Job Description

Summary

The Assistant Teacher is responsible to assist in planning and implementing age-appropriate curriculum. Encourage self-esteem and independence for the social, emotional, cognitive and physical needs of each child. Ensure that health, safety and nutritional education is integrated into the overall curriculum planning. Responsible for the care, supervision, and safety of center children, keeping classroom and equipment clean, neat, and orderly. Must learn, implement, and follow all program policies and procedures. Responsible for the program operations in the absence of the Head Teacher. Must have compassion and understanding for the needs of children and families from economically and culturally diverse backgrounds.

Duties

Take on responsibilities of the program operations in the absence of the Head Teacher.
Demonstrate a thorough understanding of child development principles through daily interaction with children.
Interact with children for up to 8 hours; e.g. to move and react quickly to, to lift and/or carry a child, to sit on floor or use child size furniture, participate in field trips and playground activities, etc.
Work as scheduled, daily attendance and punctuality are required.
Work flexible hours.
Travel to other Little Learners Early Education centers for coverage if necessary.
Handle crisis/emergencies in a professional manner.
Exercise Confidentiality.
Follow Directions
Prioritize tasks, work with minimal supervision and apply self as a positive, contributing member of a team.
Provide documentation of on-going career development as required by licensing, school readiness, and accreditation.
Understand and assist supervisor in implementing State of CT licensing codes, funding requirements, federal, state and local laws and regulations. Understand the use of the CLASS tool.
Complete formal (TS Gold) and informal child observations and developmental assessments.
Communicate with the center team and families, in conjunction with supervisors, regarding children\'s progress and/or updates.
Ensure children\'s understanding of safety rules and regulations.
Maintain stimulating and safe classroom environment and playground areas.
Ensure children are developing sound health and nutritional habits in daily routines and in curriculum through modeling.
Assist in planning, carrying out and evaluating all center activities under the supervision of the Head Teacher
Adhere to TVCCA policies and procedures.
Communicate effectively.
Supervise effectively.
Make decisions, organize, and problem-solve.
Work under pressure and respond to stressful situations with a positive, mature judgment.
Motivate staff and parents.
Perform several functions concurrently in a deadline driven environment.
Assist in developing and implementing lesson plans.
Behave in a professional and appropriate manner at all times, including workshops, formal course offerings and training programs, including actively participating in these programs.
Implement learned information from workshops, training, and formal education.
Ensure that classroom is kept in order and the equipment and supplies are in good condition.
Read, write, and perform basic math skills.
Demonstrate and maintain a positive attitude, establish good working relations with staff and coworkers.
For collaborative classrooms (HS and LL), assist the Head Teacher in maintaining CLASS scores at or above the Head Start National Averages.
Have the necessary computer skills to input information into a database system, prepare newsletters, input observations, prepare family conference forms and complete lesson plans.
Assume classroom responsibilities when the Head Teacher is absent.
Take on additional tasks as required maintaining program and agency operations.
Adhere to agency & program dress code(s); be neat, clean, and well-groomed.
Demonstrate and maintain a positive attitude, establish good working relations with staff and co-workers.
Take initiative, be motivated, and work as a team member.
Have a strong commitment to a quality Early Education program.
Have the personal qualities to work with children and the ability to relate to parents, staff, and the community in which the children live.
Be able to work 35-37 hours/week and 52 weeks/year.

Requirements

Bachelor\'s Degree in ECE or related field with 12 credits in Early Childhood Education
OR

Associate\'s Degree in ECE or related field with 12 credits in Early Childhood Education
OR

12 credits in ECE AND have a valid CDA, or submit within six (6) months of hire date for CDA, obtaining within one (1) year of hire date OR Acquire an Associate\'s Degree in ECE or related field with 12 credits in ECE within one year (exceptions will be considered by program director on a case by case basis)

Enrolled in a degree or CDA program
AND

Have access to reliable, insured transportation.
Must have or obtain and maintain CT child care first-aid, and infant and child CPR, and medication administration certification.
Provide a TVCCA Staff Statement of Good Health signed by a physician, physician\'s assistant, or nurse practitioner completed within twelve (12) months before the date of employment, and every twenty-four (24) months for current staff.
Provide a written report of negative tuberculin test completed within twelve (12) months prior to the date of employment, or for a known prior reactor, no evidence of active tuberculosis on a chest x-ray.
Must be able to lift and/or carry a child up to 50lbs.
Have the credentials to obtain a Connecticut Head Teacher License from the Department of Public Health.
Minimum of 18 years of age
Be able to work 35 hours/week, 52 weeks/year.
The TVCCA Little Learners Early Education Program requires staff to be available from 7:00AM - 5:00PM to cover center operational hours on a rotational basis.
Continue professional development per funding source requirements.
Strong Computer and ability to effectively communicate with children, parents, staff and volunteers.

Benefits

Benefits are offered to Full-time & Part-time employees

Benefits Offered after 30 days of employment include the following:

Retirement Plans
11 Paid Holidays
2 Paid Floating Holidays
Accrued Vacation/Sick Time
Vacation Leave
Sick Leave
Mileage Reimbursement
Secondary Auto Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Jury Duty
Military Duty for Active Service
Emergency/Discretionary Leave
Leaves of Absence without Pay
Leave from Employment for Victims of Family Violence

Additional Benefits Offered based on employment includes the following:

Group Health & Life Insurance
Short-term Disability
Long-term Disability
CT Family & Medical Leave
Educational Leave

About Us

TVCCA provides services and partners with other organizations to address the social determinants of health housing, food security, employment needs, education, and basic needs of lowincome and vulnerable households in Eastern Connecticut, with a focus on building the community\'s self-sufficiency and resiliency.

Thames Valley Council for Community Action