Associate Teacher

Position Purpose:

As a member of a teaching team, the Associate Teacher works under the direction of the Lead Teacher in meeting the care, developmental and educational needs for a group of children. Works with all staff to create a warm, caring, and safe environment for the care of young children. Participates in planning and implementing the curriculum, guiding children’s behavior, communicating with parents, recording children’s developmental progress, and supervising part-time staff. Assumes role of Lead Teacher in his/her absence.

Required Qualifications - Education and Yrs Exp:

Associates or equivalent combination of education and experience

Required Qualifications - Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

9 credits in Early Childhood Education

Preferred Qualifications:

Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education

Curriculum and Teaching

• Articulates program goals and selects activities which lead to achieving those goals.
• Assists with well-rounded classroom curriculum planning and child assessment.
• Assists with developing a comprehensive curriculum promoting a program which focuses on the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive growth of children.
• Assists with planning curriculum based on the needs and interests and individual development of children.
• Assists with adapting programming to meet the needs of individual children and families.
• Interacts with children during activities to support learning and provides materials and ideas to extend play.
• Supports activities a manner that will facilitate children’s enjoyment of activities and learning.
• Participates in conversations with children appreciating their individuality; joins in their play; reads to children one-on-one or in groups.
• Assumes leadership of a specific activity when more than one activity is occurring.
• Observes, assesses, and records children’s skills and maintains records on children’s progress.
• Assists with arranging special events including walking field trips and visitors.

Percentage Of Time: 40

Classroom Management

• Assists in the creation and maintenance of an attractive and well-organized classroom, assuring arrangements are functional for children’s use and encourage creativity and exploration.
• Assists with transitions from home to school.
• Maintains awareness of the whereabouts of each child.
• Assists with establishing behavior guidelines and follows through with appropriate expectations for children’s behavior.
• Provides guidance and re-direction when required; uses techniques of positive guidance.
• Enables children to resolve their own conflicts.
• Models and teaches developmentally appropriate behavior and skills.
• Assists with creating an environment where children can feel safe and secure throughout the day.
• Responds to observed needs for attention, reassurance, etc.
• Assists children in managing their feelings positively.
• Verifies individuals other than parents/guardians are authorized to escort children.
• Ensures that children are signed in and out.

Percentage Of Time: 40

Health and Safety

• Ensures the safety and well-being of children at all times.
• Implements the health policies of the Center, including good hygiene such as hand washing, toileting and diapering procedures.
• Reports accidents and injuries to parents, Lead Teacher and Director, and administers first aid as needed.
• Ensures children are dressed appropriately for health and safety.
• Dispenses and stores medications in accordance with Center policies.

Percentage Of Time: 5

Family Relationships

• Maintains confidentiality of information about children and families.
• Communicates with families to share information about daily activities.
• Provides suggestions in response to families’ requests or concerns.
• Participates in conducting regular family conferences. Communicates through bulletin boards, newsletters, and written notes and other means.
• Assists in arranging events and activities for children and families.

Percentage Of Time: 10

Center-wide Responsibility

• Provides assistance to other classrooms as necessary.
• Collaborates with other classrooms on activities and events.
• Assists in maintaining shared spaces.
• Participates in the maintenance of equipment and supplies and informs the Lead Teacher or office of needs.
• Participates in standing and ad-hoc center committees.
• Pursues on-going professional development.
• Works with other staff members on center development and on resolution of center issues.

Percentage Of Time: 5

Additional Responsibilities

• Assists with supervising temporary staff and volunteers.
• Participates in regular team meetings.
• Assumes the role of Lead teacher in their absence.
• Coordinates meal and snack preparation, ensuring children have adequate nutritious food.
• Models good eating habits and manners and promotes a relaxing mealtime environment.