Preschool Assistant Teacher

PAY

$16.18 to $21.99 per hour 

HOURS

Monday to Friday from 2:30 pm-5 pm with ample subbing opportunities

POSITION LOCATION:
Essex Junction

POSITION OBJECTIVES:

Under the direction and supervision of the Preschool Director or Preschool Head Teacher, the Preschool Assistant Teacher will be responsible for supporting a quality preschool classroom experience. The Assistant Teacher will support the education, health, welfare, and safety of the children within their classroom; will ensure children’s social, physical, spiritual, and mental development in the program; and, in the absence of the Preschool Director or Preschool Head Teacher in the classroom, will provide leadership and supervision of the classroom and staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Provide a variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate and use, both in learning activities and in imaginative play.
• Attend to children’s basic needs by feeding them, dressing them, and changing their diapers.
• Teach basic skills such as color, shape, number and letter recognition, personal hygiene, and social skills.
• Enforce rules for behavior, and procedures for maintaining order.
• Read books to entire classes or to small groups.
• Organize and lead activities designed to promote physical, mental and social development, such as games, arts and crafts, music, storytelling, and field trips.
• Observe and effectively address children’s inappropriate behavior within the program.
• Identify children showing signs of emotional, developmental, or health-related problems, and report them to the Head Teacher or Preschool Director.
• Enforce all administrative policies and rules governing students.
• Lead day-to-day activities and enrichment lessons
• Be familiar with VT preschool licensing standards and operate a program and maintain a facility that is in compliance
• Responsible for the safety of the children in the program at all times
• Assist in planning curriculum for classrooms that ensure child centered and developmental learning
• Daily communication with parents about what happened throughout the day and how their child’s day went.
• Supervise classroom staff to ensure effective implementation of program activities and adherence to EJRP program standards.
• Maintain quality and control of classroom that is consistent with VT licensing regulations
• Maintaining staff/child ratios in classroom according to standards
• Ensure adherence to EJRP and State of Vermont standards for classroom and facility cleanliness and safety
• Advise EJRP Preschool Director or Preschool Head Teacher of any concerns regarding facilities, space, staffing or child/staff ratios. Ensure compliance with all state licensing requirements
• As requested, participate in Open Houses, Parent workshops, Fundraisers, and other special events
• Follow all discipline policies as stated in parent handbook
• Perform other related duties as assigned by EJRP Preschool Director or Preschool Head Teacher
• Attend all staff meetings
• Attend workshops in accordance with Vermont State regulations (currently 12 hours/year)
• Maintain confidentiality
• Complete incident reports in accordance with policies and procedures
• Participate as a member of the EJRP team and contribute to the attainment of the mission

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Reports to, supervised and evaluated by, and receives direction from the EJRP Preschool Director or Preschool Head Teacher

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

In the absence of the Preschool Director or Preschool Head Teacher, will supervise 1 or 2 support staff in the delivery of a quality preschool classroom experience.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, in addition to the following:

• Education and Experience. Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or other appropriate discipline plus four years of relevant experience), or a combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills are acquired.
• Must possess the ability and temperament to work in a busy, changing work environment, and effectively handle and complete multiple duties and assignments. Exhibit a proven and responsible work ethic, communication, organization, and group work skills. Show commitment, dedication, patience, and ability to communicate mission, goals, and purpose of Essex Junction Recreation and Parks Department and the Preschool Program.
• Certifications and Licenses. Current First Aid and CPR certificate required.
• Language Skills. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from supervisors, parents, and the community.
• Mathematical Skills. Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
• Computer Skills and Experience. Proficient with Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Good data entry skills. Experience with data management systems.
• Reasoning Ability/Mental Requirements. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills. Ability to communicate courteously, efficiently and effectively with a variety of individuals, including students, faculty, administrators, parents, and representatives of outside organizations. Ability to work cooperatively, effectively, and with flexibility with co-workers, subordinates, supervisors, parents, and outside agencies.