The Assistant Teacher is responsible for supporting the lead teacher with the overall daily classroom operations. Assistant Teachers are to provide a safe and nurturing environment that supports the social, emotional, intellectual and physical development of children ages 6 weeks to 5 years of age. They are responsible for the implementation of developmentally appropriate lesson plans that are aligned with Creative Curriculum, national and state standards.

Essential Functions:

Supervision, Health and Safety:

• Maintain a clean, safe, organized and appealing classroom environment.
• Adhere to all health and safety procedures and policies as outlined by regulatory bodies, to include but not limited to, Easterseals, state/local agencies and accreditation organizations.
• Encourage all children and adults to use appropriate health, safety and nutritional practices.
• Keep children within the required sight and sound supervision guidelines as indicated by regulatory bodies.
• Be aware of the number of children in your care and maintain staff/child ratios at all times.
• Set developmentally appropriate limits for children in accordance with positive guidance standards

Staff/Child Interactions:

• Interact with children frequently, with care and respect at all times.
• Speak to children at their level, giving them your full attention.
• Be available and respond promptly and appropriately to children’s needs.
• Model and encourage developmentally appropriate social behavior and expectations.
• Engage in frequent conversations with children and seek opportunities to expand on their learning

Professionalism and Teamwork:

• Ensure continuity of care by reporting to work on time and maintaining consistent attendance.
• Attend all mandatory meetings, trainings, professional development days and other location events as instructed.
• Assume a fair share of responsibility in the classroom and demonstrate initiative to support meeting the needs of the children, teaching team and classroom.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with colleagues through professional and respectful communication and collaboration o Protect confidential information of staff and families and treat necessary communications related to such information with sensitivity.
• Follow the open door/conflict resolution procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook when addressing concerns.
• Adhere to all policies and procedures as outlined in the Easterseals Employee Handbook.

Child Development Operations:

Decision Making Authority:

• Make routine decisions regarding classroom management.
• Help create and implement lesson plans in accordance with Creative Curriculum.
• Track and assess children’s development using Teaching Strategies Gold as assigned.
• Communicate with parents regarding children’s progress using Teaching Strategies Gold.
• Support lead teacher to schedule and manage the parent teacher conference process in accordance with center guidelines.
• Communicate with a Lead Teacher/Supervisor regarding concerns about a child’s behavior or developmental process in advance of communication with parents.

Job Qualifications:

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 1 year of professional teaching experience required.
• Physical/Health Requirements
• Must satisfactorily complete a physical examination by a doctor to include submission of information regarding immunizations/vaccinations.
• Frequently lift, hold and carry children with a range of weight of 10-40 pounds. Occasionally lift and move classroom furniture.
• Maintain mental and physical alertness and appropriate level of energy to perform essential job requirements.
• Respond immediately and appropriately to multiple and/or unexpected situations or emergencies

Easterseals policy is to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants and employees regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, status as a special disabled veteran, or any other protected criteria as established by federal, state, or local laws. Employment decisions at Easterseals are based solely upon relevant criteria, including an individual’s capabilities, qualifications, training, experience and suitability.