Preschool Floating Teaching Assistant/Aide

Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County inc•Paradise Township, PA

13d•$17 - $18•Hybrid

About The Position

A Floating Teacher Assistant/Aide position is 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 special needs. Additionally, the role promotes healthy growth and habits in children and provides a safe environment by following all safety and health procedures, providing adequate supervision, adhering to meal service standards, and implementing guidance to prevent the spread of illness. The Floating Teacher Assistant/Aide also teaches children proper safety skills and follows procedures for toileting, diapering, and rest time. The role promotes healthy social and emotional growth by implementing universal practices, teaching and modeling social-emotional skills, and implementing interventions with support from intra/inter-agency teams. Family engagement is facilitated through providing a welcoming environment and modeling enthusiasm for parent/child activities. Professionalism is maintained by following all policies and procedures, demonstrating CAP Values, working with the Early Learning Coordinator to ensure compliance and professional development, and collaborating with staff to resolve interpersonal problems. Other related duties are performed as assigned.

Requirements

A high school diploma or GED
Minimum Qualifications for an Assistant: 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
OR a 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.
Assist with implementing Creative Curriculum, Thrive to Five’s daily structures, and instructional strategies in accordance with program guidelines to fidelity.
Follow schedules, daily routines and lesson plans of each classroom.
Use responsive language with children.
Participate in individualized instruction for children with disabilities and individual needs.
Promote healthy growth & habits in children and provide a safe environment.
Follow all safety and health procedures and expectations as outlined by regulatory standards (DHS, STARS, EHS, or Head Start Performance standards).
Provide 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.
Follow 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.
Assist 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.
Teach children proper safety skills such as but are not limited to tooth brushing, hand washing, walking to/from spaces, using tissues, etc.
Follow all procedures when assisting children with the toilet or changing a diaper.
Follow all procedures when supervising and assisting children with rest time. IE, following safe sleep procedures for infants. Supervising rest time appropriately with older children.
Promote healthy social and emotional growth in children.
Implement PBIS universal practices established by Thrive to Five.
Teach and model 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).
Maintain current knowledge about challenging behavior and mental health concerns.
Implement behavior support plans as needed.
Facilitate respectful, mutually supportive relationships with families.
Assist in providing a welcoming environment for families. Model enthusiasm and promote parent/child activities.
Maintain parent/staff rapport and mutual confidence and trust with classroom team.
Promote and maintain professional relationships.
Follow all Community Action Partnership (CAP) and Thrive to Five policies, procedures and systems.
Demonstrate the CAP Values.
Work with Early Learning Coordinator ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and quality standards.
Work 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.
Perform other related duties as assigned.