Preschool Classroom Teaching Assistant

Capstone Community Action; Vermont; On-site; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated teaching assistant to join their team. In this role, you will support classroom activities and ensure a nurturing environment for preschoolers. Your responsibilities will include assisting with daily activities, maintaining safety standards, and fostering positive relationships with children and families. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young learners while working collaboratively with a passionate team. If you have a love for education and a desire to help children thrive, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• CDA credential or enrollment in a program required within two years.
• Experience with preschoolers, especially in Head Start, preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and implementing classroom activities for children.
• Supervise children's activities to ensure safety and engagement.
• Maintain a welcoming atmosphere for children and parents.

Skills

Child Supervision

Classroom Management

Communication Skills

Team Collaboration

Education

CDA Credential or Enrolled in CDA Program

Associate or Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education

Job description

• SCHEDULE: Full Time Regular, 40 hours a week
• CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt (hourly)
• WAGE: $17.46 - $20.93

JOB DESCRIPTION

A. General Statement:

The teaching assistant works as part of the local field office team and is responsible for assisting in all aspects of the classroom including planning, preparation, implementation and assessment of activities. The teaching assistant is supervised by the team manager and works under the day-to-day direction of the center-based teacher(s).

• Facilitate participation of all children in classroom activities. Assist in providing children with a safe, nurturing, individualized environment, and varied experiences, which help them to develop socially, intellectually, emotionally, and physically in a manner appropriate to their age and development.
• Supervise children’s activities both on-site and off-site for safety. Participate in daily center site maintenance and up-keep, orderly and safe storage of materials, sanitation, and cleanliness according to state licensing standards.
• Support and implement the Professionals’ Code of Ethical Conduct and the Positive Guidance Policy of the program. Maintain confidentiality of all Head Start child and family information.
• Create and maintain an atmosphere in which children and their parents feel welcome, valued, comfortable, and secure. Represent the classroom, program, and the agency positively and professionally in all interactions with parents and LEA staff. Refer all parent concerns to the classroom teacher or team manager.
• Assist staff and children in family style snack and/or meal preparation and with other duties as needed, such as setting up, cleaning, and organizing the classroom, shopping, and preparing learning experiences. Participate in classroom planning and implementation of learning experiences as directed by the classroom teacher and/or team manager.
• Under the guidance of the classroom teacher, assist in adapting program services to the needs of families with a child or member with disabilities. Join the ongoing efforts of other providers engaged with the family as requested by the classroom teacher.
• Complete any administrative and/or record keeping duties such as filing, providing supplemental observations, monitoring daily attendance, and production of the monthly newsletter as assigned by the classroom teacher.
• Participate in professional development and collaborative activities including staff meetings, pre-service and monthly in-service training as requested by the team manager. Attend basic staffing teams, IEP meetings, etc. as directed by the classroom teacher. Meet with team manager as scheduled to review professional development. Develop an individual professional development plan annually. Promote Head Start and Capstone positively and proactively within the collaborative setting and in the community.

C. Other Duties as Assigned

D. Qualifications:

• Minimum of center-based, preschool setting CDA or enrolled in a CDA credential program to be completed within two years of hire. Willingness to enroll in a program that will lead to an associate or baccalaureate degree in early childhood education or child development.
• Experience working with preschoolers strongly preferred, particularly in a Head Start setting.
• Desire to work with children and adults.
• Must be able to evacuate preschoolers from the building in a timely, efficient manner.
• Must be able to assist preschoolers in navigating stairs, playground equipment, and changing tables. Must be able to quickly catch up to a fleeing preschooler.