Creative growth is encouraged by designing a curriculum that allows each child to contribute in his or her unique way. Children, parents, teachers, and the environment form a complete circle of learning inspiring, all to join in the process. The role of the Teacher Assistant is to support the Lead Teacher in establishing and maintaining a safe learning environment that is cognitively stimulating, aesthetically pleasing, and fosters a child’s emotional, social, physical, and cognitive growth using a Reggio Emilia Inspired approach to a child’s learning.
Assist in planning and facilitating daily programs that are age appropriate and cognitively stimulating.
Assist with arranging space, setting and materials in the classroom and outdoors, according to the highest standard rating scales; ensuring a clean, orderly, child-centered environment.
Facilitate a child’s learning by using a Reggio Emilia inspired educational philosophy. Demonstrate proficiency in the area of adapting lessons and activities to meet the needs of all children. If required to use Creative Curriculum, plan and implement it through a Reggio lens.
Formally observe children’s activities and progress; document and share information regarding children’s experiences with the teaching team and parents/guardians regularly.
Use observation, documentation, and data drawn from the GOLD assessment tool as the foundation of provocations and experiences.
Be knowledgeable of Virginia’s Quality Initiatives and NAEYC accreditation standards. Enforce all licensing regulations and national accreditation standards.
Maintain up-to-date children’s portfolio and assessment records.
Maintain up-to-date and accurate administrative paperwork including meal counts, cleaning checklists, etc.
Develop and maintain a supportive rapport with parents/guardians, and facilitate parent/guardian participation in the classrooms. Establish communication structures with parents that include classroom conferences, home visits, etc. Communicate with parents as determined by the teaching team regarding behavior and other sensitive situations.
Promote community and foster social responsibility through multicultural and anti-bias programming and environments.
Manage children’s behavior in a solution-focused, trauma-informed manner.
Demonstrate professionalism, engagement, and kindness to all children and families regardless of race, religion, nationality, abilities, familial status or make up, etc.
Maintain a professional working atmosphere and confidentiality of information in relation to staff, children, families and co-workers. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Lead Teacher, Site Supervisor and/or Director.
Must be able to commit to alignment with the organization’s mission and values.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Minimum Qualifications:
Must be 18 years of age with an ECE Certificate, CDA or 15 college credits in ECE.
At least 1 year of direct experience in an early childhood setting (Infant/Toddler - Preschool)
Good written and oral communication skills
Thorough knowledge of principles and techniques of Early Childhood Education
Paid Time Off
Company Paid Holidays
Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits
Short-Term/Long-Term Disability
Parental Leave
Life Insurance
403b
Retirement Fund
YWCA Richmond
http://www.YWCARichmond.org
http://www.sproutschoolrva.org/
MISSION: YWCA Richmond is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
VISION: We will transform individual lives and our community by creating access to opportunities, strengthening resilience, and advancing equitable systems for lifelong success.
