TEACHER ASSISTANT

Annual Training Required:          

By State: 12 hours in child growth and development, health & safety, and discipline.

By Future Generation: 15 hours in addition to state

Total: 27

Qualifications:                     

• Essential Function able.
• Organized.
• Ability to problem solve.
• Strong interpersonal skills to be used with parents, children and co-workers.
• Ability to handle stressful situations.
• Ability to process data as related to children.
• Possesses rational and logical thinking skills.

General Description                    

Responsible for providing safe, loving, exciting, and engaging education for the children of Future Generation in a manner that meets their emotional, social, and physical needs in addition to supporting their cognitive development.

Responsibilities:                           

 PROGRAMMING

• Implement the High Scope Curriculum using a hands-on approach to meet the needs of individual children.
• Ensure that the physical and emotional needs of the children are met.
• Plan and implement daily experiences that promote active learning based on the Future Generation mission statement.
• Always communicate with children using dignity and respect at their eye level.  Use voice as a teaching tool – ask open ended questions and allow children’s voices to dominate in the classroom. Implement classroom management as per the Future Generation discipline policy.
• Implementing program standards according to NJ Office of Licensing standards and Future Generation Policies and Procedures.
• Maintains appropriately arranged learning areas in the classroom. Ensures that all materials are clearly labeled and accessible to children.
• Assist children with and encourage independence with self-help skills.
• Follow classroom daily routine – all day every day. Skillfully implements multiple transitions.
• Acts as an appropriate role model during mealtimes. Promotes healthy choices and proper handwashing techniques.
• Assures that all children are provided daily learning experiences throughout all areas of the classroom. Ensure that children are engaged in activities that promote sensory learning.
• Flexible with schedule to ensure proper ratios are maintained.

COMMUNICATION:

• Develop, enhance, and strengthen parent partnerships.  Plan for and implement two parent teacher conferences per year.  Ensure daily communication with parents through the parent communication app.  Ensure that information is accurate and up to date.
• Participates in weekly communication sessions with Teacher and/or co-workers and completes appropriate documentation with Administration.
• Aware of and follows Future Generation Confidentiality Policy.
• Communicates effectively with center administration.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with children, parents, co-workers, volunteers, and outside agencies.
• Sensitivity to cultural and lifestyle differences. 
• Coordinates and plans for special events in the classroom.
• Responsible for completing accurate classroom paperwork and reports.
• Executes professional and grammatically correct written communication.
• Prepares materials in advance for daily lesson planning. Informs administration regarding any materials needed.
• Ensures that all children’s belongings are clearly labeled.
• Attends monthly staff meetings and Future Generation training dates as required.  Assures that classroom reflects evidence of information learned.
• Ensures parent communication app is detailed with current information in real time.
• Seeks community resources to enhance curriculum to meet the needs of the children.

HEALTH AND SAFETY:

• Always maintains sight and sound supervision of all children.
• Maintain proper ratio.
• Maintain current CPR/FIRST AID certification.
• Completes daily heath check for children and weekly classroom safety check.
• Knows and follows proper hand-washing and diaper changing procedures.
• Cleans and disinfects toys, materials, and classroom in the prescribed manner.
• Maintains an orderly and safe work environment.
• Follows proper playground supervision procedures and ensures that the playground is safe and free of hazards.
• Knows and follows proper field trip procedures and is sure to represent Future Generation as a competent professional.
• Maintains and updates classroom inventory as required.
• Completes Weekly Classroom Safety Check.
• Ensures that classroom is arranged in a developmentally appropriate manner. Assures that all materials/equipment are maintained in working order. Assures that all materials are properly labeled.

I acknowledge that I have received, read, and had the opportunity to ask questions regarding this job description.  I agree to comply with the above outlined descriptions and practices as a condition of my employment.