Job no: 502681
Department: College of Education
Work type: Staff Full-time Non-Exempt Rise School
Location: Alabama
Categories: Early Education

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• High school education or equivalent.
• 1 year of full-time verifiable experience working with young children in a classroom setting.
• Must be certified as a Child Development Associate or have 12 hours of equivalent training in Early Childhood Education.
• Ability to meet DHR License-Exempt requirements.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with Teaching Strategies Gold is preferred.
• Knowledge of Conscious Discipline and NAEYC standards is desired.
• Infant/child CPR certification is preferred.

The Teacher’s Assistant will provide classroom instruction, assist the lead teacher, and help supervise children, university students/interns, and volunteers assigned to the class.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Maintain an appropriate Classroom environment with direction from the lead teacher.
• The social environment of the classroom should work in tandem with the physical environment to create a positive and supportive learning community.
• Lead and teacher assistant share instructional responsibilities, child supervision, and other classroom duties (i.e. Teaching Strategies Gold, Data Collection).
• Interact with the children during learning/free-choice time and gross motor time to facilitate children’s play.
• Supervise and ensure the safety and well-being of children at all times, being alert for the needs and/or problems of the children as individuals and as a group.
• Keep lead teacher and director informed in advance of program needs, parent concerns, and any special needs or problems of individual children.
• Assist Lead to plan motivating classroom activities following the approved curriculum and developmentally appropriate practice.
• Maintain communication with families via telephone calls, email, daily notes, newsletters, and Brightwheel as directed by the Lead Teacher.
• Handle behavior promptly and in accordance with the stated school policy on behavior management. Notify the Director of any behavioral problems immediately.
• Utilize theories of Conscious Discipline throughout the school day. Support Co-Workers with this program as needed.
• Adhere to all safety and sanitation requirements set forth in the Minimum Standards for Licensed Child-Care Centers; ensure that children are supervised and dressed appropriately. Adhere to guidelines for Accreditation by NAEYC. Be familiar with and follow all UAH & Rise Program Policies, CACFP/USDA, DHR and NAEYC program criteria, and ADPH guidelines.
• Interact frequently with children; encourage the use of language and independent functioning using positive reinforcement.
• Promote “family style” meals.
• Assist with additional assessments of children as part of the assessment team, if needed for a student.
• Collaborate with the therapy team, if appropriate, on the development and implementation of IIPs.
• Facilitate integration of children with and without disabilities in the classroom.
• Assist with children’s transition to the next classroom or educational setting.
• Utilize technology and adaptive equipment as appropriate.
• Assist with training of college interns/volunteers.
• Attend conferences/workshops as required, staff planning, and evaluation meetings.
• Document each child’s performance and progress with daily data records and yearly updated assessments, or earlier if necessary.
• Attend and assist with after-school special events & fundraisers for the UAH Early Learning Center.
• Understand and use Alternative and Assistive Communication devices for individual children with the support of the Speech Therapist. Understand and use visual supports in the classroom.
• Treat parents with respect; direct parent concerns to the director and lead teacher; make parents feel welcome.
• Treat colleagues with respect; willingly communicate with team members, display a positive attitude; maintain confidentiality; keep the director and the lead teacher informed of special needs or problems of children or parents.
• Perform routine duties and responsibilities on time; take initiative in recognizing what needs to be done and do it.
• Daily duties include diaper changing, sterilizing/cleaning toys and equipment, assisting with children’s snacks/lunches/feeding, vacuuming/sweeping, mopping, laundry, washing dishes/utensils, and other general cleaning duties.
• Arrive on time for work, maintain good attendance; request leave following set policies and within the required amount of time (unless in an emergency situation).
• Perform other duties as assigned.