PEEPS Assistant Teacher - Preparing Early Education Professionals

NEXT DOOR FOUNDATION INC•Milwaukee, WI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The PEEPS Assistant Teacher completes non-credit early childhood education coursework required to meet the educational qualifications for an Assistant Teacher position. Through classroom instruction and hands-on classroom application, participants develop the skills needed for the role. Participants begin as training participants and transition to the Assistant Teacher role at the conclusion of the program. Teaching positions support developmentally appropriate education that meets children’s individual needs and applicable Office of Head Start, Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, YoungStar, and Next Door requirements and policies. The position combines coursework, classroom observations, practice opportunities, and support of classroom staff. Participants are expected to uphold confidentiality, professionalism, safety practices, and program requirements while building responsive relationships with children, families, coworkers, and community volunteers.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Complete a required background check, drug test, health screening, and TB test.
Attend full training sessions as scheduled.
Ability to perform primarily active work, including occasionally lifting, holding, or moving up to 50 pounds.
Ability to perform physical activities including bending, stooping, kneeling, sitting on the floor, walking or transporting, handling, reaching, climbing, balancing, crouching, and crawling.
Ability to talk and speak clearly, hear conversation-level speech, smell, and see.
Ability to interact daily with children outdoors in varied weather.
Ability to make frequent, significant decisions to understand and react to employees and candidates.
Ability to respond quickly and competently to emergencies or crises to keep children and staff safe.
Biannual physical exam, drug screen, and TB test are required as a condition of initial and continued employment.

Responsibilities

Attend, participate in, and complete all required activities and assignments in the Preparing Early Educational Professionals coursework.
Participate in classroom observations, hands-on learning activities, and practice opportunities.
Learn and apply child development principles, early learning standards, and early childhood education best practices.
Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and program information.
Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, punctuality, and accountability.
Participate in reflective practice activities to strengthen skills and improve performance.
Accept feedback from instructors, coaches, and supervisors and incorporate recommendations into practice.
Follow program policies, procedures, health and safety regulations, and licensing requirements.
Assist classroom staff in maintaining a safe, clean, and healthy work environment.
Assist with compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, licensing requirements, policies, procedures, and guidelines in day-to-day classroom operations.
Model appropriate behavior and interact positively and courteously with children, staff, families, and community volunteers to build responsive relationships.
Support the agency’s mission, vision, standards of conduct/code of ethics, strategic directions, and administrative decisions; maintain a positive work environment and communicate appropriately while meeting performance expectations.
Follow safety warnings and directions, use personal safety devices when required, and report unsafe conditions to a supervisor.
Follow procedures for reporting suspected child abuse and neglect, and report unsupervised children after ensuring their safety.
Use active supervision at all times, including during transitions, and know the location of each assigned child at all times.
Ensure medication is stored in accordance with licensing regulations and Next Door policies and procedures.
Respond quickly and competently to emergencies or crises to help keep children and staff safe.