Job Title: Assistant Teacher
Reports to: Early Childhood Education (ECE) Director and Assistant Director
Location: Atlanta, GA
Salary: $30,000 - $33,000 ($14.40 - $15.87 / hour)
Benefits: Paid holidays, PTO, 403(b) plan options, 100% employer paid healthcare
Who We Are:
The Atlanta Children’s Shelter (ACS) is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty for families facing homelessness by building pathways to long-term self-sufficiency. Since 1986, ACS has provided quality early childhood education and family services, free of charge, to address the needs of the entire family.
About the Role:
Under the direction of the Lead Teacher, the Assistant Teacher is responsible for assisting the Lead Teacher in meeting the educational, safety, hygiene, nutrition, and nurturing needs of the children, including the appropriate treatment and discipline procedures outlined in the personnel policy and procedures manual.
There may be some physical demands:
This position works in a typical childcare setting. There may be extended periods of sitting, standing and/or bending; listening, talking and/or visual concentration; writing and/or computer use. This position would normally have routine opportunities to alter physical position or change eye focus. Lifting should not normally exceed 50 pounds.
Location: Early learning center physically located at 607 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30308. Occasional in-region travel to meetings and events.
Schedule: 40 hours standard weekly, typically Monday - Friday. Occasional evenings or weekend hours may be required.
Application Process and Additional Information
Atlanta Children’s Shelter provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, genetic information, service in the military, veteran status, and any other classifications protected by law. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and any other term or condition of employment. Violations of this policy will not be tolerated. We strongly value a diverse workforce and inclusive culture for all employees.
Candidates must include a resume and a cover letter that describes how qualifications and experience match the needs and mission of the Atlanta Children’s Shelter. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
What You’ll Do:
Implement the curriculum and provide meaningful instruction and age-appropriate experiences for children
· Work closely with Lead Teacher assuming responsibility for the daily program of activities and experiences, including carrying out weekly lesson plans, room themes, and educational décor.
· Provide instruction that encourages and supports intellectual growth.
· Prepare activities ahead of time.
· Interact with children in activities s/he is supervising.
· Actively participate with children during meals and outdoor play.
· Facilitate and encourage children to be independent in age-appropriate decision-making and self-care routines (i.e., dressing and toileting).
· Assist the Lead Teacher with student assessments and provide daily feedback to Lead Teacher.
· Nurture, listen to, and discipline (teaching appropriate behavior) the children.
Maintain positive communication and contribute positively to work culture
· Work cooperatively in a team approach with other staff, volunteers, service providers, and parents.
· Develop individual relationships with children by providing care that is responsive, attentive, consistent, comforting, supportive, and culturally sensitive.
· Foster a nurturing classroom environment that discourages challenging or disruptive behaviors through classroom strategies/designs, effective transitions, and active engagement.
· Establish and maintain positive and productive relationships with parents.
· Provide and promote verbal/written communication to parents daily regarding each child’s activities using the Tadpoles app.
Additional Duties & Responsibilities
· Provide adequate supervision as defined by Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning Bright from the Start, Quality Rated, and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
· Provide a safe and secure environment and support the lead teacher in supervision of children.
· Share with other ECE staff housekeeping and rotational duties, including nap supervision.
· Attend staff meetings and in-service training courses and make observable use of knowledge gained.
· Attend and complete a minimum of eighteen hours of training annually related to early childhood development/education (not including CPR/first aid training).
· Assist in determining supplies and equipment needed for the classroom.
· Maintain a commitment to professionalism.
· Maintain regular, punctual, consistent attendance.
· Perform other duties as assigned.
What You’ll Need:
Education
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate with parents and volunteers
· Computer proficiency (MS Office – Word and Outlook)
· Must possess a high school diploma or GED
· CDA, TCC, or AA degree in Early Childhood Education preferred
Experience
· At least 2 years of experience working with children younger than six years old, preferably in a state-licensed childcare facility
· Familiarity with Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning Bright from the Start rules and regulations
· Experience with NAEYC and Quality Rated evaluation/accreditation preferred
This role may be a fit for you if:
· You are passionate about working with young children facing homelessness.
· You can work independently and carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices.
· You have an authentic desire to connect with our team and stakeholders, including community partners, donors, and volunteers.
Benefits: Paid holidays, PTO, 403(b) plan options, 100% Employer paid healthcare
