Position Summary
Hamilton-Madison House’s Early Childhood Services is seeking an Assistant Teacher (AT) for our Early Childhood Program, which serves children between the ages of 3-5 years old. We are seeking a warm, responsible, dedicated teacher, sensitive to the needs of young children and their families and able to work well with others. The AT works hand in hand with the Group Teacher creating and implementing a developmentally-appropriate curriculum that meets the needs and interests of a given group of children. The AT assists in the proper supervision of a given group of children at all times. The position reports to the Education Director.
Responsibilities:
Work within the framework of the sponsoring agency of the child care center and carry out its functions, policies and procedures:
INTERACTION BETWEEN FACULTY AND CHILDREN
Interact frequently, affectionately and respectfully with all children every day. This includes: smiling and comforting children. When in close proximity to children, speaking in a calm, friendly, soft and courteous manner
Be available and responsive to children’s needs, questions and requests
Encourage and model social behavior and expectations that are developmentally appropriate
Intervene in play in order to maintain safety
Communicate directly with each child at the child’s level
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH, SAFETY AND NUTRITION
Supervises given group of children at all times
Maintain accurate attendance records
Complete appropriate paperwork (accident reports, allergy lists, etc.)
Maintain a clean and safe environment for children at all times. Encourages respect for classroom materials and notifies supervisor in advance when supplies are needed
Arrange the space in clearly defined, well-organized centers to promote optimal program functioning
Organize a variety of materials and equipment as to encourage maximum constructive use
Understands the responsibilities as a mandated reporter
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work is primarily performed in the center environment which is a dynamic place with a high level of physical activity
Must be able to stand for a majority of the day, bend to be at a child’s eye level, perform all activities with the children such as running, dancing, walking, jumping, etc., move from a seated position to a standing position promptly to respond to emergency situations
Must possess acceptable hearing and visual capabilities in order to monitor the environment and children’s wellbeing
CURRICULUM
Assists the Group Teacher in creating and implementing a rich and developmentally-appropriate curriculum based upon the needs and interests of the students, with a focus on intellectual, social, emotional and physical growth
Assist the Group Teacher in planning and implementing child-oriented, self-initiated activities while limiting large group, faculty-initiated activities
Provide more than one option for group activity and maintain flexibility in changing planned activities, according to children’s interests
Create documentation of children’s accomplishments through anecdotal notes, work sampling and/or portfolios
Plan the use of community resources to enrich the educational content of the children’s program
In a timely fashion, assist the Group Teacher in completing all documentation, including, but not limited to, weekly lesson plans, anecdotal notes, checkpoints, home visit forms, parent-teacher conference forms
Take into consideration the individual needs of children and differentiate instruction to meet their needs
Provide a variety of developmentally appropriate materials and activities that foster social skills, encourage children to think, problem solve, question and experiment
Foster positive self-concept development by supporting individuality, independence, and the ability to make choices
Encourage creative expression that is individualized
FACULTY/PARENT INTERACTIONS
Acknowledge parents and all classroom visitors
Demonstrate a friendly, courteous and accommodating demeanor at all times
Respond to parents’ comments and concerns with sensitivity, interest, and respect while maintaining confidentiality
TEAMWORK
Keep the supervisors informed of any necessary information regarding the care and safety of children
Establish and maintain a relationship built on trust, cooperation and respect with co-workers
Offer and share ideas and materials with co-workers
Communicate directly, work to resolve conflicts quickly and avoid gossip
PROFESSIONALISM
Attend and participate in all staff meetings, center events, and parent/teacher meetings
Demonstrate flexibility in assignment and work hours
Be receptive to feedback and willing to change practices to best serve children
Maintain confidentiality about issues concerning other faculty members, children and families
Demonstrate knowledge of ages and stages of development
Ensure continuity of care for children by reporting to work on time and maintaining consistent attendance
Continue professional growth by attending courses, asking for feedback and reading professional literature
Check HMH email daily as well as staff mailboxes weekly
Minimum Qualifications:
High School Diploma plus CDA credential or AA in Early Childhood Education with one year teaching experience with children 3-5 years of age
Assistant Teacher Certification
Bilingual English/Asian language preferred
An ability to work positively and patiently with children, parents and staff
Proficient in MS Office and other industry related technologies
Compensation : $31,601 (HS Diploma), $35,494 (Bachelor Degree) Salary based on credentials with DC 37 Local 95, Union Position, and generous benefits
Hours : Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week
Hamilton-Madison House is an Equal Opportunity Employer