Pre-K Teacher Assistant- GA

ENRICHMENT SERVICES PROGRAM INCORPORATED•Columbus, GA

38d•$13 - $13•Onsite

About The Position

Incumbent works collaboratively in partnership with the classroom teacher for the establishment, maintenance and management of classroom activities. This role involves implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum which reflects observations and assessments of individual children and goals jointly developed with parents/guardians. The position also requires maintaining and following all safety and health rules, supervising children at all times, and encouraging appropriate health, safety, and nutritional practices.

Requirements

Early Childhood Education (ECE) Diploma; Current Child Development Associate (CDA) or Associate Degree in ECE or equivalent credentials
Minimum of one year work experience in a childcare setting.
Ability to communicate effectively with parents, children and staff.
Regularly required to walk, sit, use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear.
Regularly required to stand, climb, balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
Regularly lift and/or move up to ten (10) pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to twenty five (25) pounds.
Specific vision abilities required including close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Responsibilities

Maintain confidentiality about issues concerning other staff members, children and families of Enrichment Services Program.
Understand and demonstrate knowledge of ages and stages of development.
Understand the general areas of physical, social, cognitive and emotional development for this age group.
Interact frequently, affectionately, and respectfully with children by smiling, touching, and holding them.
Speak in a friendly, calm, soft, courteous manner within close proximity of the child.
Respect and observe children's interests, intervening when needed to maintain safety.
Enhance children's play with language, toys, and activities.
Communicate directly with each child at the child's level.
Engage and communicate constructively with individual children during activities and routines.
Take every opportunity to positively extend children's thinking and actions.
Assist and be responsive to children's needs, questions, and requests.
Encourage and model social behavior and expectations which are developmentally appropriate.
Acknowledge feelings with sensitivity and demonstrate appropriate expression of emotions.
Practice positive discipline techniques in guiding children's behavior according to NAEYC.
Be attentive, flexible and supportive of children and their families during transitions to and from classrooms.
Assist in implementing daily lesson plans and daily schedules.
Assist with recording daily observations in Teaching Strategies GOLD.
Assist in organizing and maintaining learning centers within the classroom.
Recruit volunteers and solicit in-kind contributions.
Attend meetings, trainings and workshops as required.
Maintain cleanliness of classrooms and adjoining restrooms.
Serve as an advocate for the Head Start Program, families and children.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Supervise children at all times.
Demonstrate awareness of the entire group while working with a small group or individuals.
Know the number of children in your group and maintain ratios at all times.
Maintain accurate attendance records throughout the day.
Complete appropriate paperwork (i.e., accidents, medication, and allergies).
Encourage children to utilize appropriate health, safety and nutritional practices.
Keep environment and equipment safe, clean, and attractive.
Encourage respect for classroom materials.
Notify designated individual in advance when supplies are needed.
Assist in arrangement of space into clearly defined, well organized activity areas.
Organize a variety of materials on low, open shelves for children to use independently.