Assistant Early Childhood Teacher

Summary

Plans and implements the daily curriculum for children in the classroom. Practices and models Conscious discipline in the classroom. Oversees and coordinates the children’s personal care, hygiene, learning activities, specialized programs, and positive guidance. Maintains classroom records and development checklist (ensures Assessments/ASQs are completed on time). Ensures that the classroom and other play areas are consistently clean and safe. Informs parents of their children’s progress daily. Supervises and directs activities of assistant teachers assigned to the classroom. Keeps the director informed on a timely basis of pertinent issues regarding staff, children, families, and the program.

Primary duties and Responsibilities:

Understands and complies with all Ivy Kids Brand standards and Texas Minimum Standards

General

• Plans and implements the MultiPrep curriculum activities and lesson plans that promote children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. Implements the program schedule for the classroom, outdoor time, meals, snacks, and special activities.
• Uses positive guidance techniques consistent with state regulations and counsels children when social, academic, or adjustment problems arise. Practices and models Conscious Discipline at all times.
• Keeps accurate and current records of each child’s developmental milestones, student accidents, anecdotal records, and attendance.
• Ensure assessments/ASQs are conducted on time.
• Establishes developmentally appropriate room arrangement, decor, and learning environment in the classroom as outlined by the Ivy Kids operations/curriculum guidelines.
• Has a strong working knowledge of Texas Minimum Standards. Understands and follows all Ivy Kids Critical procedures. Ensures that all assistant teachers also understand and follow all Critical procedures.
• Plans formal and informal parent conferences with the Director’s/Education Director’s guidance at least twice a year.
• Provides written communication to parents via Procare and daily reports. Ensures that daily schedules are posted for parents. Maintains the classroom bulletin boards.
• Sends parents Procare updates via photos and videos of their children.
• Assists children with potty training.
• Understand and adhere to Ivy Kids Personnel Policies
• Ensure proper dress code at all times.
• Maintains cleanliness and follows a 4-step sanitation process and cleaning checklist.
• Is aware of children’s allergies.
• Ensure incident reports are completed if needed.
• Be regular in your attendance at work.
• Communicates appropriately with potential and current families.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings.

Interaction with Parents, Staff and Director

• Meets with prospective families and communicates appropriately with potential new customers
• Supervises specific classroom’s assistant teacher in all aspects of their position; mentors assistant teacher to develop the required skills and expertise needed to ensure classroom curriculum is implemented and appropriate classroom environment is maintained. Assists in the formal review process of assistant teachers.
• Assist in training new staff and familiarizing them with program practices, forms, and schedules.
• Establishes and maintains primary caregiver groups (ratios)
• Observes, records, and reports to the director any significant behavior of children or staff that could adversely affect the quality of care provided
• Actively participates in center events, staff training sessions, meetings and programs.
• Maybe required to work after hours or weekends for center events, trainings, etc.
• Maybe required to come in early or stay late as per center’s needs.
• Immediately notifies the director of needed repairs to the building, play area, equipment or toys throughout the facility. Ensures that children are not exposed to equipment or situations that could affect their health and safety.
• Accepts temporary work assignments in the event regularly scheduled staff is not available.

Health and Safety

• Understands and implements all Critical procedures
• Implements appropriate emergency procedures in the event of fire, tornado, chemical leak or other emergency
• Administers CPR/First aid if needed
• Properly maintains educational materials and equipment
• Ensures all sanitization procedures are followed as regulated by child care licensing
• Keeps the classroom and other play areas safe, neat and clean.

Qualifications

• The lead teacher must meet or exceed state licensing requirements for age, education, and experience. Must have at least 2 years of experience working in early education. A Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a CDA is required.
• Must be able to repeatedly bend, stoop and run; must repeatedly lift and carry children up to 50 pounds depending on the age and weight of the child.
• Must be able to effectively interact and communicate with children and parents.
• The lead teacher must maintain at least 24 hours of training each year.