Assistant Teacher
ASSISTANT TEACHER
SCOPE OF WORK
The Assistant Teacher is the primary support person in the classroom and works under the direction of the morning and afternoon Teacher/Family Advocates. The Assistant Teacher must be able to assist children in developing age appropriate skills, including toileting, language, self-help, self-control and social skills; and to be able to implement routines, transitions, and activities appropriate for that age group.
Under the general direction of the Teacher/Family Advocate, the Assistant Teacher:
- assists in
- establishing, monitoring and maintaining a safe and healthy classroom learning environment
- planning and implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum that meets children's individual physical, intellectual, language (including English-language acquisition), literacy, creative, self-identity, and social/emotional needs
- providing a variety of opportunities for the exchange of ideas and information between home and school
- records anecdotal observations, conducts screenings and assessments according to standardized instructions, and
- as directed, maintains paper and electronic documentation and records
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
The Assistant Teacher must demonstrate skills in classroom and behavior management that includes establishing routines, managing transitions, implementing developmentally appropriate activities, and encouraging children's development of language and literacy skills. The Assistant Teacher must have a working knowledge of child development and early learning principles. The Assistant Teacher must be able to record objective anecdotal observations, implement prescribed screenings and assessments according to standardized instructions, and, under direction, maintain paper and electronic documentation and records.
The Assistant Teacher must exhibit an understanding of the importance of parents, parent partnerships, and the significance of the child's home language and culture in the child's learning process and in classroom operation. The Assistant Teacher must also be sensitive to the factors affecting low-income families, and be aware of child abuse and neglect indicators and reporting responsibilities.
SCOPE OF AUTHORITY
The Teacher/Family Advocates direct the work of the Assistant Teacher. The Assistant Teacher may direct the work of Aides and classroom volunteers. The Assistant Teacher must be able to use professional judgment in implementing decisions within the scope of an assigned responsibility.
The Education Site Manager provides the Assistant Teacher with general supervision, conducts performance appraisals, approves schedules and requests for time off, and oversees assignment of work tasks and monitoring of job performance. The Teacher/Family Advocates may give the Education Site Manager input into the Assistant Teacher's performance appraisal.
In the absence of the Teacher/Family Advocate, the Assistant Teacher assumes classroom leadership and management responsibilities in executing the planned curriculum, implementing the established classroom schedule and routine, supervising children and directing Aides and volunteers.
The Assistant Teacher's core responsibilities are:
- Communicate in English (both orally and in writing) at a professional level with staff, parents, children, management, outside agencies, and the public in small to large group settings, one-on-one, or on the phone
- Handle child, parent and family information in a confidential, professional and sensitive manner, exercising appropriate discretion in sharing the information as outlined in program policies, procedures and on a need to know basis
- Instruct children in a classroom setting
- Implement individual child educational programming and prepare curriculum materials as directed by the Teacher/Family Advocate
- Execute classroom snack and meal service
- Observe, compare, or monitor data and children's behavior to determine compliance with other prescribed standards
- Comprehend and make inferences from material written in English
- Walk or run quickly, kneel or sit on the floor, lift approximately 50 pounds, sit in a child's size chair, and move quickly from multiple positions and levels
- Set up a preschool classroom that requires moving of child's size furniture, tables, chairs, shelves, and regular sized shelving units
- Perform regular sanitation and cleaning of the classroom that may require the use of a broom, carpet sweeper, mop, vacuum, carpet/floor shampooer, and the use of cleaning products
- Maintain the health and safety of all children and their environment (classroom, playground) through mental acuity, visual, auditory, verbal, mobility and smell
- Account for the whereabouts of each child at all times, ensuring that no child is ever left alone or unsupervised
- Work in a respectful manner with all children, parents and employees
- Work as a member of a team, requiring the ability to communicate clearly to provide information and feedback, identify and resolve problems, maintain composure, and manage conflict positively
- Exhibit punctuality and maintain a 95% attendance rate
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Child Development Associate (CDA), OR twelve college credits in early childhood education completed toward an associate's or bachelor's degree
- One year of experience in an early childhood program
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Associate's degree or higher in early childhood education
- Experience as a Head Start or ECEAP Assistant Teacher
- Experience in documentation and record keeping
- Spanish fluency
Additional Information
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Hiring for this position is on the condition that candidates meet the following requirements:
Before Starting Work:
- Submit paperwork indicating negative TB Test or clear chest x-ray
- Submit proof of current Tdap (Pertussis) vaccination
- Submit proof of a cleared Portable Background Check from the Washington State Department of Early Learning (NOTE: if you do not have a current PBC, you must first create an account in the DEL's MERIT system by clicking here. The fees for obtaining a PBC are your responsibility. The entire process of obtaining a PBC takes 3-4 weeks. You may not start working until we have a copy of your cleared PBC.)
- Present a current Food Worker Card from the Snohomish County Health District
Within three days of hire:
- Submit proof of US Citizenship or ability to work in US (must show original social security or Alien Registration Card/Work Permit, as well as one piece of picture identification)
- Completion of all pertinent personnel/payroll forms
Within 30 days of hire:
- Union Shop Fee: You must become a member of the classified union or pay a representation fee or no association fee within thirty calendar days of your hire
- Create and update your professional record in the Department of Early Learning's MERIT system, and send sealed, official transcripts showing any degrees to DEL
Within 60 days of hire:
- Signed statement by a health provider that the employee is free from communicable diseases and physically able to perform job responsibilities.
Within six months of hire:
- Obtain pediatric/adult 1st Aid/CPR certification (must be maintained in current status)
Condition of continued employment:
- Successfully complete a nine-month probationary period
- Keep all certifications and clearances in current status
- Complete 15 hours of Professional Development Training each year
EEO / AFFIRMATIVE ACTION STATEMENT
Edmonds Community College is an equal opportunity employer and assures equality of treatment in educational and employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (gender), disability, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, veteran status, or genetic information. Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the recruitment process may call 425-640-1470, 425-640-1832, or email jobs@edcc.edu, and accommodations will be made to the extent reasonably possible. The Human Resources Office is accessible to persons with disabilities.