Teacher Assistant HS

Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency; Dearborn (MI); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency is seeking an Early Childhood Assistant to support infants, toddlers, and preschoolers under supervision.

You will help plan daily activities, assist with classroom management, and maintain records as required, including attendance and meal counts. The role emphasizes a caring approach with children and families in a school setting.

Qualifications

• Associates in Early Childhood preferred; CDA required or in progress with completion within one year.
• Ability to interact with children of diverse abilities in a caring, supportive manner.
• Strong communication with children, families, and staff; team-oriented mindset.
• Able to work with supervision and maintain professional demeanor and dress.
• Commitment to safety, licensing rules, and quality service delivery.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and implementing daily programming for infants to preschoolers.
• Support teachers in large and small groups and in classroom activities.
• Maintain attendance, meal counts, and daily summary logs; enter COR notes as required.
• Assist with safety, cleanliness, and preparing instructional materials.
• Collaborate with staff during team meetings and family service planning.

Skills

Caring & nurturing

Communication skills

Team player

Self-directed

Disability support ability

Respectful interactions

Education

Child development associate credential (CDA)

Enrollment in CDA program to be completed within one year

Enrollment in associate or baccalaureate program in Early Childhood/Child Development with 12 credits completed

Tools

Google tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Job description

Scope:To provide direct care giving and assist program staff in the implementation of a program of educational activities for infants, toddlers, and preschool children that encourages age appropriate growth and development in a variety of areas.Essential FunctionsAssist in planning and implementing daily programming under the supervision of the program manager/teacher.Participate in the development of the daily lesson plan.Assist individual children in need of special attention and care.Assist in creating and maintaining a safe, inviting, and accepting environment for young children and their parents.Direct specific classroom activities, including large and small groups, as assigned by the teacher.Assist in planning and preparing materials for daily activities.Assist with daily clean up and care of classroomAssist in the daily on-going assessment of children through the taking of anecdotal notes, scoring them and entering the information into On-line COR.Maintain records as required (i.e. attendance, meal counts, daily summary logs, emergency cards, contact log, etc.), and conduct observational assessments.Assist in any and all areas of the program as directed.Participate in team meetings and training when appropriate.Address children, parents, staff with respect and by name.Assist in the process of receiving children and preparing them for dismissal, including loading buses.Perform special assignments as directed by immediate supervisor or other management as required.Comply with all licensing regulations and performance standards.Assist program manager in completing developmental screenings of children.Participate in the development and monitoring of family service plans.Maintain a positive attitude towards assigned work, clients, and staff, and a willingness to work with others.Perform work in a professional manner that upholds Wayne Metro’s policies and procedures.Other duties as assigned.Physical Requirements and Work EnvironmentThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk, sit, see, talk and hear, and use hands to manipulate. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, climb steps, stoop, bend, kneel, or crouch. The employee is required to supervise students, requiring the employee to match walking speed that matches the student and may at times require the ability to run to safeguard students. The employee must occasionally lift (up to 50 pounds), carry, and move students. Employees must occasionally move equipment and/or supplies. The job is performed for the most part in a school setting with occasional outside weather conditions. The noise level is that of a typical school setting.Minimum Qualifications:Associates in Early Childhood/ Child Development preferred;At minimum:Child development associate credential (CDA); orCurrently enrolled in a child development associate (CDA) program to be completed within one year; orCurrently enrolled in a program leading to an associate or baccalaureate degree in Early Childhood/ Child Development and have successfully completed 12-credit hours in the area of major. All enrolled programs must be completed within two years of hire date.Ability to work with children with disabilities.Ability to communicate and interact with children in a caring, responsive, and nurturing manner.Ability to intervene with children’s behaviors in a non-punitive and supportive manner.Ability to establish positive and productive working relationships with parents/caregivers.Ability to be self-directed in the completion of tasks.Ability to work as a positive and productive member of a team.Ability to coordinate a number of varying tasks simultaneously.Basic understanding of child development, age appropriate behaviors, common childhood behavior problems, and appropriate interventions.Ability to work with and to demonstrate commitment, caring, and respect for children and adults regardless of race, gender, age, and cultural or ethnic background.Commitment to the welfare of the families the program serves and to the delivery of quality services.Ability and willingness to continue personal and professional growth and skill development.Ability to work cooperatively with supervisors, colleagues, and all agency staff.Ability to represent the agency in a professional manner.Ability to communicate effectively to individuals and groups both orally and in writing.Ability and willingness to make home visits.Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.Good interpersonal and professional skills including but not limited to professional appearance, tact, punctuality, and dependability.Ability to work with a minimum of supervision.Ability to lift 30 lbs or more.Minimum Competencies:Working knowledge of basic internet applications and programs including Google technology and Microsoft Office Word and Excel. The ability to learn and utilize the necessary programs for this position.Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in written form.Good interpersonal and professional skills including but not limited to professional appearance, tact, punctuality, and dependability.Ability to provide services for those persons facing economic, social, health, age, and educational barriers.Ability to work independently or in a team environment (as deemed necessary).Perform work in a manner that upholds Wayne Metro policies and procedures.Travel Requirements:Ability to travel to various sites.Licensing and Other Requirements:Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.Must be COVID-19 vaccinated, or partially, with the ability to complete within 30-days of employment. Circumstances preventing vaccination, and corresponding accommodations will be reviewed and considered.Work Hours:Work schedule is Monday – Friday, with specific hours (and occasional Saturdays) to be determined by department needs.Other DutiesPlease note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.