Birth-3 Teacher Aide

Educare of West DuPage•West Chicago, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Mentor Teacher, the Teacher Aide will support the development and execution of classroom activities with the classroom team and help maintain a classroom environment that is developmentally appropriate and meets the individual needs of children and enhances all areas of development. The Teacher Aide will be responsible for assisting with implementing all programming requirements in adherence to all performance and outcomes standards as prescribed by the multiple funding and model requirements.

Requirements

Visual and auditory acuity within professionally determined normal ranges, with corrections if needed.
Must be able to use all physical and mental capacities in order to perform the job duties
Must be able to lift and carry children up to 55lbs; including supporting children on and off the changing tables.
Ability to bend, kneel, squat and sit on the floor.
Ability to move quickly to ensure children’s safety, including running short distances.
Ability to stand, walk, and actively engage with children for extended periods.
Ability to assist children with daily routines, including transitions and activities.
Possible exposure to bodily fluids and infectious disease.
Participate in indoor and outdoor activities with children; adverse weather conditions are taken into consideration by referencing the Child Care Weather Watch guidelines.
High School Diploma or G.E.D.,
Must be willing to pursue coursework specific to infants and toddlers, adhering to program guidelines, as necessary such as Child Development Credential (CDA), after 90 days must start the process and completion within 18 months.
Have some knowledge of best practices of Infant and Toddler development and care;
Successfully completing a medical exam that includes screening for tuberculosis (TB), Tdap and MMR.
Successfully completing a Background Clearance before hire date.
Successful experience working in a team setting.
The ability to present a positive image of the organization to members of the community.
The ability to work with the teaching team to plan, organize and implement position responsibilities effectively, providing input.
The ability to work respectively and cooperatively with the teaching team; assisting him/her to increase knowledge and skills.
Experience successfully working with culturally diverse staff and clients.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English/Spanish preferred, but not required

Responsibilities

Participate in training to build an understanding of the Educare Model of early learning programming; remain up to date on required curriculum training and any other training as assigned or required.
Implement curriculum to support lesson planning
Provide a dual language model in the classroom
Aide/Provide learning experiences that promote all developmental areas, including improving the readiness of children for school by developing their language acquisition and vocabulary through a balanced, dual language approach that supports both Spanish and English language acquisition.
With the Lead Teacher and Teacher Assistant, guide and facilitate activities of the children, including daily activities, selecting and arranging equipment and materials in the classroom.
Cooperate with other staff and classroom groups to maintain the smooth functioning of the classroom which at times may require changes to meet the needs of the children.
Through training, we will maintain a comprehensive and ongoing portfolio assessment for each child, including observations in each area, and developmental assessment completed three times a year.
Through training and support from the teaching team, supervisors will conduct home visits at least twice a year and two parent conferences to discuss the child’s individual development and progress, assist the parents in developing observation skills and solicit parent observations.
Participate and engage in school special events
Eat with children and help them in their development of social and self-help skills, and sound nutritional practices.
Guide children's acquisition of social skills.
Attend staff training and meetings, and parent meetings as requested
Aide in the provision and maintenance of a safe and healthy developmentally appropriate environment; Assure that classroom equipment, furniture, materials, supplies are properly maintained and stored.
Use the playground as an extension of the classroom; it assures us that the playground is safe.
Write weekly observations per assessment procedure.
Aide in implementing an IFSP (Individual Family Service Plan) seeking clarification for any aspects that are not well understood.
Aide in recruitment of families
Support in the completion of required reports in a timely and accurate fashion, e.g., lesson plans, portfolio forms, assessment, time sheets, meal reports etc.
Aide, as requested, in transition activities
Actively participate in the development and implementation of the Teacher Aide Professional Development Plan.
Participate in reflective supervision as a participant.
Assures that files are complete, accurate, and confidentiality is maintained; and
Engage in active supervision of children which always requires focused attention and intentional observation of children. Teachers position themselves so that they can observe all the children: watching, counting, and always listening. They also use their knowledge of each child's development and abilities to anticipate what he/she will do, then get involved and redirect them when necessary. This constant vigilance helps children learn safely.
Follow guidelines in the employee handbook, positive guidance and code of conduct
Perform other duties, as may be required