Assistant Teacher

Position: ASSISTANT TEACHER

Status: Non-exempt/Hourly

Department: Milwaukee Educare

Reports to: Master Teacher /Lead Teacher

Type of Position: Full Time / 12 months

POSITION SUMMARY

• The Educare Assistant teacher is responsible for contributing to the planning, implementation and coordination of the comprehensive education program. The assistant teacher supports the lead in ensuring that the education program is developmentally appropriate and meets the individual needs of the children as mandated by Head Start, state and local standards, and the Educare model.
• Scheduled breaks and holidays will be based on the program calendar and coincide – as feasible – with the agency and other program calendars.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

The Assistant teacher is supervised by the Lead Teacher with support and collaboration from the Master Teacher.

Program Core Features of the Educare Model

• Participate in the national Educare Implementation Study, engaging in a system of reciprocal, regular data feedback and utilization for individualized planning for children and families and continuous program improvement.
• Participate in Reflective Practice and Supervision throughout the program.
• Support and provide continuity of care to help children develop secure relationships.
• Implement, document, and demonstrate an understanding of the importance of multiple perspectives and have the skills to be successful in their interdisciplinary efforts.
• Participate in Family Child Service Reviews as scheduled.
• In support of ongoing, intensive professional development, Assistant teachers will attend and participate in all scheduled trainings, engage in coaching cycles with their Lead Teachers, and develop individual plans for their own professional development.
• Following Touchpoints training, assistant teachers will demonstrate use of the guiding principles and parent assumptions in their ongoing communication and work with families.
• Provide an enhanced curriculum focus on:
  • Language and Literacy
  • Social/Emotional development
  • Problem-solving and numeracy
  • Integration of the Arts

Curriculum

• Engage positively with the children and use appropriate discipline methods as outlined in the Educare Child Guidance procedures.
• Assist in the planning and implementation of classroom activities that are child-centered, developmentally appropriate, open-ended and process oriented.
• Support children’s ideas and initiatives, and creativity
• Assist in developing and managing an attractive and engaging environment that encourages children’s independence and self-selection of activities.
• Position themselves strategically in all environments to actively engage children, provide optimal supervision, and facilitate play.
• Assist in daily routines including helping to keep the classroom clean; this includes following all sanitary procedures for food service and diapering/toileting.

Assessment

• Collaborate with the teaching team to observe, document, and assess their primary care children using the Portage Guide, anecdotal notes, and Chicago EARLY or ASQ.
• Identify any developmental concerns for primary care children and share the information with the Lead Teacher.
• Collaborate with the teaching team to complete weekly lesson plans
• Complete and submit small group plans for primary care children to the lead teacher on a weekly basis.
• Participate in Family Child Service Reviews for their primary children.
• Assist in the completion of band aid reports and documentation of incidents in the medical log.

Home/School Connection

• Develop effective partnerships with families by maintaining open communication and encouraging their input into the educational program.
• Collaborate with the teaching team to develop, document, and implement, in collaboration with each child’s family, and individualized curriculum plan (ICP) for each child to be reviewed regularly in response to each child’s progress.
• Under the direction of the lead teacher, schedule and complete home visits and conferences as required each year.

Other

• The assistant teacher will assume the responsibilities of the lead teacher in the absence of the lead teacher.
• Under the direction of the lead teacher, assist in data entry as requested.
• Assist the lead teacher to maintain an up to date classroom inventory
• Participate in reflective supervision with the Lead Teacher and/or Master Teacher
• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the job description.
• All Staff members are accountable for knowing and performing the responsibilities associated with their individual position in an efficient and effective manner, understanding that each of us plays an integral role in the success of our mission. All Staff will support the agency mission, vision and strategic directions and support administrative decisions. This is demonstrated by maintaining a positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner so that they get along with children, families, coworkers, supervisors and the public while achieving performance expectations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or a related field with a minimum of 18 credits in Early Childhood or Child Development and one year’s experience is required.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS/ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Knowledge of early childhood curriculum and developmentally appropriate practice for the specific age group ( 0-3 or 3-5).
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards
• Knowledge of City and State licensing requirements.
• Ability to work as a cooperative and supportive team member.
• Ability to communicate and cooperate with various professionals and community groups.
• Ability to communicate and cooperate with parents
• Ability and willingness to work in a program located in a high-risk, low-income community.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• A biannual physical exam, drug screen and TB test are required as a condition of initial employment and continued employment.
• Must be able to physically interact with children, including bending, kneeling, sitting on the floor, lifting up to 40 pounds, climbing and walking.
• Must have advanced command of the English language and grammar, both verbal and written.
• Must remain abreast of developments in the child development field to enhance professional growth and development.

Application Instructions

You may also fax your application to (414) 918-2732 or drop off an application/resume at Next Door Foundation, Inc. 2545 N. 29th Street, Milwaukee, WI. 53210.