Early Childhood - Teacher Assistant/Aide

Summary

Teaching Assistants are responsible for assisting each classroom with the care, education, and supervision of a diverse population of young children, ages 3-5. This position acts as a support for the Lead Teachers and Teachers in the Program in both planned and free play activity times. In addition, the Teaching Assistant is responsible for the supervision of children during meal times and rest time, as well as general cleaning assignments and center maintenance as instructed by the Lead Classroom Teachers and/or Administration. This position is expected to assist the classrooms with maintaining a warm and nurturing relationship with each child, supporting an environment that stimulates curiosity and celebrates diversity, and participating in a dynamic, child-centered curriculum that is grounded in hands-on exploration and play. These components should fall in accordance with the goals and beliefs of TCC as a therapeutic early childhood education center.

This position is perfect for students that are pursuing the completion of a BA program in ECE or Elementary Education, or who are in the final stages of obtaining their VT state teaching license. Teaching Assistants are hired in a part-time capacity, approximately 29 hours a week with flexibility for increased hours most weeks if desired by employee.

Duties

Essential Daily Duties:

• Be aware all times of health and safety concerns for children in your care - initiate referrals with Director.
• Comply with all Vermont Early Childhood Education Licensing regulations and Trinity Children's Center Employee and Policy Handbooks.
• Inspect the school site and equipment for potential safety hazards; taking corrective action or informing the Administrative Assistant or Director to prevent injuries.
• Assistance in the implementation of daily lesson plans and projects.
• Maintain orderliness of classrooms, playground, and materials daily.
• Maintain an open, friendly, and cooperative relationship with each child.
• Assisting the classroom and teachers to ensure that the classroom is run smoothly and that individual, daily needs of both children and families are met.
• Assistance with walking or traveling field trips.
• Supervision of children AT ALL TIMES when in the classroom or outside - including, but not limited to, during meal times, rest time, and free play.

Requirements

Physical Requirements:

• Stand for extended periods of time.
• Bend, stoop, and kneel to children's level.
• Withstand periods of time in the sun and heat outside.
• Sit on the floor and small chairs.
• Safely lift small children up to 30 pounds.

Required Experience and Credentials:

• Undergraduate credits in child development and/or willingness to complete the Fundamentals Course.
• Preferred experience in early childhood education, elementary education, social work, nursing (pediatrics), psychology, or physical education.
• The completion of 9 hour online State Mandated Training: Vermont Orientation Training
• CPR & First Aid Certification
• Fingerprinting through the Child Development Division (CDD)
• The completion of Online Mandated Reporter Training through the CDD

Required Skills and Abilities:

• A sense of humor, flexibility, cheerfulness, and taking initiative to assist with daily duties.
• Display a genuine disposition for engaging children, promoting curiosity and learning, and a desire to learn more about child development.
• Eager and open to celebrate diversity in the classroom.
• Be professional, punctual, and prepared.
• High organizational skills and genuine passion for assisting and collaborating with both administration and faculty.
• Have the ability to collaborate and cooperate with other staff members.

Nice To Haves

• At least 2 years of relevant experience preferred
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required
• Associate degree preferred

Benefits

General Pay and Benefits:

• General professional development workshops and training are provided to all full time staff at no cost.
• 40 hours of CTO Time (Combined Time Off: sick or vacation)
• Compensation commensurate with education, experience, and/or work study regulations.
• Access to voluntary benefits (i.e. vision, accident, cancer insurances)
• Paid Professional Development - a minimum contribution of the requirements according to VT CDD Licensing (including CPR & First Aid)
• Guarantee of 28 hours per week for the duration of the period hired for. If more hours are available or needed in the classroom, these will be offered to this position first.