Early Childhood - Teacher Assistant/Aide

Summary

The Teacher Assistant supports the Teachers and the Director by helping to create a caring and safe environment for the children and assisting in activities to improve the overall care and quality of education. S/he must be able to communicate, listen and work well with others in a team environment. Assisting the staff in implementing a quality educational program and in developing positive relationships with the children and their parents, the Teacher Assistant observes and documents children’s interest and progress, and relays that information back to parents and staff. Teacher Assistant are responsible for implementing developmentally appropriate activities based on children’s interests and needs under the direction of the Teacher and the Director.

Duties

• Assist in the implementation of curricula activities and encourage participation by children.
• Actively engage in activities; manage cleanliness, maintenance, and availability of classroom materials.
• Maintain frequent communications with parents through informal discussions and progress reports.
• Encourage self-help and good hygiene through behavior modeling.
• Help ensure smooth, daily transition from home to child care center.
• Follow all center policies and state regulations.
• Maintain personal professional development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement.

Requirements

• High energy.
• Ability to work well with others.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and basic computer skills.
• An understanding of child development.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Infant/child CPR and First Aid certification.
• Must clear full background check and must pass health screening.

Benefits

Full-Time Employees

• Health
• Dental
• Vision
• 401k match
• Employee Assistance Program

About Us

Founded in 1972, Rainbow Fleet grew out of one Montessori teacher's belief that the very best early childhood teaching methods could be shared by providing child care professionals with resources and materials to support appropriate learning environments for young children. This concept, in conjunction with the modeling and mentoring from early childhood specialists, provided a component of support for teachers and caregivers. Rainbow Fleet's founder, Dr. Peggy Loeffler, took the lead in establishing this initiative that grew to become Rainbow Fleet.

The early beginnings of Rainbow Fleet were built around Dr. Loeffler's idea to fill a mobile education unit with learning materials, toys, art projects and books. The key to quality service would be to staff the mobile libraries with trained early childhood professionals. By taking the resources directly into child care and early education programs, Rainbow Fleet could reach large numbers of children, families and caregivers. 

While the methodology changed with time, and the programs and projects adapted based on needs assessments and priorities, the mission remained the same. Rainbow Fleet expanded the mobile toy lending library concept and developed a Child Care Resource Center which allows for greater access to more resources and materials. We have also grown to include added programs and services including Child Care Resource and Referral, Child Care Training and Technical Assistance, the Quality Enhancement Initiative, and the Child and Adult Care Food Program. The existence of these programs serve as a testament to our commitment to the underlying mission of Rainbow Fleet, which remains as strong today as it did more than 45 years ago.