"Day Care Teacher's Assistant"

Position Summary

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Day Care Teacher's Assistant for the Child Development Center within the School of Arts and Sciences. This position will support the daycare teacher in carrying out the daily responsibilities of caring for and teaching a classroom of toddlers.

Key Duties

• Assists with the daily planning and execution of all program activities.
• Contributes to the formulation of weekly lesson plans.
• Activities are carried out in the classroom and playground, the daily schedule is adhered to.
• Engages children in activity and conversation on a continual, daily basis.
• Is responsible for the welfare, health, and safety of all children at the school.
• Takes primary responsibility for attendance, tracking, and diapering (where applicable) and corresponding records, and maintaining diapering supplies inventory.
• Safety guidelines are enforced where necessary. All children are supervised in accordance with state licensing rules.
• Demonstrates knowledge of licensing guidelines pertaining to illness and general supervision.
• Maintains necessary attendance and daily care and contact forms for children.
• Oversees student instruction and classroom operation in the absence of the teacher.
• Works under the guidance and supervision of the Daycare Teacher and report to the Executive Director Child Development Centers.

Minimum Education and Experience

High school/vocational school diploma and either 15 credits in early childhood development and education, a Child Development Associate credential (CDA), Certified Child Care Professional certificate (CCP), or other recognized endorsement, plus one year of hands-on experience in a preschool classroom in a New Jersey licensed day-care center.

Equipment Utilized

Procare Software; Creative Curriculum Online, Tadpoles, and GOLD; data entry via iPad/Tablet; Microsoft Office Suite of programs.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Must be physically able to handle the duties encountered by a daycare worker: lifting children onto diapering table, chasing after them in the playground, sitting down on the floor/getting up from the floor for extended periods of time throughout the day to engage with children, must be able to lift and carry children and equipment, and may spend time sitting on the floor or in child-sized furniture. etc.

Will be expected to change diapers and assist in toilet training of young children. Will be expected to clean and maintain equipment and facility, and may move throughout the community with the children.

Must be patient and gentle with children and must demonstrate patience and tolerance for adults and college students who depend on the incumbent to be a role model.

Must be able to remain calm and collected in high-pressure situations.

Will be expected to participate in outdoor activities daily, in all types of weather.

May come into contact with children who are ill and/or contagious, and must take precautions to ensure health and safety of all children, parents, staff, and themselves.

Will be working in a busy and occasionally noisy environment where a number of activities and situations are happening at once.

Must be prepared to handle accidents and emergencies at any time.

May experience smells associated with toileting and children who are ill.

Caring for children can be stressful and physically demanding.

Must be detail-oriented when filling out daily contact sheets for parents and when assisting fieldwork students with questions and concerns.