Primary Role The Educare Assistant Teacher works cooperatively with the Educare Lead Teacher to plan and implement the daily education program for the children. Under the reflective supervision of the Lead Teacher, the Assistant Teacher will ensure that all classroom activities and environment are developmentally appropriate and meet the individual needs of children as mandated by federal, state, local and accreditation standards, and that they reflect the agency’s philosophy and curriculum - to include Head Start, the Educare Learning Network and Clover. The Assistant Teacher assumes the classroom Teacher’s responsibilities in the absence of the Lead Teacher.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Child Development

• Observe, assess and document each assigned child’s health, skills, behavior, growth and development.
• Provide opportunities for children to develop positive self-images and experience success.
• As assigned, develop an individualized educational strength plan for children.
• Participate in Family/Child Reviews.
• Identify any developmental concerns regarding the children and follow agency protocol.

Curriculum

• In conjunction with the Teacher, plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities that will promote the social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of each child.
• In conjunction with the Teacher, develop lesson plans with goals, objectives, activities and outcomes for children.

Classroom Environment

• Assume responsibility for the management of the classroom during the Lead Teacher’s absence.
• In conjunction with the Teacher maintain a classroom environment which includes positive guidance techniques, that meets state and local licensing regulations, accreditation standards, Head Start Program Performance Standards, the Educare Learning Network’s and Clover’s philosophy and curriculum.
• Ensure all children are under appropriate supervision at all times.
• In the absence of the Lead Teacher, delegate child development responsibilities as needed.

Parent Involvement

• As assigned by the Lead Teacher, schedule and conduct Parent/Staff conferences.
• As assigned by the Lead Teacher, conduct two home visits per program year.
• In conjunction with the Lead Teacher and Family Advocate, encourage parent participation in the program.
• Develop effective partnerships with parents.

Administration

• In conjunction with the Lead Teacher, develop and maintain confidential educational information for each child and ensure all confidential information is protected.
• Accurately complete all required program documentation and submit in a timely manner to the Lead Teacher and/or Education Supervisor.
• Complete daily attendance and meal participation reports and submit to the Lead Teacher.

Other

• Follow all mandates of federal regulations, state and local licensing, accreditation standards and Head Start Program Performance Standards, the Educare Learning Network’s and Clover’s philosophy and curriculum.
• Attend all required meetings and trainings.
• Perform other duties as assigned, within the scope of the job description.

Additional Job Requirements:

• Clearance of background check.
• An annual physical examination and TB test are required as condition of initial employment and continued employment.
• Must be able to physically interact with children, including talk, hear, sit, stand, walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and lift and or move items of up to 40 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Must be able to manually operate and use a computer and other office equipment.
• Must be able to clearly communicate with parents, children, staff and other stakeholders.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of and ability to implement Early Head Start/Head Start and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Knowledge of and ability to implement intentional child development and early childhood principles, practices and curricula for the specific age group (0-3 or 3-5).
• Willingness to participate in Educare’s commitment to continuously review, analyze and apply data/statistical findings from local and national evaluations to current program design.
• Ability to work within an interdisciplinary team as a cooperative and supportive team member.
• Ability and willingness to work in a program located in a high-risk, low income community.
• Ability to communicate and work with diverse families and professionals.
• Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials.
• Ability to obtain First Aid and CPR certification.
• Basic knowledge of computer applications and the ability to learn and master other computer technology /software programs as needed.
• Ability to communicate and respond in a manner that demonstrates respect and concern.
• Ability to remain abreast of developments in early childhood education and pedagogy to enhance professional growth and development.

Educational Requirement and Experience:

Associate’s degree or Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or Child Development (CD), OR two years equivalent of an Associate’s degree with a minimum of 18 semester hours of credit in ECE or CD.