The Teaching Assistant is a supporter of our mission to provide the highest quality early childhood education for all children. They are: responsible for maintaining a healthy and safe environment at all times in the classroom; an early childhood teacher for children of all abilities; an assertive and effective communicator; a willing collaborator and teammate; and a continuous learner. The Teaching Assistant reports to their lead teacher and the Director of Programs.
Core Responsibilities and Related Duties:
· Health and Safety: Maintains a clean and sanitary classroom environment; follows NAEYC and Virginia licensing standards for sanitation and cleanliness throughout the school day
· Child Development and Learning in Context: understands basic child development; supports the learning of children through completing the following:
o Participates in weekly teaching team meetings
o Assists with material and activity preparation and implementation
o Follows curricular decisions made by team
o Follows and supports implementation of Behavior Intervention Plans
o Maintains a safe and appropriate environment for all children
o Assists in meeting the daily care needs of children (e.g. diapering/toileting, feeding, medication administration, etc.)
o Implements techniques and strategies as recommended by therapists, and requests additional support or instruction as needed
o Supervises groups of 5-10 children
o Engages playfully with all children under the guidance of the lead teacher and teacher
· Assessment: assists with ongoing assessment of children through data collection as instructed by lead teacher
· Professionalism: adheres to program policies and procedures; works to ensure the health and safety of each child; helps to ensure all licensing and NAEYC quality standards are upheld at all times; receives and implements feedback and coaching from classroom team and Teacher Supervisor; maintains professional, open, and direct communication and interactions with teaching team and other staff, administrators, families/caregivers, outside providers, volunteers, interns, etc.; ensures that confidentiality of all children and families is maintained; maintains a professional appearance including appropriate dress and grooming; demonstrates teamwork, cooperation, and a willingness to continually reflect and learn
Required Qualifications:
· High School diploma required
· CDA (or willing to work toward by the end of their first year)
· Experience in a child care facility, school, or program
· Fluency in Spanish
MAT certified (or willing to become certified)
Certified in CPR and First Aid (or willing to become certified)
· Medical, dental and vision
· Paid time off ( federal holidays and offices closed during Christmas and Spring breaks as well as PTO and Sick time)
· Life insurance
· Free Professional Development and team coaching
· Tuition Reimbursement
· 401(k) savings and investment plan