JOB DESCRIPTION – Teacher Aide

Requirements:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • High School Diploma or Equivalent
  • Current First-Aid and CPR certification
  • Evidence of physical exam and MMR verification
  • Willing and able to pursue education in the field to further their qualifications.
  • Physical constraints required include the ability to hear the conversational voice, with or without a hearing aid, the ability to see and read newsprint with or without corrective lenses, to speak and be understood under normal circumstances, to lift and carry children and other items weighing up to 50 pounds, and the use of arms, hands, legs, and feet with or without corrective devices to accomplish the job, including evacuation of the building during emergencies.

Job Description

Interactions with Children

The goal of teacher’s aides at The Kids’ Place is to provide a warm, nurturing, safe, and loving environment where self-concepts are enhanced, independence encouraged, and individuality respected. To this end the specific responsibilities included, but are not limited to the following:

  • Protects the safety of all children in the center.
  • Directly supervises children at all times.
  • Uses positive phrasing with children.
  • Communicates frequently with children throughout the day, naming objects, actions, using who, what, when, where, why, and open ended questions.
  • Exhibits behavior management consistent with The Kids’ Place philosophy, including reflecting children’s feelings, approaching children to speak with them, directing comments toward children’s behavior, not at the children themselves, etc.
  • Co-plays/interacts with children during play activities both indoors and on the playground.
  • Treats each child with dignity and respect, recognizing the cultural and socio-economic diversity of the population.
  • Responds to the individual needs and learning styles of children.
  • Responds to children in distress promptly and appropriately.
  • Is responsible to assist all mealtime activities of the group. Helps children serve themselves family-style and sits with children; preferably eats with them. Monitors children closely during meals.

Classroom Responsibilities

  • Prepares the learning environment in accordance with the weekly lesson plan in a developmentally appropriate manner, (filling texture table, putting out easel paint, changing dramatic play props, etc.).
  • During teacher directed activities, works directly with children helping with smocks putting out materials, cleaning up after an activity, follows specific directions of classroom teacher.
  • Shares diapering and toileting responsibilities with teacher. Accompanies children to the bathroom, assisting as needed with clothing, washing hands, etc.
  • Shares cleaning duties fairly with co-workers.
  • Assists substitute teachers to implement daily plans during teacher’s absence, following lesson plans, completing daily notes to parents, etc.

Health and Safety Issues

  • Is responsible for the welfare, health, and safety of the children in the center.
  • Complies with applicable universal precautions and infection control guidelines and procedures.
  • Displays familiarity with and follows The Kids’ Place Health Care Policies.
  • Reports immediately any needed repairs to Center Director.
  • Ensures that children are supervised at all times as well as in the bathroom.
  • Assists calmly in evacuation of the building in an emergency and in practice drills, and is able to respond to any emergency.
  • Cleans and disinfects mouthed toys before next use, chairs and toys when soiled or at least weekly, mats/cots weekly.

Interaction with Parents

The Kids’ Place establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with each child’s family to foster children’s development. These relationships are sensitive to family composition, language and culture.

  • Acknowledges parent and child with a greeting at drop-off and pick-up.
  • Shares responsibility to communicates with parents daily, reporting at least one positive event (accomplishment, amusing anecdote, etc.) about each child to the parent.
  • Shares responsibility to prepare memo daily for parent, indicating child’s functioning each day.
  • Treats parents with dignity and respect, recognizing the cultural and socio-economic diversity of the population.
  • Makes parents aware of classroom and center activities, and encourages family involvement
  • Brings any parent feedback to the attention of the Center Director and documents this on an Office Communication form as necessary.
  • Insures that items (papers, dirty clothes, etc.) are taken home and follows up with parents on items to be brought to the center.
  • Respects the confidentiality of families, and takes care not to speak in front of the children about that child or other children.
  • Participates in parent conferences as needed.
  • Accommodates special requests from parents whenever possible

Miscellaneous Duties

  • Under the direction of the classroom teacher and the Center Director, assists in general duties of the center, such as but not limited to:
  • Assists in general maintenance of the center, including kitchen duties as needed, cleaning common areas of the center, etc.
  • Notifies Center Director of any supplies needed for classroom, kitchen or center.
  • Assists Center Director with any specifically directed request.
  • Attends, participates in, and contributes constructively to monthly staff meetings, open houses, family events, and required workshops.
  • Takes initiative to complete tasks for the smooth operation of the center, checking with Center Director and teachers for additional duties.

General/Professionalism

  • Has good work habits, is in place and ready to work at scheduled time, and shows no undue tardiness or absenteeism.
  • Documents and remains current with state requirements for physical examination, First-Aid, CPR, in-service training, etc…
  • Tidies children’s appearances throughout the day – sees that shoes are on proper feet, tied, hands and faces clean, etc…
  • Uses smocks for messy activities and bibs for infant and toddler meals.
  • Follows daily schedule of The Kids’ Place.
  • Follows opening and closing procedures as dictated by work schedule.
  • Acts as a positive representative of The Kids’ Place to parents and community.
  • Approaches problems in a constructive fashion, taking initiative to correct problems whenever possible, using the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct as a guide.
  • Contributes ideas for better servicing of children and families.
  • Completes classroom attendance on ongoing basis; be aware of the number of children in your care at all times.
  • Shares responsibility to complete meal checklists at time of food service and submits at end of each week.
  • Dresses according to Dress Code in Personnel policies: both a professional manner as well as one that allows active participation with children. Personal appearance is neat and clean.
  • Keeps abreast of current issues in the field of Early Childhood Education.