Preschool Floating Teaching Assistant/Aide

Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County•Columbia, PA

12d•Onsite

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 promotes cognitive development, learning dispositions, healthy growth, and social-emotional development in children. The position also involves assisting with implementing curriculum, ensuring a safe environment, engaging with families, and maintaining professionalism. The role may require supporting partner classrooms in Lancaster or Columbia.

Requirements

A high school diploma or GED (Minimum Qualifications for an Aide)
A high school diploma or GED with documented 2500 hours of experience with children (Minimum Qualifications for an Assistant)
30 college credit hours in education or related human services field OR a combination of experience and education equivalent to PA’s Department of Human Services Assistant Group Supervisor qualifications (Minimum Qualifications for an Assistant)
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 the Creative Curriculum, Thrive to Five’s daily structures, and instructional strategies.
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 and 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.
Use meals & snack times to teach about health, sanitation, and proper nutrition.
Assist in ensuring all children receive required screenings (dental, vision, hearing, BMI) under the guidance of the lead teacher and Health and Safety manager.
Teach children proper safety skills (e.g., tooth brushing, hand washing, walking, using tissues).
Follow all procedures when assisting children with the toilet or changing a diaper.
Follow all procedures when supervising and assisting children with rest time, including safe sleep procedures for infants and appropriate supervision for 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.
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 the 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 the Early Learning Coordinator to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and quality standards.
Work with the 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.