FT Staff: Assistant Teacher - Infants/Toddlers/Preschool

Reporting to the Director-Child Development Center, the Assistant Teacher assists the Lead Teacher with classroom management, supervision and teaching of infants, toddlers and/or pre-school students as assigned in the Child Development Center. The position is also accountable for assuring the health, welfare and safety of all Center students, maintaining accurate records, maintaining up-to-date knowledge and compliance requirements.

Essential Job Functions:

• Effectively assists in the teaching of infants, toddlers and/or preschool-aged students in the Child Development Center.
• Assists in the planning and implementing a model instructional program for infants and toddlers.
• Assists with plans and implementing individualized daily routines and curriculum for infant and toddlers in the classroom.
• Assists with the development and implementation of individualized goals for each child.
• Assists with establishing appropriate limits for children and enforce them in a positive manner.
• Encourages toddlers to develop and model positive attitude towards a variety of ethnic, racial and social groups.
• Assists with instructional activities that encourage infants and toddlers children to improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills, to increase motivation, to enhance a positive self-image, and to clarify their values.
• Assists with utilizing teaching strategies that enhance development in the domain of social, language, cognitive, and physical development; including appropriate instructional technology.
• Assists with assessing children based on described guidelines of Teaching Strategies GOLD.
• Maintains an open, friendly and cooperative relationship with each childs family, encouraging their involvement in all aspects of the program.
• Effectively assists with managing the classroom environment.
• Assists with organizing the classroom according to appropriate developmental levels and the needs of the individual infant or toddler.
• Promotes the development of secure relationships with infants and toddlers.
• Provides warm, caring, nurturing positive and supportive responses to all children.
• Provides positive guidance and discipline to support the social and emotional development of each infant and toddler.
• Assists with coordination of parent/family volunteers in the classroom.
• Assists with establishing and managing a learning environment designed to produce positive cognitive, social and emotional outcomes for infants and toddlers.
• Knows the whereabouts of children in attendance at all times.
• Notifies the Director in a timely manner that supplies will soon be needed for the Center.
• In the event of a threatening Center situation, contacts appropriate emergency responders:
• If on the main Raleigh campus, contacts the Campus Police & Security Office at 919-546-8249.
• Ensures that University policies concerning Center etiquette are adhered to, such as prohibiting eating, smoking, drinking, illegal drugs, and littering.
• Assists with providing adequate supervision to assure health, welfare and safety of all students.
• Informs Teacher of any problems students may be having.
• Provides meals and snacks to the children according to their age, development and needs.
• Participates in the identification and referral process of special needs children.
• Assist with conducting developmental screenings of infants and toddlers in accordance with program policies and procedures.
• Accompanies Lead Teacher in conducting at least two home visits and two parent conferences with each childs family per year.
• Assists with meeting the daily needs of all children (i.e. food prep, toileting).
• Assists children in developing good health and hygiene habits.
• Assists with making appropriate accommodations to ensure child outcomes are achieved with children who have health issues such as:
• Reports all students injuries, accidents, illness and discipline problems to the appropriate authority immediately or as soon as is reasonable possible, as outlined in the Centers Staff Handbook.
• Assists with the daily spraying of toys with bleach water solution on a daily basis and a weekly deep cleaning of toys using the Centers preferred method of sanitizing.
• Actively participates in professional development to remain current in all childcare licensing, policies and regulations:
• Fulfills NAEYC accreditation and Division of Child Development Licensing requirements.
• Satisfactorily completes required training on North Carolina child abuse and neglect laws and procedures and indicators of child abuse and neglect.
• Improves professional competence and performance by engaging in child care professional development and pursuing programs of self-development, such as:
• Participates in the Universitys professional development activities and systems training offerings, as applicable.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and/or Experience:

• Associate degree in Child Development Education from an accredited institution of higher learning or a related discipline required; Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education preferred.
• Internship or work field experience in a birth-kindergarten center.
• Current certification in First Aid and CPR.
• Ability to speak, read and write Spanish fluently required.
• Responsible, dependable, well-organized and demonstrate a high level of integrity.
• Ability to maintain a positive and professional attitude.
• Good organizational skills.

Certificates, Licenses or Registrations

• First Aid and CPR

Other Competencies:

• Must have a philosophy that is consistent with the Mission, Vision and Core Values of the organization.
• Vision, commitment, and experience in achieving goals and pursuing excellence is critical.
• Strong oral and written presentation skills.
• Ability to work well independently and as a member of a team.
• Excellence in organization, decision-making, problem-solving and creating a collaborative environment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Must be able to read, write and speak fluently in English.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to sit or stand for up to 8 hours/day and climb stairs as required.
• Some lifting (up to 25 pounds occasionally), bending, and carrying.
• Specific vision abilities include the ability to use close vision.
• The employee is regularly required to talk and hear, and to use hands and fingers to handle or feel.