Title: Assistant Teacher

Supervisor: Site Director

General Function:

The individual selected for this position will be responsible for the general supervision and management of the Toddler classrooms.

Requirements:

The person selected must be professionally prepared as an experienced teacher of young children, especially in the field of early childhood education and must be able to meet the requirements of the Office of Licensing for the state of New Jersey. This person must be sensitive and mature and can relate well to both children and adults. This person must have personality, patience, creativity, and the ability to provide leadership and stability for program continuity. This person must have evidence of training in First Aid and Infant-Child CPR (or willingness to be trained). A Child Development Associate credential (CDA) or an associate degree in early childhood education or related field is preferred.

Principle Activities:

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to the following:

● Planning, supervising, and implementing the program in accordance with the philosophy and policies of The Learning Gate, Office of Licensing and Grow NJ Kids

● Being responsible for the safety, security, and nurturing of the children always assigned to the classrooms.

● Gearing the program to the needs of individual children, recognizing their differences, special interests, handicaps, abilities and individual styles and pace of learning socialization skills

● Effectively creating and executing developmentally appropriate activity plans on weekly or monthly basis, reflecting consideration for individual children’s needs, interest, and abilities.

● Documenting attendance, accident reports, medication waivers, and daily care sheets for each child in compliance with The Learning Gate and licensing regulations.

● Always treating all children with dignity and respect, recognizing that each has his/her unique qualities, gifts, and needs. Giving personal attention to each child, each day, at the child’s eye level, and with a pleasant, respectful tone

● Greeting every child, parent, fellow staff and visitor with a smile and friendliness. Interacting with children at their eye level, using calm, natural and respectful tones of voice.

● Being responsible for the ordered arrangement, appearance, décor and learning environment for the classrooms. Assuring safe and sanitary use and maintenance of all classroom equipment and supplies.

● Conducting parent conferences on children’s adjustment to the classroom and appropriate Center behavior on an as needed basis, and in a professional manner.

● Preparing bi-annual progress reports for each child in his/her classroom.

● Preparing and submitting monthly newsletter entries and weekly lesson plans.

● Assisting the Lead Teacher in explaining your classroom program to visitors.

● Assisting Lead Teacher to ensure smooth coordination of all classroom activities.

● Assisting the Site Director in obtaining appropriate and informative teacher training activities.

● Building and maintaining effective communication lines with the children, parents, fellow staff, and the Site Director.

● Assisting the Lead Teacher with the ongoing Center evaluation process regarding the procedures needed to assess the developmental levels of the children we serve.

● Attending all staff meetings and conferences of professional organizations appropriate for Early Childhood educators, occasionally as a representative of the Center. Attending childcare family events (i.e., Holiday parties, Back to School Night, etc.). Volunteering, when possible, for The Learning Gate-sponsored events.

● Assuming any other duties as requested by professional staff of The Learning Gate

● Will oversee as needed and parent requested feeding of every child in a clean, sanitary, and safe manner.

● Will oversee the practice of a regular schedule and as needed diapering procedures so that no child is allowed to be wet or soiled for more than 5 minutes. Every child should leave the Center with a clean diaper, if not potty-trained.

● Must model the values of caring, honesty, integrity, respect, responsibility.

● Function as a cooperative, productive member of The Learning Gate team.

Essential Functions:

The job requires assistance with toileting, feeding, cleaning and personal hygiene assistance. Pushing a buggy, lifting to 50 lbs., bending, stooping, sitting on child sized chairs, changing diapers, toileting children, climbing, reaching, carrying, or holding children up to 50 lbs. Must be able to visually supervise children and staff. Must be able to communicate verbally and in writing and in such a way as to be easily understood by children, staff, and parents. Must have the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.