Assistant Teacher - Early Childhood Education Center

OTC • Springfield, MO

2d

About The Position

The Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC) Assistant Teacher is responsible for working with the Lead Teacher to implement the daily lesson plans and activities for the classroom. The ECEC Assistant Teacher helps create a classroom environment that ensures best practices and an anti-bias curriculum that supports the development of the whole child.

Requirements

• Associate degree in early childhood development or early childhood education (with a minimum of 12 college credit hours in the early childhood field) from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning (or ability to earn degree in the appropriate area within six months of hire).
• One year of classroom experience in an early childhood or early elementary setting.
• Current Pediatric CPR and First Aid certifications.
• Able to pass a TB test or provide proof of current test/risk assessment.
• Ability to be approved by the state Family Care Safety Registry.
• Ability to pass a medical physical, as required by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
• Perform physical activities and lift up to 50 pounds unassisted.
• Ability to work well with others.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to use information technology for professional productivity (such as Microsoft Office Suite).

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood development, early childhood education, elementary education, or early childhood special education (with a minimum of an associate degree in the early childhood field) from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning. A degree from a related field may be considered if a transcript review determines the number of early childhood credits are equivalent.
• Experience working in a child development laboratory setting at an institution of higher learning.
• Classroom or education experience in an early learning setting with children and families of diverse races, culture, and languages.
• Experience with COR Advantage assessment.
• Experience with High Scope Curriculum and Conscious Discipline.
• Experience with adult supervision, mentoring and leadership development.
• Knowledge of NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and Standards.
• Experience with Colleague.
• Experience working within a collegiate setting.

Responsibilities

• Assume responsibility for the classroom environment when the Lead Teacher is not present.
• Collaborate with the Lead Teacher; assist with directing work study and practicum students, aides, and volunteers.
• Assist the Lead Teacher with classroom curriculum, establishing goals, lesson plan development and implementation based on the ECEC approved curriculum and best practice.
• Assist the Lead Teacher in planning and preparing the learning environment (both indoors and outdoors), setting up learning centers, and preparing needed materials and supplies.
• Mentor practicum students.
• Provide opportunities for students to actively participate in the classroom environment.
• Facilitate and model effective communication, best practices, classroom management techniques, and lesson plan delivery for practicum students and parents.
• Assist with the arrival of ECEC children; greet them, help remove outerwear, and select activities of interest.
• Record daily observations of children’s behavior and activities. Convey information to family members.
• Assist with assessing the developmental stages of the children, using the approved assessment tools.
• Communicate with families in partnership with the Lead Teacher and assist with regular family conferences to discuss children’s developmental progress, establish goals, and develop learning strategies.
• Demonstrate professional conduct, a positive attitude, and a supportive culture.
• Work together with colleagues and parents to build positive relationships within the preschool environment, the OTC environment, and the community.
• Supervise the activities of infant, toddler and/or preschool children in an educational environment that is safe, clean, well-arranged, enriching, and conducive to the development of the whole child.
• Assist the ECEC Director and ECD Department Chair in managing the daily operations of the Center.
• Complete professional development training hours as required for licensing, accreditation, and Ozarks Technical Community College. Maintain current CPR and First Aid certifications.
• Attend all staff meetings and other mandatory or required in-service meetings.
• Know and adhere to the policies of the program in regards to: Licensing and accreditation guidelines Communicable diseases and exclusion of sick children First aid and medical emergency Emergency procedures Mandated reporting procedures Center dress code and professionalism Reporting personal illness when needing a sick day or requesting time off CACFP and MOve Smart guidelines NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct FERPA and HIPPA confidentiality guidelines within the classroom and ECEC
• Exhibit exemplary attendance and punctuality.
• Comply with college policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including attending college functions, serving on committees and attending community events.

Benefits

• Medical insurance coverage for employees through the CoxHealth network at no cost to employees.
• Dental, LTD and group life insurance coverage for employees at no cost to employees.
• Access to the on-site OTC Health and Wellness Clinic at no cost for employees and their dependents.
• Use of the OTC fitness center at no cost to employees.
• Twelve (12) tuition free college credit hours per fall and/or spring semester and six (6) college credit hours per summer term for employees and/or their dependents.
• College matches the employee PSRS/PEERS retirement at 14.5% or 6.86%

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree