Head Start Assistant Teacher

Easter Seals Serving DCIMDIVA•District Heights, MD

6d•$21 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

Easterseals Serving DC | MD | VA is seeking a passionate Head Start Assistant Teacher to join their team. This role is focused on enriching the lives of future leaders by promoting equity and inclusion through life-changing services. The organization has a long history of providing comprehensive services to children and adults, emphasizing a holistic approach to disability and community services. Easterseals values its staff as its greatest asset and fosters a collaborative culture that supports children in the best ways possible. The Assistant Teacher will work with a team to create inclusive activities, plan engaging classroom activities, create a nurturing environment, and prioritize child health, safety, and well-being.

Requirements

Must meet state/local licensing requirements for education.
A minimum of 1 year of professional teaching experience required.
Has the ability to work in all age groups served by the center.
Minimum age: 18.
Committed to prioritizing children and families' needs.
Effective communication with participants, families, and community sources.
Willingness to actively participate and problem-solve.
Must satisfactorily complete a physical examination by a doctor to include submission of information regarding immunizations/vaccinations.
Frequently lift, hold, and carry children with a range of weight of 10-40 pounds. Occasionally lift and move classroom furniture. In addition, frequently bend, sit (close to the ground) and stand for periods at a time.
Maintain mental and physical alertness and appropriate level of energy to perform essential job requirements.
Respond immediately and appropriately to multiple and/or unexpected situations or emergencies.

Nice To Haves

Related college-level coursework or CDA or higher preferred.
Requirements may vary based on location.

Responsibilities

Work with the team to create inclusive activities for all children, including those with disabilities.
Help plan engaging classroom activities following Easterseals and NAEYC guidelines.
Create a motivating and nurturing classroom environment for the children.
Prioritize child health, safety, and well-being. Assist with feeding, toileting, and cleanliness.
Perform additional duties as needed to support the center's operation and children's well-being.
Maintain a clean, safe, organized, and appealing classroom environment.
Adhere to all health and safety procedures and policies as outlined by regulatory bodies.
Encourage all children and adults to use appropriate health, safety, and nutritional practices.
Keep children within the required sight and sound supervision guidelines.
Be aware of the number of children in your care and maintain staff/child ratios at all times.
Set developmentally appropriate limits for children in accordance with positive guidance standards.
Interact with children frequently, with care and respect at all times.
Speak to children at their level, giving them your full attention.
Be available and respond promptly and appropriately to children’s needs.
Model and encourage developmentally appropriate social behavior and expectations.
Engage in frequent conversations with children and seek opportunities to expand on their learning.
Ensure continuity of care by reporting to work on time and maintaining consistent attendance.
Attend all mandatory meetings, trainings, professional development days and other location events as instructed.
Assume a fair share of responsibility in the classroom and demonstrate initiative to support meeting the needs of the children, teaching team and classroom.
Develop and maintain positive relationships with colleagues through professional and respectful communication and collaboration.
Protect confidential information of staff and families and treat necessary communications related to such information with sensitivity.
Follow the open door/conflict resolution procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook when addressing concerns.
Adhere to all policies and procedures as outlined in the Easter Seals Employee Handbook.
Make routine decisions regarding classroom management.
Create and implement lesson plans in accordance with Creative Curriculum.
Track and assess children’s development using Teaching Strategies Gold.
Communicate with parents regarding children’s progress using Teaching Strategies Gold.
Schedule and manage the parent teacher conference process in accordance with center guidelines.
Communicate with a Supervisor regarding concerns about a child’s behavior or developmental process in advance of communication with parents.