Preschool Teacher Assistant

OVERVIEW:

The Preschool Teacher Assistant position at Community Seedlings Preschool is responsible for providinginstructionto children ages 2 to 2½ years ofage.Preschool Teacher Assistants are responsible for encouraging children's curiosity and excitement forlearning.

Servingasco-researchers, Preschool Teachers Assistants at Community Seedlings supportthecuriosityand excitement forlearningthatisinherentineverychild. They recognize and honor children'snaturalquesttounderstand their placeinthe world around them. This islearnedthrough play, smallgroupprojects, dialogue,journaling, reflection,and documentation of children'swork.PreschoolTeacher Assistants encouragealoveoflearningthrough exploration of art, STEM work, math, social studies, literacy, andtheenvironments of both the indoor and outdoor classrooms.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the direction of the Preschool Director, and Lead Teacher, the Teacher Assistant assists with and is responsible for the following areas:

• Maintain safety and ensuring the welfare of all enrolled children, supervision of children during all activities, indoors and out of doors.
• Ensure appropriate standards for children's discipline and behavioral standards using non-punitive methods.
• Day-to-day operation; including maintaining a harmonious and efficient work environment.
• Perform housekeeping duties as assigned, including daily preparation and clean-up of snack/lunch.
• Attend all staff meetings and other work-related functions, including special events, as required.
• Interact with parents when necessary or refer appropriate questions and concerns to program teachers or Directors.
• Assist Lead Teacher with implementing age-appropriate provocations and invitations..
• Assist in maintaining and providing periodic testing of emergency response plan.
• Continue to engage in professional development.
  

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Highschooldiploma or equivalent; Must be 18 years of age or older
• College coursework in fields relating to preschool children preferred. Minimum of 6 ECE units completed.
  

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Must pass fingerprint clearance, TB test, pre-employment physical, and provide immunization record of measles and pertussis vaccines.
• Must complete required training upon hire or willing to obtain certification:CPR, Mandated Reporter, and Sexual Harassment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Report towork on a regular and punctual basis
  
• Understandandimplementdevelopmentally appropriate practices (DAP)
• Exercise discretion and confidentialitywhenmeetingwithfamiliesandthepublic
• Be sincere,nurturing and caringtowardall children
  
• Interactappropriatelyand positivelywithchildrenat all times
• Understand and follow procedures and policies ofthe organization
  
• Understand and followoraland written instructions
  
• Demonstrate positive teamattitude
  
• Establish andmaintaincooperative and effective workingrelationshipswith colleagues
• Read, write,speakandunderstandEnglish.
  
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to communicate with children and parents in a positive and respectful manner.
• Energetic personality and team player.
• Must be punctual and reliable.
  

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physicalrequirementsdescribedherearerepresentativeof those that must be met byanemployeetosuccessfully performtheessential functions of thisjob.

• Regularlyrequiredtosit, stand,twist,turn,bend,walk,talk, hear, andreachwithhands
• Regularlyrequiredto operate a computer andotheroffice equipment
  
• Regularly requiredtoseeand observestudents,walk and/orstand for extendedperiodsoftime,andhearandspeakto exchange information
  
• Regularly required to possessdexterity ofhandandfingers,kneel,bendatthe waist,sitonthe floor, climb stairs and reach overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally to perform assigned duties; lift light objects
• Regularlyrequiredtospeakinaudibletonessothatothersmay understandclearlyin indoor and outdoor classrooms

• Occasionally requiredto liftand/ormove upto 40 lbs.
  
• Duties arenormallyperformedinaschool,classroom, playgroundand/orother outdoor settings
• Dutiesmaybe performedinseasonalheat,sun,andcold
• Thenoise level inthework environmentis usually moderate
  
  

WORKING HOURS:

Monday - Friday

Part-time: 8:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Reasonableaccommodationsmay bemadetoenableindividualswithdisabilitiestoperformthe
essentialfunctions.

BENEFITS:

• 403 (b) Retirement Plan
• Credit Union Membership

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Community Roots Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.