Preschool Floating Teaching Assistant/Aide

Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County inc•East Cocalico Township, PA

1d•$17 - $18•Hybrid

About The Position

A Floating Teacher Assistant/Aide position is a part of the Thrive to Five teaching support team that may or may not have permanent classroom placement and schedule given; assignments vary based on the unique needs of the position and program. This role supports educational services by promoting cognitive development and learning dispositions in all children, assists with implementing curriculum and instructional strategies, follows classroom schedules and lesson plans, and uses responsive language with children. The position also participates in individualized instruction for children with disabilities and individual needs. Health and safety are promoted by following all safety and health procedures, providing adequate supervision, adhering to meal service standards, preventing the spread of illness, teaching children about health and nutrition, assisting with screenings, and teaching safety skills. Social and emotional growth is fostered by implementing PBIS practices, teaching and modeling social-emotional skills, implementing interventions with support from agency teams, maintaining knowledge about challenging behavior and mental health concerns, and implementing behavior support plans. Family engagement involves assisting in providing a welcoming environment and promoting parent/child activities, while maintaining positive parent/staff rapport. Professionalism is demonstrated by following all policies and procedures, demonstrating CAP Values, ensuring compliance with regulations, reflecting on coaching feedback, developing strategies to resolve interpersonal problems, and participating in professional development. Other related duties are performed as assigned.

Requirements

A high school diploma or GED
A high school diploma or GED with documented 2500 hours of experience with children
30 college credit hours in education or related human services field
Combination of experience and education equivalent as outlined to PA’s Department of Human Services Assistant Group Supervisor qualifications.
Must meet the preferred qualifications within 18 months of employment in this position.

Nice To Haves

Age-appropriate Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) with 1250 hours of documented experience with children
Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education

Responsibilities

Promote cognitive development and learning dispositions in ALL children.
Assists with implementing Creative Curriculum, Thrive to Five’s daily structures, and instructional strategies in accordance with program guidelines to fidelity.
Follows schedules, daily routines and lesson plans of each classroom.
Uses responsive language with children.
Participates in individualized instruction for children with disabilities and individual needs.
Follows all safety and health procedures and expectations as outlined by regulatory standards (DHS, STARS, EHS, or Head Start Performance standards).
Provides adequate supervision of children at all times as defined in Thrive to Five policies and procedures.
Follow all meal service standards as outlined by CACFP.
Follows all guidance to prevent the spread of illness as defined by Thrive to Five’s policies and procedures such as but not limited to: daily health checks, use of gloves and masks, etc.
Use meals & snack times to teach about health, sanitation and proper nutrition.
Assists with ensuring all children receive the required dental, vision, hearing, and BMI screenings under the guidance of the lead teacher and the Health and Safety manager.
Teaching children proper safety skills such as but not limited to tooth brushing, hand washing, walking to/from spaces, using tissues, etc.
Follows all procedures when assisting children with the toilet or changing a diaper.
Follows all procedures when supervising and assisting children with rest time. IE, following safe sleep procedures for infants. Supervising rest time appropriately with older children.
Implement PBIS universal practices established by Thrive to Five.
Teaches and models social-emotional skills and practices.
Implement interventions, such as Teacher Support Plans and Safety Plans with support from intra/inter agency teams (Program Coordinators, Early Childhood Behavior Specialists (ECBS) or Mental Health Consultants).
Maintains current knowledge about challenging behavior and mental health concerns.
Implement behavior support plans as needed.
Assists in providing a welcoming environment for families. Models’ enthusiasm and promote parent/child activities.
Maintains parent/staff rapport and mutual confidence and trust with classroom team.
Follows all Community Action Partnership (CAP) and Thrive to Five policies, procedures and systems.
Demonstrates the CAP Values.
Works with Early Learning Coordinator ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and quality standards.
Works with Early Learning Coordinator to reflect on coaching feedback and set professional development goals.
Work with all staff to develop strategies to resolve interpersonal problems that affect program operation.
Participate in program training, workshops and meetings related to professional development and job requirements.
Performs other related duties as assigned.