Assistant Teacher

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

The Assistant Teacher plays a crucial role in fostering a positive and enriching learning environment for our children. They are responsible for: Ensuring the well-being and safety of children: This includes providing attentive supervision, care, and guidance to meet the individual needs of each child. Promoting positive relationships: Building strong relationships with children, families, and staff is essential for creating a supportive and collaborative community. Implementing curriculum and schedules: Effectively delivering daily lessons and activities aligned with program goals and ensuring smooth execution of the daily schedule. Maintaining a stimulating classroom environment: Cultivating a space that encourages learning, creativity, inclusiveness and the growth of each child and the group as a whole. Adhering to reporting requirements: Demonstrating meticulous compliance with all regulations and standards set by reporting agencies such as: DFPS, Texas Rising Star, CACFP, SA Metro Health, and NAEYC. Stepping up as needed: In the Lead Teacher's absence, the Assistant Teacher is prepared to take on full responsibility and ensure the continued smooth operation of the program. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

This position requires face to face interactions with staff, board, vendors, and the general public on a daily basis to accomplish all essential functions of the position. 

• CHILD CARE AND SUPERVISION: Direct and Active Supervision: Ensure the safety and well-being of children at all times  through attentive and adaptable supervision. Developmental Learning: Assist with the implementation of developmentally appropriate lesson plans tailored to individual children's goals. Warm and Safe Environment: Create and maintain a nurturing, clean, inclusive and stimulating classroom that fosters exploration and growth. Engaging Activities: Prepare and implement daily indoor and outdoor activities aligned with the curriculum, encouraging all children's participation. Developmental Records: Track and document children's skills using Teaching Strategies Gold assessment tool and maintain individual portfolios showcasing progress, to include photographs, samples of artwork, writing, benchmarks, etc.; and is responsible for the health, welfare, and safety of the children at all times. 
• COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION: Positive Interactions: Maintain positive and professional communication with children, parents, and staff through face-to-face, verbal and ProCare system interactions. Teamwork: Collaborate effectively with team members to create a supportive and positive team environment. Confidentiality: Ensure confidentiality of sensitive information. Feedback: Be receptive to and incorporate feedback from lead teaching staff.  
• ADMINISTRATIVE TASKS: Maintain Reports: Assist with maintaining necessary reports for class and individual children, including developmental assessments, checklists, and observational tools. 
  Portfolios: Maintain and contribute to Teaching Strategies Gold functions, including parent-teacher conferences.  

OTHER FUNCTIONS

• Professional Development (5%): Stay current on program guidelines and requirements through workshop, conference, and in-service training attendance. Maintain required in-service training hours and develop an annual Individual Professional  
• Meetings and Collaboration (5%):  Attends all scheduled staff, supervisory, team planning and curriculum meetings as required by the Program Director. 
• Additional Responsibilities (5%): Contribute to a high-quality learning environment by maintaining cleanliness, following safety procedures, and adhering to health and COVID-19 protocols. Perform other duties as assigned, ensuring deadlines are met and contributing to the program's overall success. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Required: Must be 18 years of age or older and have a High School Diploma or equivalent. Must be meet all mental and physical demands listed with or without reasonable accommodations. Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or enrolled in a program leading to a one year certificate, to be completed within the first 6-12 months of employment. Preferred: Two years’ experience working with individuals with special needs, delays and/or vulnerable populations who have chronic or complex conditions. Preferred: Two (2) or more years of experience working in a licensed and/or accredited childcare center, special and/or early child education, or other experience working with children 0-5 years of age. Associates, or bachelor’s degree. (May be in progress). 

NECESSARY SKILLS

• Exemplify our organization's Core Values in all daily interactions and tasks. 
• Maintain high standards of work, demonstrating strong organization, planning and problem solving skills. 
• Be self -motivated and proactive, exhibiting adaptability, flexibility, and initiative.  
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with team, families, and the community. 
• Demonstrate professionalism, ethical conduct, and responsible behavior. 
• Implement developmentally appropriate practices aligned with the program’s curriculum.  
• Build positive and responsive relationships with children, honoring individual differences and needs. 
• Use positive guidance techniques and model desired behaviors effectively. 
• Be actively engaged in learning and personal growth within the field of Early Childhood Education. 
• Work effectively with team members in a supportive, professional, and cooperative manner. 
• Be open to sharing ideas, collaborating on projects, and compromising when necessary. 
• Possess strong computer skills, proficient in spreadsheets and word processing programs. 
• Demonstrate the ability to learn, interpret, and apply rules and regulations. 

