Position Summary: The Assistant Teacher (AT) is responsible for assisting the Lead Teacher in the daily programming for children enrolled in Early Childhood program at St. Joseph Academy (SJA). The role includes helping to provide developmentally appropriate practices and high quality early care and education. The AT works in partnership with the Lead Teacher to ensure that the needs of children and their families are understood and communicated as one of the primary SJA liaisons.
The AT implements the early childhood program within local, state and federal guidelines, rules, regulations and laws, Wisconsin licensing, and accreditation standards.
Position Reports to: Program Supervisor Qualifications:
AA degree in early childhood education or related field preferred (Staff meeting minimum requirement of a, Child Development Associate (CDA) or successful completion of 12 college credits in early childhood education; must agree to obtain professional credentials within 2 years of accepting the position)
1+ years experience within early care working in a licensed childcare setting
Exemplary interpersonal, collaborative, and planning skills
Interest and ability to support children and their families
Ability to analyze an issue, identify options, and implement solutions
Ability to work cooperatively with people in and outside of the Education/Childcare Services department
Ability to communicate (verbally and in writing) and effectively interact with children, their family members, management, and staff members
Ability to respond positively to work direction and guidance from others
Ability to work independently, managing multiple demanding tasks under critical timeframes
Equipment Used: Office equipment: personal computers, printers, phone systems, fax machine, photocopier Physical and Mental Requirements: Must have ability to sit (25%), walk/stand (75%), routinely throughout the shift. Must be able to periodically lift up to 50 lbs. Must have functional senses/manual dexterity to carry out the job; communicate effectively; and use of office equipment. Must have the ability to deal effectively with the stress of managing emergency/critical situations and multiple tasks. Environmental Conditions: Performs duties with exposure to infectious or communicable diseases inherent to care children, and occasional exposure to loud or unpleasant voices due to unpredictable behavior of the children and seasonal exposure to high humidity, heat and cold due to the internal and external environment.
Quality Assurance:
Ensures consistent compliance and meets all licensing regulations
Teaching practices that are planned and executed reflect developmentally appropriate curriculum for children
Classroom environment is in compliance with licensing standards: cleaned; well-organized; maintained and refreshed with appropriate learning centers, displays and bulletin boards
Educational materials and toys are cleaned, sanitized, in good repair, stored and organized to optimize child safety and use
Maintains and refreshes well designed, child-focused bulletin boards that reflect children’s work and interests
Develops and implements lesson plans in accordance with the Creative Curriculum, SJA philosophy and policies
Enforces policies and procedures that ensure our compliance with the WI Department of Children and Families licensing requirements and accreditation standards
Maintains supervision of children assigned to him/her at all times--alert to signs of illness or stress; informs Program Supervisor regarding children who may be showing signs of physical, emotional, or developmental problems
Customer Relations
Ensures each family’s right to information about their child’s progress while maintaining privacy and confidentiality, at all times
Extends excellent service to all children and families
Communicates verbally and in writing all pertinent information to assist in family satisfaction
Establishes appropriate relationships with children, parents/guardians, staff, and the public which ensures a safe environment that protects children/families’/staff rights
Fosters an environment that allows children, their families and staff to develop to their fullest potential
Cultivates positive relationships with children, parents and families
Assists children and parents in orienting to- and making a smooth transition from home to Center and from classroom to classroom
Solicits information from families about their cultural background and interests
Maintains day-to-day communication with parents, including interpretation and follow through of the SJA philosophy and policies
Participates in family-centered events within the Center and the community
Child Outcomes
Ensures children have the opportunity to learn, progress and achieve developmentally appropriate outcomes
Assists in developing lesson plans that are hands-on, developmentally appropriate, and incorporate activities which reflect the interests and life experiences of the children assigned—consistent with Creative Curriculum objectives
Informs parents of their child’s developmental progress at least quarterly
Assists in completing developmental assessment of individual children within the class and meet with families to discuss the assessment twice yearly
Helps to establish and maintains individual child and classroom portfolios—transferring portfolios as the child matriculates through the Center
Assesses the assigned children and uses information to plan and execute lessons
Helps to maintain assessment records including written anecdotal notes on the attainment and progress towards each developmental goal
Helps to maintain child and classroom records including weekly menus, meal counts, child attendance, and enrollment records
Responds quickly and directly to the needs of children
Staff Collaboration
Collaborates with teaching staff to plan, organize, and implement daily program plans, curricula and materials
Collaborates with classroom staff to develop a monthly classroom newsletter
Collaborates with classroom staff to plan and implement a daily schedule
Communicates pertinent information with members of the team and appropriate departments to ensure response to parent/guardian requests, concerns, or issues
Professional Development
Participates in meetings, in-service training, staff meetings, workshops and other activities that improve the program, communication, and problem solving
Passes annual licensing test
Maintains required continuing education hours.
Advocates for issues that impact the early childhood community
Performs other duties as assigned
Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities