Assistant Teacher

Southern Kennebec Child Dev; Augusta (ME); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A childcare organization in Augusta, Maine is seeking an Assistant Teacher to support the Teacher in delivering preschool education. Responsibilities include implementing daily programs, fostering child development, maintaining a safe environment, and engaging families. Ideal candidates will have early childhood education experience, a high school diploma, and a commitment to working with young children. Join a team dedicated to positive child growth and development.

Qualifications

• Experience in early childhood education desirable.
• Interest in working with young children.
• Valid Maine driver’s license with a good driving record.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Teacher in classroom programs.
• Implement daily age-appropriate programs.
• Promote and model good health habits.
• Engage in ongoing staff development.

Skills

Early childhood education

Reliability

Communication

Education

High School Diploma, GED, or HiSet Diploma

CDA credential program

Job description

Position Summary

The Assistant Teacher is responsible for assisting the Teacher in implementing the classroom program for preschool children.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Become familiar with the Agency's child development philosophy, performance standards, plans, and policies.
• Work under the guidance and direction of the Teacher to support growth in child development and classroom skills.
• Assist the Teacher in planning and implementing a daily age‑appropriate program that meets the needs of groups of children as well as individuals, ensuring their health, safety, and education. Refer to the Agency's research‑based curriculum and other adopted models that support curriculum implementation and the Teaching Strategies Gold Assessment System. Assist with strategies that align with CLASS recommendations, as applicable.
• Support the nutrition philosophy and health policies of the Agency, as outlined in the Guidelines for Feeding Children and Health Policies and Procedures.
• Help plan and implement a daily program that fosters the emotional, social, physical, language, and cognitive development of each child.
• Promote and model good health habits (hand washing, tooth brushing) and incorporate health‑ and safety‑education into the classroom.
• Ensure the safety of children at all times; never leave a child unattended or unsupervised.
• Recognize and report signs of illness and other concerns to the supervisor.
• Share observations and assist in providing documentation and record‑keeping on children as requested by the Teacher.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and developmentally appropriate environment for children.
• Assist the Teacher in orienting families and other volunteers, encourage family participation and visitation in the classroom, attend family meetings as requested, and/or provide child care as needed.
• Engage in ongoing staff development to support continued growth in personal and professional skills.
• Assume classroom responsibility in the absence of the Teacher, as assigned.
• Participate in staff or related meetings as requested.
• Work cooperatively as a team member, assisting where needed in the center.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Professional Development and Training

• Join the Maine Roads to Quality Registry, as applicable.
• Possess or apply for an Education Technician Certification from the Maine Department of Education within 30 days of employment, as applicable.
• Attend meetings, staff pre‑ and in‑service trainings, and other trainings, as required.
• For Assistant Teachers working in infant/toddler programs: complete Infant/Toddler Development training, safety issues (e.g., SIDS), methods for communicating effectively with infants and toddlers, parents and staff, and participate in Maine Roads to Quality Core Knowledge trainings if a CDA credential has not been obtained.
• Participate in State of Maine Early Childhood Learning Guidelines and Supporting Maine's Infants/Toddlers: Guidelines for Learning and Development training, as applicable.
• Maintain reliable and professional conduct, including effective teamwork, communication, and adherence to the Agency's Operation Plan and Code of Conduct.
• Maintain accurate, organized paperwork as defined by policy and procedure.

General Expectations

• Promote and commit to the philosophy and mission of SKCDC.
• Adhere to attendance requirements.
• Work in harmonious relationships with all employees, applicants, co‑workers, management, clients, community partners and visitors.
• Maintain confidentiality and protect the Agency by keeping information concerning clients, employees and the Agency itself confidential.
• Demonstrate client‑centered focus and provide excellent service to recipients of SKCDC services.
• Exhibit high ethical and moral standards and professional behavior.
• Effectively establish and improve working relationships through teamwork.
• Show initiative and creativity in identifying new and efficient methods or improvements aligned with SKCDC philosophy.
• Use technology effectively, as appropriate to the position.
• Comply with human resource laws, policies, procedures, and practices.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by the Incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand and talk or hear; frequently walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; occasionally sit; taste or smell; lift and/or move up to 10 pounds regularly, up to 25 pounds frequently, and up to 50 pounds occasionally. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those the incumbent encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in a classroom setting. The potential exists to be exposed to blood‑borne pathogens. The incumbent must have the competency to work effectively with the diverse needs of all children, including those with challenging behaviors and special health care needs.

Qualifications Needed for Position

• Experience in early childhood education desirable.
• Reliability and conscientiousness required.
• Interest in working with young children in a supportive and meaningful manner.
• Valid Maine driver’s license with a good driving record and adequate insured vehicle if conducting Agency business.
• Minimum Age: 18 years old.
• Minimum Education: High School Diploma, GED, or HiSet Diploma.
• Completed at least fifteen (15) hours of Maine Roads to Quality Core Knowledge Training or equivalent approved training.
• Head Start Assistant Teacher: Must enroll in a CDA credential program to be completed within two (2) years, or possess an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related major, or be enrolled in a program leading to such degree.
• Infant/Toddler Child Care Assistant Teacher: Must enroll in an Infant/Toddler CDA credential program to be completed within six (6) months, or possess Infant/Toddler CDA Credential, Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related major.