MENTAL & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Maintain emotional composure and empathy, as this role requires the ability to handle challenging situations with children and families while remaining calm and understanding. 
• Adaptability and flexibility when unexpected changes in routine or plans and embrace new situations with a positive attitude. 
• Personal accountability to take ownership of your actions and responsibilities, ensuring tasks are completed accurately and on time. 
• Multitasking and prioritization to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, prioritize effectively under pressure, and meet deadlines consistently.
• Active engagement with children to be prepared for physical activity, including bending, twisting, lifting, moving furniture, and sitting on the floor while playing or assisting children. 
• Stamina and endurance to stand for extended periods, work outdoors in various weather conditions, and potentially participate in outdoor activities. 
• Regular work schedule as this role requires consistent attendance during regular hours, with potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. 
• Moderate physical strength to be able to lift and move objects up to 50lbs. and comfortably navigate stairs.  

TOP COMPETENCIES

• Interpersonal Skills 
• Comfort Around Authority 
• Customer Focus 
• Compassion 
• Intellectual Acumen & Adaptability (Learning on the Fly) 
• Integrity and Trust 
• Personal Learning and Development / Technical Learning 
• Creativity 

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this classification. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job. It is not an employment contract. Our organization reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time.

Required: Must be 18 years of age or older and have a High School Diploma or equivalent. Must be meet all mental and physical demands listed with or without reasonable accommodations. Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or enrolled in a program leading to a one year certificate, to be completed within the first 6-12 months of employment. Preferred: Two years’ experience working with individuals with special needs, delays and/or vulnerable populations who have chronic or complex conditions. Preferred: Two (2) or more years of experience working in a licensed and/or accredited childcare center, special and/or early child education, or other experience working with children 0-5 years of age. Associates, or bachelor’s degree. (May be in progress). 

• NECESSARY SKILLS

• Exemplify our organization's Core Values in all daily interactions and tasks. 
• Maintain high standards of work, demonstrating strong organization, planning and problem solving skills. 
• Be self -motivated and proactive, exhibiting adaptability, flexibility, and initiative.  
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with team, families, and the community. 
• Demonstrate professionalism, ethical conduct, and responsible behavior. 
• Implement developmentally appropriate practices aligned with the program’s curriculum.  
• Build positive and responsive relationships with children, honoring individual differences and needs. 
• Use positive guidance techniques and model desired behaviors effectively. 
• Be actively engaged in learning and personal growth within the field of Early Childhood Education. 
• Work effectively with team members in a supportive, professional, and cooperative manner. 
• Be open to sharing ideas, collaborating on projects, and compromising when necessary. 
• Possess strong computer skills, proficient in spreadsheets and word processing programs. 
• Demonstrate the ability to learn, interpret, and apply rules and regulations. 

• MENTAL & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Maintain emotional composure and empathy, as this role requires the ability to handle challenging situations with children and families while remaining calm and understanding. 
• Adaptability and flexibility when unexpected changes in routine or plans and embrace new situations with a positive attitude. 
• Personal accountability to take ownership of your actions and responsibilities, ensuring tasks are completed accurately and on time. 
• Multitasking and prioritization to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, prioritize effectively under pressure, and meet deadlines consistently.
• Active engagement with children to be prepared for physical activity, including bending, twisting, lifting, moving furniture, and sitting on the floor while playing or assisting children. 
• Stamina and endurance to stand for extended periods, work outdoors in various weather conditions, and potentially participate in outdoor activities. 
• Regular work schedule as this role requires consistent attendance during regular hours, with potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. 
• Moderate physical strength to be able to lift and move objects up to 50lbs. and comfortably navigate stairs.  

• TOP COMPETENCIES

• Interpersonal Skills 
• Comfort Around Authority 
• Customer Focus 
• Compassion 
• Intellectual Acumen & Adaptability (Learning on the Fly) 
• Integrity and Trust 
• Personal Learning and Development / Technical Learning 
• Creativity