Assistant Teacher

Easter Seals Blake Foundation•Tucson, AZ

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Teacher assists with implementing appropriate curriculum in a classroom setting for toddlers and preschool-aged children and helps develop partnerships with families to meet each child’s needs. The role maintains timely, current documentation in compliance with Center and regulatory standards. The Assistant Teacher works with teachers to provide a home-like learning environment, adapt curriculum to children’s developmental needs, and support children with special needs through their Individualized Family Service Plans or Individual Educational Plans. The position also supports family engagement, child development, professional development, and communication across the agency and with external contacts.

Requirements

High school diploma/GED or an age-specific Child Development Associate Credential (CDA).
Willingness and ability to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education.
Must be at least 21 years old.
Current, unrestricted Arizona driver’s license with no more than two minor moving violations or one accident within the past three years.
Three years of driving experience.
Transportation to attend trainings and other work-related activities; organizational vehicles may not always be available.
Pass a criminal background check before employment and regular checks throughout employment.
Ability to obtain and maintain an Arizona DPS Level 1 fingerprint clearance card; employer provides it.
CPR and First Aid certification; employer provides it.
Food Handler’s Card or ability to obtain one within one month of starting.
Initial and current negative TB test result within the past 12 months; employer provides it.
Physical exam required for CAC/Palomita and, depending on additional requirements, before starting; employer provides it.
Provide an immunization statement before starting.
Knowledge of typical and atypical child development and developmentally appropriate educational practices supported by research and evaluation.
Knowledge of and sensitivity to cultural and linguistic diversity, and knowledge of methods for including children with developmental challenges.
Ability to work independently at times and take direction from the Lead Teacher at other times.
Ability to apply reflective practice with children, families, and colleagues.
Ability to use technology for record-keeping, documentation, and investigation.
Ability to help establish and maintain a collaborative team atmosphere and communication with people contacting the Department.
Excellent customer service in stressful situations and professional appearance, communication, and conduct.
Excellent interpersonal communication skills and basic computer knowledge.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in Spanish.

Responsibilities

Assist teachers in maintaining a home-like classroom environment that supports learning and reflects the developmental and individual needs of children.
Help carry out teacher-developed curriculum, attending to children’s physical, social, language, and cognitive development.
Adapt curriculum and interactions to children’s individual needs, strengths, and interests.
Implement Individualized Family Service Plans or Individual Educational Plans for children with special needs.
Establish partnerships with parents and families to achieve shared goals for children.
Foster interaction and cooperation among children and encourage children to lead small-group activities.
Support children in developing responsibility and self-regulation, intervening as needed to settle disputes or differences.
Maintain strict confidentiality concerning children and families.
Maintain required documentation and reporting for each child.
Complete annual continuing education requirements and participate in ongoing professional development and meetings.
Maintain comprehensive communication with agency contacts, members, and external agencies.
Model professional standards and ethics in accordance with EBF’s Code of Conduct, Strategic Plan, Mission, and Vision.
Perform other duties as assigned.