods for maintaining group control and individual behaviors
- Ability to use sound judgment and tact
- Ability to work as a team member
- Flexibility (especially in scheduling and practice to respond to the needs of the program)
- Creativity and patience
Training and Experience:
- High School Diploma or its equivalent, AND
- A commitment to working with young children in a manner that will encourage the children's emotional, social, physical and intellectual development, as outlined by NAEYC guidelines, AND
- At least one (1) year of related work experience with children is preferred.
