Assistant Teacher - Children's Learning Center

Position Summary:

The Assistant Preschool Teacher demonstrates leadership abilities by creating and maintaining, along with the Head Teacher, a positive learning environment for all families enrolled. The Assistant Preschool teacher, along with other teaching staff, assist each other and Director in operating the center in accordance with Mitchell College policies, procedures and state licensing standards to provide an educational environment for children, staff and families that is nurturing and safe. This position works collaboratively to support and when appropriate, implement weekly plans that are age-appropriate and used to stimulate all domains of child development while supporting a creative classroom environment that reflects the children's learning and growth. In the absence of the Head Teacher, the Assistant Preschool Teacher assumes responsibilities and duties for the classroom and is responsible for all daily classroom operations and execution of learning plan.

This position is part time, full year.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Nurture the spirit and curiosity of each child while building strong relationships with families and children. Use a nature-based and child-centered approach.

• Knowledge of a Reggio Emilia Approach to learning is preferable as is an ability to explore the woods with the children in various weather conditions

• Fulfills record-keeping responsibilities such as children's attendance, incident reports, communicating with families during pick and drop off while it pertains to the individual child, and any/all other daily responsibilities as the Head Teacher has noted.

• Assists in the daily operation of The Children's Learning Center; including but not limited to snack preparation, classroom/play yard set up and clean up.

• Assists in the implementation of developmentally appropriate inquiry-based curriculum.

• Infuses creativity into all aspects of the children's educational day.

• During an extended period of substituting for Head Teacher, the Assistant Teacher performs ongoing developmental evaluations of children as required, develops lesson plans and follows curriculum implementation that addresses the individual needs of each child.

• On an on-going basis, plans, evaluates and improves the physical environment in the classroom to create opportunities to meet the changing needs of the developing child.

• Provides responsive care to all children by adapting daily care giving routines and plans to the interests and needs of the individual child and the group.

• Prepares developmental progress reports in conjunction with the Head Teacher as needed.

• Demonstrates cultural competency and respect for the child's background by incorporating the cultural, linguistic and familial values and beliefs into the childcare program and lesson plans.

• During an extended substitution for Head Teacher will provide information and support to families whose children are in care including referrals to support agencies, parenting/family counseling resources and other counseling resources after consulting with the Director.

• Participates in college-wide meetings and committees, as requested.

• May be asked to conduct tours and provide interested families with information about our program

• Complies with, and implements OEC regulations regarding the care of children

• Informs the Director of any necessary information regarding the care and safety of children

• Assists and accepts temporary responsibility for other daily center duties in the event other personnel are not available

• Attends and participates in staff meetings, center events, and parent meetings as required

• Responds immediately to unusual or crisis situations

• Functions effectively in an inclusive work environment

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to be able to pick-up 25 pounds, have the ability to sit on the floor and rise from that position, and move with young children.

Required Education and Experience:

Minimum

• High school diploma or GED required.

• One to two years of professional teaching experience

• Two (2) years of education above the High School level, which includes twelve (12)- semester hours of college credit in early childhood/elementary/secondary/special education, child/youth development, psychology, human development, youth program administration or related behavioral sciences or a One (1) year vocational certificate in childcare

• One year of general experience working in a group program with children and/or youth.

• Proof of a physical examination within the last six months, which includes a tuberculosis test, and comply with other background checks as required by the OEC/DPH licensing;

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, and parents.

• Ability to maintain confidential information and work independently with a high level of discretion

• Valid driver's license

Preferred

• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Studies, or Human Development Family Studies or related field preferred. Transcripts are required prior to offer.

• Child CPR and First Aid certified preferred.

• Knowledge of CT-ELDS and a Reggio Emilia inspired approach to curriculum

Key Skills / Knowledge:

• Standard computer skills (Word, Excel, etc)

• Strong organizational skills

• Strong oral and written communication skills

• Excellent customer service skills

• Effective interpersonal skills