Associate Teacher

Associate Teachers (regular or substitutes) help to create a warm, caring and safe environment to support children and teachers in ways that improve the overall quality of care and education. Position Requirements:

Minimum of 9 Credits in ECE (3 credits must be in Child Growth and Development, (prefer 12 credits in ECE with a minimum of one year experience with age group), must be at least 18 years of age, First Aid and CPR certification, complete 18 hours of in-service professional development every 12 month period (as per NH Child Care program Licensing Rules), and a valid driver#s license to drive children with a five year history of safe driving (must be 21 years of age). Specific skills and/or knowledge needed are: ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals, write routine reports and correspondence, speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization, and add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure using whole numbers. Please submit an unofficial transcript with application submission.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.Maintain a safe and healthy learning environment.

· Consistently aware of the number of children in the classroom.

· Physically position self within the classroom to be able to see children at all times, to monitor the classroom for possible safety hazards and physically or verbally intervene whenever necessary.

· Follows safety regulations including diapering/toilet training procedures, keeping the room clean, ensure children frequently wash hands, reporting illnesses and incidents, etc.

· Materials arranged in an orderly manner and accessible to children.

· Demonstrates effective age-appropriate guidance and discipline techniques.

· Share in the responsibility of organizing, cleaning, storing and removing damaged/unsafe materials or equipment.

2.Demonstrate positive interactions with children through verbal and non-verbal communication.

· Listen, respond and speak to children in positive, respectful tones for the purpose of modeling appropriate behavior and exhibiting respect for each child.

· Listen, respond and speak to children at eye level within close proximity.

· Demonstrate ability to nurture children appropriately, to provide children with the comfort of a safe, responsive environment as needed. This can be accomplished verbally or through physical comforting.

· Follow the CLC discipline guidelines and discuss child's behavior and development with Lead Teacher or Administration to maintain compliance with state licensing regulations as well as develop a strong understanding of each child for the purpose of planning individualized activities.

· Implement the primary caregiving care plan for assigned children to maintain a consistent positive relationship with both child and family through the study of the primary caregiving theory and methodology and applying this knowledge in the classroom setting.

3.Implement planned activities, primary caregiving and observations.

· Share ideas and assist in preparing curriculum activities.

· Meet the needs of the children in primary care group to support the development of psychologically and physically healthy individuals. By responding to the physical, psychological and emotional needs of the children in a timely and appropriate fashion.

4.Demonstrate ability to work cooperatively with teaching team, administration and other co-workers.

· Communicate one's own and parent ideas, concerns and needs with co-workers. To share information which may affect the development of the children and family by listening and communicating appropriate information in a timely manner to other professionals working in the program.

· Share in responsibilities of carrying out the daily routines, procedures, schedule and classroom goals. Work as part of a team to create and maintain an optimum environment for the growth and development of the children in it. Physical and mental activities are required to maintain this environment in a safe and responsive manner.

· Awareness of classroom information such as orientation, transitions, schedule changes, etc.

· Follow the CLC written policies and procedures which have been established to maintain a professionally run organization and to maintain the integrity and safety of the program.

5.Demonstrate ability to communicate daily to parents regarding the child's activities.

· Greet parents and communicate child's daily accomplishments and interests. To keep parents informed of the child's growth and development and create a partnership with parents to further enhance their child's development.

6.May transport children in CMC-owned vehicles.

7.REGULAR ASSOCIATE TEACHERS ALSO HAVE THESE DUTIES (which Substitute Associate Teachers do not):

· Implement planned activities, primary caregiving and observations (see #3 above).

· Work with the Lead Teacher or Administration to learn how to make observations and takes notes of children's behaviors and development. By visually observing children in a group setting and objectively noting/recording their behavior for the purpose of further increasing the understanding of the development of each individual child to meet and plan for their needs and further their development.

· Attend evaluation and planning meetings and all assigned center meetings. To continue to develop understanding of program philosophy and goals by listening and contributing to discussions and to continue to develop a professional knowledge base.

· Demonstrate ability to communicate daily to parents regarding the child's activities (see #5 above).

· Direct parent concerns/issues to Lead Teacher or Administration. To keep responsible staff informed of issues which may affect the care or development of children in the classroom.