Teacher Assistants

Are you interested in working days Monday through Friday and have every weekend off?  Are you interested in working with children? If so, come join our team by applying today! Full Time with benefits! 

Job Title:        Child Care Assistant                         

Reports to:      Site Director                                                                            

Department:   Classroom Education                                      

Date:               May 16, 2018

FLSA Status:  Nonexempt

Job Summary:  This position assists in providing appropriate classroom experiences in a manner that follows all GMCC policies and procedures and all NH/VT child care licensing regulations.  Models appropriate, professional behavior.Works under the direct supervision of Lead Teachers and Associate Teachers.

Duties:    The primary duties of this position include supervision of children and appropriate assistance to Lead Teachers and Associate Teachers in the management of assigned classrooms.  GMCC and its affiliates reserve the right to assign other duties to any employee at any time depending upon business needs. 

Essential duties/functions are identified with an asterisk (*).

Classroom Management

• Assists in the maintenance of an attractive and well-organized classroom
• Assists children with transitions from home to school, maintains awareness of the whereabouts of each child, and follows through with appropriate expectations for children’s behavior
• Enables children to resolve their own conflicts and assists them in managing their feelings positively
• Teaches and models empathy
• Verifies individuals other than parents/guardians are authorized to pick up children
• Ensures that children are signed in and out.
• Responsible for daily cleaning of classroom

Curriculum and Teaching

• Helps to meet the social, emotional, physical and cognitive needs of each child
• Interacts with children during activities to support learning, and provides materials and ideas to extend the play
• Helps set up activities, equipment, and materials as directed.

Health and Safety

• Ensures the safety and well-being of children at all times, and implements the health policies of the Center, including good hygiene, hand washing, toileting, and diapering procedures
• Reports accidents and injuries to parents and the Site Director administers first aid as needed, and documents incidents using appropriate forms
• Models good eating habits and manners and promotes a relaxing mealtime environment
• Reports any suspected abuse to Site Director or direct supervisor

 Family Relationships 

• Maintains daily open communication with families
• Maintains confidentiality regarding children and families
• Assists with communication through bulletin boards, newsletters, written notes, and other means

Center-wide Responsibilities

• Collaborates with other classrooms on activities and events
• Assists in maintaining shared spaces
• Pursues on-going professional development
• Participates in the maintenance of equipment and supplies and informs the Site Director of needs
• Works with other staff members on Center development and on the resolution of Center issues
• Maintains current knowledge in the field of Early Childhood Education and needs to obtain any necessary annual continuing education training as outlined by the site director, state licensing and/or NAEYC

Other Duties

• Backup to administrative staff for phone answering
• Other duties as assigned or required

Qualifications

Education/Experience:  High school diploma, or equivalent, required, plus a minimum of 9 ECE credits, including one three-credit course in Child Growth and Development.  Associates degree in Early Childhood Education preferred.   One year of experience in an early childhood setting required.  Must complete required First Aid and CPR training.

Language Ability:  Must have good communication skills, particularly in relation to young children and their families.

Math Ability: No specific math skills required.

Reasoning Ability: Basic

Other Skills/Abilities:  Must possess warm, friendly demeanor and understanding of children’s needs and how they may be appropriately met.  Must have a commitment to diversity and serving the needs of a diverse community.

Computer Skills: None required.

Certificates/Licenses:  None required

Work Environment: Must be dependable and able to work a flexible schedule in a classroom environment.

Physical Demands: Must be able to meet health criteria as defined by state licensing and NAEYC, and have the physical ability to move quickly to supervise children, lift, carry and physically assist children, sit on the floor and child-sized furniture, and see and hear at a distance and at close range.