Assistant Teacher - Taftville Little Learners

What You'll Do

• Assume the responsibilities of the program operations in the absence of the Head Teacher, ensuring continuity of services and support for staff and children.
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of child development principles through daily interactions with children, fostering a nurturing environment that promotes social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth.
• Engage with children for extended periods, requiring the ability to move quickly, lift, and carry children safely, and participate in activities such as field trips and playground games.
• Attend daily, with punctuality and reliability expected, and work flexible hours to accommodate the needs of the center.
• Travel to other Little Learners Early Education centers as needed to provide coverage and support.
• Respond to crises and emergencies in a professional and calm manner, prioritizing the safety and well-being of children.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to agency policies and procedures.
• Follow instructions and guidelines, taking initiative to prioritize tasks and work independently as a positive contributor to the team.
• Document ongoing career development and professional growth, as required by licensing, school readiness, and accreditation standards.
• Collaborate with supervisors to implement State of CT licensing codes, funding requirements, federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including the use of the CLASS tool.
• Conduct formal and informal child observations and developmental assessments, utilizing tools such as TS Gold, to inform instruction and support children's progress.
• Communicate effectively with the center team, families, and supervisors regarding children's progress, updates, and concerns.
• Ensure children understand and adhere to safety rules and regulations, maintaining a safe and stimulating learning environment.
• Foster healthy habits and nutrition practices through daily routines and curriculum activities, modeling and promoting sound choices.
• Assist in planning, implementing, and evaluating center activities under the guidance of the Head Teacher.
• Adhere to agency policies and procedures, including those related to TVCCA, and communicate effectively with colleagues, families, and children.
• Exercise effective supervision and decision-making skills, responding to stressful situations with maturity and positivity.
• Motivate staff and parents, promoting a collaborative and supportive environment.
• Manage multiple tasks concurrently in a deadline-driven environment, ensuring timely completion of responsibilities.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of lesson plans, aligning with the center's curriculum and goals.
• Participate in workshops, training programs, and formal education, applying learned knowledge and skills to improve practice.
• Maintain a clean and organized classroom, ensuring equipment and supplies are in good condition.
• Read, write, and perform basic math skills, demonstrating a strong foundation in literacy and numeracy.
• Maintain a positive attitude, establish good working relationships with staff and colleagues, and contribute to a collaborative and supportive environment.
• In collaborative classrooms, assist the Head Teacher in maintaining CLASS scores at or above the Head Start National Averages.
• Utilize computer skills to input information into a database system, prepare newsletters, and complete lesson plans.
• Assume classroom responsibilities when the Head Teacher is absent, ensuring continuity of services and support for staff and children.
• Take on additional tasks as required to maintain program and agency operations.
• Adhere to agency and program dress code standards, presenting a neat, clean, and well-groomed appearance.
• Maintain a positive attitude, establish good working relationships with staff and colleagues, and contribute to a collaborative and supportive environment.
• Take initiative, be motivated, and work as a team member, demonstrating a strong commitment to quality Early Education.
• Possess personal qualities that enable working with children and relating to parents, staff, and the community, fostering strong relationships and partnerships.
• Be available to work 35-37 hours/week, 52 weeks/year, and cover center operational hours on a rotational basis.

Requirements

• Have access to reliable, insured transportation.
• Must have or obtain and maintain CT child care first-aid, and infant and child CPR, and medication administration certification.
• Provide a TVCCA Staff Statement of Good Health signed by a physician, physician's assistant, or nurse practitioner completed within twelve (12) months before the date of employment, and every twenty-four (24) months for current staff.
• Provide a written report of negative tuberculin test completed within twelve (12) months prior to the date of employment, or for a known prior reactor, no evidence of active tuberculosis on a chest x-ray.
• Must be able to lift and/or carry a child up to 50lbs.
• Have the credentials to obtain a Connecticut Head Teacher License from the Department of Public Health.
• Minimum of 18 years of age.
• Be able to work 35 hours/week, 52 weeks/year.
• The TVCCA Little Learners Early Education Program requires staff to be available from 7:00AM - 5:00PM to cover center operational hours on a rotational basis.
• Continue professional development per funding source requirements.
• Strong Computer and ability to effectively communicate with children, parents, staff and volunteers.
• Bachelor's Degree in ECE or related field with 12 credits in Early Childhood Education OR Associate's Degree in ECE or related field with 12 credits in Early Childhood Education OR 12 credits in ECE AND have a valid CDA, or submit within six (6) months of hire date for CDA, obtaining within one (1) year of hire date OR Acquire an Associate's Degree in ECE or related field with 12 credits in ECE within one year (exceptions will be considered by program director on a case by case basis) OR Enrolled in a degree or CDA program.
• Have access to reliable, insured transportation.

Benefits

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