Assistant Teacher Pre-K Counts - Armstrong East

Early Learning Connections • Rural Valley, PA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Head Start Pre-K Counts Assistant Teacher works in conjunction with other ELC staff to ensure that the education program objectives and activities are carried out in accordance with PA Pre K Counts Requirements, PA Early Learning Standards, and with fidelity of curriculum implementation. This role involves assisting the Head Teacher in planning and implementing a quality early childhood education program, preparing the learning environment, and administering screenings and assessments. The Assistant Teacher is responsible for maintaining a safe, clean, and nurturing environment, documenting observations, and supporting the social-emotional development of children. Additionally, this role involves engaging with families, collaborating with colleagues, and promoting the program within the community.

Requirements

• Completion of an undergraduate program at an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in early childhood education or child development.
• PA Teaching Certificate PK-4 Level I.
• Agrees to successfully complete ELC's PA Induction Plan to move to a Level II Teaching Certification within 2 years of hire.
• Two years of experience caring for and educating children.
• Strong leadership and time management skills.
• Strong technical skills.
• Must be able to always maintain visual and auditory supervision of children to ensure their safety in the classroom, on the playground, and on field trips.
• Must be able to communicate with parents and preschool children in their spoken language or make accommodations and work closely with an interpreter.
• Must be able to lift pre-school children and move child-size furniture.
• Must be able to climb, stoop, crawl, kneel, and bend to speak to children at the child's eye level, play with children, and pick up toys and equipment from the floor.
• Proficient with technology as required for record keeping and documentation.

Nice To Haves

• Enthusiastic personality that will engage preschool children.
• Make adaptations for dual language learners in the classroom and when communicating with families.

Responsibilities

• Assists the Head Teacher in planning and implementing a quality early childhood education program responsive to each child's needs.
• Assists in preparing the learning environment, setting up centers, and preparing materials and supplies.
• Assists the Head Teacher in administering screening and education assessments.
• Assumes responsibility of the classroom when the head teacher is absent.
• Plans and conducts a positive and nurturing environment geared to the individual child's interests, abilities, strengths, and needs.
• Attends all regularly scheduled staff meetings.
• Travels to other classrooms in the program to help provide coverage as needed.
• Maintains a clean, orderly physical environment ensuring classroom materials, furniture, and supplies are clean and sanitary.
• Assumes responsibility for the safety, education, and care of all children in the classroom following the agency active supervision policy.
• Maintains supplies and equipment in good order and repair and submits written requests for needed items.
• Assists with toileting/diapering.
• Observes and records behavior of individual children to assist with planning and activities.
• Documents observations through Smart Teach/Teaching Strategies/Child Plus/BIR data.
• Completes and/or supervises attendance and meal count for all children enrolled in the classroom.
• Supervises housekeeping duties of staff and assists when necessary.
• Conducts and/or participates in monthly fire drills and submits reports.
• Supports the program-wide adoption of the teaching pyramid model (PBIS) to promote social-emotional competence and address challenging behavior.
• Consults with the Program Manager, Education Director, and other Service Area Managers to ensure the needs of children and families are met.
• Establishes a positive rapport with parents of the children.
• Promotes Early Learning Connections in the community by actively recruiting children.
• Creates and maintains a positive organizational culture by demonstrating program-wide behavioral expectations.
• Performs other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level