Preschool Teacher Assistant

OVERVIEW: The Preschool Teacher Assistant position at Community Seedlings Preschool is responsible for providing instruction to children ages 2 to 2½ years of age. Preschool Teacher Assistants are responsible for encouraging children's curiosity and excitement for learning. Serving as co-researchers, Preschool Teachers Assistants at Community Seedlings support the curiosity and excitement for learning that is inherent in every child. They recognize and honor children's natural quest to understand their place in the world around them. This is learned through play, small group projects, dialogue, journaling, reflection, and documentation of children's work. Preschool Teacher Assistants encourage a love of learning through exploration of art, STEM work, math, social studies, literacy, and the environments of both the indoor and outdoor classrooms. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the direction of the Preschool Director, and Lead Teacher, the Teacher Assistant assists with and is responsible for the following areas: - Maintain safety and ensuring the welfare of all enrolled children, supervision of children during all activities, indoors and out of doors. - Ensure appropriate standards for children's discipline and behavioral standards using non-punitive methods. - Day-to-day operation; including maintaining a harmonious and efficient work environment. - Perform housekeeping duties as assigned, including daily preparation and clean-up of snack/lunch. - Attend all staff meetings and other work-related functions, including special events, as required. - Interact with parents when necessary or refer appropriate questions and concerns to program teachers or Directors. - Assist Lead Teacher with implementing age-appropriate provocations and invitations.. - Assist in maintaining and providing periodic testing of emergency response plan. - Continue to engage in professional development. EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: - High school diploma or equivalent; Must be 18 years of age or older - College coursework in fields relating to preschool children preferred. Minimum of 6 ECE units completed. REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS - Must pass fingerprint clearance, TB test, pre-employment physical, and provide immunization record of measles and pertussis vaccines. - Must complete required training upon hire or willing to obtain certification: CPR, Mandated Reporter, and Sexual Harassment. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: - Report to work on a regular and punctual basis - Understand and implement developmentally appropriate practices (DAP) - Exercise discretion and confidentiality when meeting with families and the public - Be sincere, nurturing and caring toward all children - Interact appropriately and positively with children at all times - Understand and follow procedures and policies of the organization - Understand and follow oral and written instructions - Demonstrate positive team attitude - Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with colleagues - Read, write, speak and understand English. - Strong communication skills. - Ability to communicate with children and parents in a positive and respectful manner. - Energetic personality and team player. - Must be punctual and reliable. WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. - Regularly required to sit, stand, twist, turn, bend, walk, talk, hear, and reach with hands - Regularly required to operate a computer and other office equipment - Regularly required to see and observe students, walk and/or stand for extended periods of time, and hear and speak to exchange information - Regularly required to possess dexterity of hand and fingers, kneel, bend at the waist, sit on the floor, climb stairs and reach overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally to perform assigned duties; lift light objects - Regularly required to speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly in indoor and outdoor classrooms - Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 40 lbs. - Duties are normally performed in a school, classroom, playground and/or other outdoor settings - Duties may be performed in seasonal heat, sun, and cold - The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate WORKING HOURS: Monday - Friday Part-time: 8:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. BENEFITS: - 403 (b) Retirement Plan - Credit Union Membership EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Community Roots Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.