Early Childhood Teacher Assist

Position Summary

Primary responsibility under the guidance of the Teacher, is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children that encourage their social, emotional, physical and intellectual development through designing and implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum according to guidelines established by the Creative Curriculum and the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the Illinois Department of Children and Family services.

Salary: USD $15.50 per hour (minimum) – USD $21.44 per hour (maximum).

• Must be at least 19 years of age and have high school diploma or equivalency certificate (GED).
• Excellent communication skills.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Interact frequently, affectionately, and respectfully by smiling, touching, and holding children. Speak in a friendly, calm, soft and courteous manner within close proximity of the child. (E)
• Respect and observe children’s interests. Intervene when needed to maintain safety. Enhance children’s play with language, toys and activities. (E)
• Communicate directly with each child at the child’s level. (E)
• Engage and communicate constructively with individual children during activities and routines. Take every opportunity to positively extend children’s thinking and actions. (E)
• Be available and responsive to children’s needs, questions, and requests. (E)
• Encourage and model social behavior and expectations which are developmentally appropriate. (E)
• Acknowledge feelings with sensitivity and demonstrate appropriate expression of emotions. (E)
• Practice positive discipline techniques in guiding children’s behavior according to Memorial Child Care’s Guidelines for positive discipline. (E)
• Be attentive, flexible and supportive of children and their families during transitions to and from classrooms. (E)

Curriculum

• Implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum based upon the guidelines set forth in the Creative Curriculum which reflects observations and assessments of individual children. (E)
• Assist in the design of an environment which responds to children’s individual developmental levels, physical and emotional needs and current interests through the use of Creative Curriculum. (E)
• Foster positive self-concepts by supporting individuality, independence, and the ability to make choices. (E)
• Encourage creative expression. (E)
• Demonstrate respect for diversity by providing anti-bias, non-sexist language, images, and experiences which reflect both center and global communities. (E)
• Share ideas in planning a daily schedule which provides a balance of activities using the Creative Curriculum lesson plan. (E)
• Assist in the documentation of children’s accomplishments through anecdotal notes, observations and portfolios. (E)

Faculty/Parent Interactions

• Acknowledge parents and all classroom visitors. Demonstrate a friendly, courteous and professional manner. (E)
• Respond to parents’ comments and concerns with sensitivity, interest, and respect. Maintain confidentiality. (E)
• Participate in a Primary Care giving relationship with individual children and their families. (E)
• Share appropriate information with parents on a daily basis regarding the development and specific activities of the children in their primary care. Utilize appropriate written communication tools as assigned. (E)
• Assist in the planning and attend center/classroom events and meetings. (E)

Physical Environment, Health, Safety and Nutrition

• Maintain and follow all safety and health rules of the center. (E)
• Supervise children at all times. Demonstrate awareness of entire group while working with a small group or individuals. (E)
• Know the number of children in your group and maintain ratios at all times. (E)
• Maintain accurate attendance records throughout the day. (E)
• Complete appropriate paperwork (i.e., accidents, medication). (E)
• Encourage children to utilize appropriate health, safety and nutritional practices. (E)
• Keep environment and equipment safe, clean and attractive. Encourage respect for classroom materials. Notify designated individual in advance when supplies are needed. (E)
• Assist in arrangement of space in clearly defined, well…