Preschool Teaching Assistant, School for Young Children

University of Saint Joseph•West Hartford, CT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This role assists the teacher in the classroom with all the aspects of the routines. The Preschool Teaching Assistant collaborates with the teacher to design and implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum as guided by SYC’s curriculum document, the CT ELDS, and NAEYC’s accreditation standards. This includes helping to set up the classroom and maintaining necessary educational materials to attract and keep children’s interests. The assistant supports the teacher in modifying curriculum and lesson plans as needed to support the learning environment and to guide short & long term learning goals for children. They share assessment observations and CT DOTS documentation with the teacher and assist in gathering assessment documentation such as narratives, work samples, and photos. The role supports the teacher during family-teacher conferences and in maintaining NAEYC accreditation status by participating in various activities during re-accreditation cycles. Throughout each year, the assistant supports the teacher in maintaining the classroom portfolio, which is reviewed at least once per month to assess sections in need of updating. The position welcomes families into the program on a daily basis and supports the teacher in communicating with families about children’s activities and progress. The assistant supports a welcoming environment for families by attending school family events such as picnics and fundraisers. Additionally, the role supports college student’s professional development through modeling and supportive interactions, and acts as a teacher in the teacher’s absence. The Preschool Teaching Assistant continues to grow professionally by attending staff meetings, workshops, courses, and other sources of professional development (reading, networking etc.). They follow school policies and procedures as outlined in the USJ and SYC handbooks, submit paperwork on time such as time sheets, surveys and other documents as needed, and monitor all school communications through the USJ email account and alert systems. The role also emphasizes customer satisfaction by handling customer needs quickly, efficiently, enthusiastically, and courteously, understanding that the basis of the institution is customer service.

Requirements

Associate Degree
Demonstrated ability to work in an active school environment
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with fellow teachers
Positive organizational, interpersonal, and customer service skills
Ability to work in a fast paced, customer service environment with patience, flexibility and attention to detail
Demonstrated computer literacy skills
Demonstrated ability to recognize and appropriately handle matters of a confidential nature
Professional, courteous demeanor and appearance; ability to work professionally with students, faculty, staff and administration and represent the College professionally to the public
Physical ability to perform essential functions of the position, as noted below, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

2-3 years working in an early childhood education program or related field is preferred or a combination of education, training and experience which would lead to the competencies required for successful performance of the position’s essential duties
Experience in a model laboratory school preferred

Responsibilities

Collaborates with the teacher to design and implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum.
Helps to set up the classroom and maintains necessary educational materials.
Supports the teacher in modifying curriculum and lesson plans.
Shares assessment observations and CT DOTS documentation with the teacher.
Assists in gathering assessment documentation such as narratives, work samples, and photos.
Supports the teacher during family-teacher conferences.
Supports SYC in maintaining NAEYC accreditation status by participating in various activities during re-accreditation cycles.
Supports the teacher in maintaining the classroom portfolio.
Welcomes families into the program on a daily basis.
Supports the teacher in communicating with families about children’s activities and progress.
Supports a welcoming environment for families by attending school family events.
Supports college student’s professional development through modeling and supportive interactions.
Acts as a teacher in the teacher’s absence.
Continues to grow professionally by attending staff meetings, workshops, courses, and other sources of professional development.
Follows school policies and procedures as outlined in the USJ and SYC handbooks.
Submits paperwork on time such as time sheets, surveys and other documents as needed.
Monitors all school communications through the USJ email account and alert systems.
Handles customer needs quickly, efficiently, enthusiastically, and courteously.
Understands the basis of the institution is customer service.