Part-Time: Teacher Assistant - Preschool

About our agency:

The Arc of South Florida Inc. is a nonprofit private agency serving the community since 1953. Our mission is to ensure the rights of all persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities through effective advocacy and to provide specialized programs and services to help clients lead meaningful and fulfilling lives. We believe in the potential of each individual's ability to live, work, learn and play in their communities. Are you looking for a job where what you do makes an impact in your community? Are you seeking a position that makes you feel good about the work you do every day and where you know you are making a difference, even behind the scenes? Working at The Arc is more than just a job - it's an opportunity to be part of something bigger! If you want to translate your talent, passion, and commitment to helping people with disabilities, families, and the community, you might be what we are looking for.

General Responsibilities of the Teacher Assistant:

• Under the supervision of the Regional Director/Principal, Assistant Principal, Educational Supervisor and Classroom Teacher, the Teacher Assistant is responsible for assisting the teacher in the overall supervision of the classroom and ensuring the health and safety of all children in attendance many of whom have special needs.

• The Teacher Assistant is actively involved in all aspects of the program including but not limited to direct interaction with the children, families and staff of The Arc of South Florida.

• The Teacher Assistant is responsible for keeping the site clean and organized, assisting with record keeping and evaluation of children and carrying out other duties as requested by supervisors.

Minimum School and Training Requirements:

1. High School Diploma or equivalency. CDA or FCCPC preferred.

2. Complete 45-hour and 10-hour training required by the Department of Children and Families of all childcare workers if required by program.

3. Experience working with children preferred.

4. First Aid / Infant/child CPR within the required time frame of the specific program.

5. Maintain ongoing professional development training according to program design.

Duties - including but not limited to:

1. Initiate interactions with children including physical and verbal interactions that are developmentally appropriate, caring and nurturing.

2. Lead small groups of activities in the classroom.

3. Participate in all aspects of care of children including diapering, feeding and positioning.

4. Incorporate therapy recommendations into daily routine under supervision of teacher.

5. Use developmentally appropriate practices.

6. Assist teacher in implementing curriculum through school program curricula.

7. Assist teacher in implementing the Family Support Plan, Education Plan or specific grant program.

B. Policies and Procedures

1. Follow all Agency Policies & Procedures and the Employee Handbook.

2. Comply with quality assurance expectations and standards.

3. Safety:

   1. Follow all Agency safety and security policies and procedures

   2. Report accidents, injuries and unsafe work conditions to the Principal or assignee.

4. Ensure that personal appearance is professional and clean, following the dress code of the Children and Youth Department and wear the uniform of the program as requested.

5. Speak with others using clear and professional language.

6. Answer telephones using appropriate etiquette.

7. Maintain child/student confidentiality.

8. Maintain Agency confidentiality.

9. Protect Agency assets.

C. Interactions with families:

1. Maintain positive interactions with families at all times.

2. Attend occasional parent education and support activities (Open House).

3. Follow agency guidelines regarding technology and social media.

D. Interaction with staff

1. Develop and maintain positive working relationships with others.

2. Cooperate with teachers, supervisors and support staff.

3. Follow therapists’ recommendations for best practices in positioning and implementation of the therapeutic activities in the classroom under the supervision of the classroom teacher.

4. Follow recommendations and requests from supervisors and administrators.

5. Provide observations and suggestions to supervisors.

E. Cleaning and Organizing:

1. Clean all areas of school as required throughout the day and after the children leave using safe and effective methods.

2. Maintain organization of school by filing paperwork, storing equipment and organizing supplies.

3. Maintain a hazard free environment.

F. Training:

1. Complete initial orientation provided by program.

2. Participate in on-going, in-service trainings.

3. Complete 45-hour and 10-hour training required by the Department of Children and Families of all childcare workers if required by program.

G. Other:

1. Participate in fund-raising activities and agency events throughout the year.

2. Present a positive image of The Arc of South Florida to the community.

3. Attend community meetings needed for contract compliance and by Department Director’s directive.

4. Perform other related and additional duties as needed.

Minimum Physical Requirements & Skills:

1. Must have TB Tine test.

2. Must be able to move, lift, carry, push, pull, and place objects weighing less than or equal to 10 pounds without assistance.

3. Must be able to bend, squat, and sit on the floor and move around the classroom and playground with the children.

4. Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds with assistance, if necessary.

5. Must be able to work under pressure, dealing with events that are often outside of your control, and unforeseen changes/problems

6. Effective planning and time-management.

7. Must be able to stay alert and focused at all times to ensure the safety of ALL the children in attendance, and be ready to react in any situation.

Pay Range: based on education, prior experience, knowledge and funding.

The Arc of South Florida, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and fully subscribes to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity. Applicants and/or employees are considered for hire, promotion and job status, without regard to race, color, citizenship, religion, national origin, age, sex (including sexual orientation, and gender identity), disability, genetic information, veteran, or current or future military status or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

The Arc of South Florida, Inc. is a drug free workplace. All applicants under consideration for employment will be drug screened and background checked as part of the hiring process.

Compliance Notice – Clearinghouse Education & Awareness (HB 531)
This position requires background screening through the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse. Please review the Education & Awareness information here: https://info.flclearinghouse.com

Disclaimer: The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. These may differ according to the age and functioning level of the child.

This position is subject to continuation of funding from government and private funding sources and grants.