Summary

Assist with the direct care and supervision of the children in the center, providing for their physical, social, emotional and educational needs in a safe, clean, and stimulating environment.

Qualifications

· Required: High School Diploma or GED.

· Preferred: Mandated 45 hours of training by the Department of Children and Families before hire.

· A minimum of one-year experience in an early childhood classroom.

Responsibilities

· Implement developmentally appropriate preschool programs for young children.

· Assist the lead teacher in planning and implementing activities to meet the physical, emotional, intellectual and social/emotional needs of the children in the program

· Ensure equipment and facility are clean, well maintained and safe at all times

· Responsible for completing the classroom cleaning log with classroom staff and submitting it to the office each month

· Ensure children are always supervised.

· Provide a safe and secure environment for children to feel comfortable

· Establish routines and provide positive guidance

· Implement positive discipline when required

· Outdoor play areas shall be under the supervision of staff interacting with the children.

· Clearly and effectively communicate in a manner that children understand

· Observe children and make notes of progress

· Integrate special needs children in a positive and respectful manner

· Must adhere to DCF Definition of Direct Supervision: SUPERVISION OF CHILDREN The knowledge of and accounting for the activity and whereabouts of each child in care and the proximity of staff to children at all times assuring immediate intervention of staff to safeguard a child from harm.

· Communicate with parents/guardians.

· Discuss children’s development with parents/guardians

· Maintain program administration.

· Keep parents informed of program expectations, program activities and their child’s progress

· Conduct semi-annual parent/teacher conferences with Lead Teacher

· Maintain a portfolio and developmental assessment for each child in your class

· Prepare, maintain, and ensure classroom meets compliance mandates for National Accreditation Commission (NAC), Department of Children and Families (DCF), Manatee,

Preschool Teacher Assistant – page 2

· Charlotte and Sarasota County Early Learning Coalitions, Manatee and Sarasota School Boards and USDA inspections.

· Comply with Easterseals policies and procedures utilizing the highest standards of personal and professional ethics and behavior.

· Demonstrate good judgment, diplomacy, courtesy and effective communication while working at Easterseals or when representing the organization.

· Other duties as assigned.