Part-Time Early Childhood Assistant

PRINCIPLE DUTlES AND RESPONSIBILITIES/ Early Care & Preschool assistant:

• Assists the teacher in maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment that follows program guidelines, performance standards and job targets.
• Assists the teacher in arranging physical space to encourage independence and seven different learning centers.
• Directs specific activities in the classroom assigned by the teacher.
• Assists the teacher in preparing materials to be used in the daily routine.
• Assists the teacher in providing smooth transitions and routines, such as hand washing, toileting, brushing teeth, greetings and transitions from one activity to the next.
• Eats with the children and provides appropriate discussion for mealtimes.
• Assists with documentation and individualization for all children.
• Assists with all assessments (prescreening forms, observations, checklists) as well as an individual portfolio for each child.
• Assists with the completion of a Skill Check-List Report for each child three times a year.
• Maintains and turns in accurate attendance sheets.
• Assists in providing a balanced curriculum that encourages social and cultural awareness, exploration, predicting and testing behaviors, choices of leaning centers, large, small and individualized group activities.
• Sees self as a team member and effective model.
• Uses written system to share responsibilities.
• Participates in team meetings at least twice a month or more as needed, with center administration.
• Participates in daily communication with classroom team members and shares information.
• Accepts responsibility for managing the classroom when the teacher is absent.
• Interacts with children and adults in a positive manner.
• Helps plan activities and methods for keeping parents interested and involved in their child's development.
• As needed, participates in Parent/Teacher Conferences and/or educational staffing.
• Works cooperatively with team and staff to maintain good parent relationships and involvement.
• Evaluates the daily routine with the teacher as it relates to the needs of all the children.
• Assists with the cleanup and care of the room and classroom equipment.
• Participate in evening and/or weekend events as required including but not restricted to In-Service Training; and family activities/presentations.
• Annually participates in 15 - 25 clock hours of in-service training per year as required by DCFS and any accrediting body.
• Performs other related duties from time to time that may be assigned by the teacher and/or administrative staff. Qualification
• Must have as a minimum a High School Diploma or GED, preference is given to staff with CDA credential or equivalent.
• Assistants who do not have at least a CDA credential are enrolled in a program leading to a CDA credential or the equivalent.
• Required paperwork relevant to DCFS and the park district on file.
• Background check required.
• Emotional maturity when working with children.
• Cooperation with the purposes and services of the program.
• Respect for children and adults.
• Flexibility, understanding, and patience.
• Physical and mental health that do not interfere with childcare responsibilities.
• Good personal hygiene.
• Frequent interaction with children.
• Listening skills, availability and responsiveness to children.
• Sensitivity to children's socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds and individual needs and capabilities.
• Use of positive discipline and guidance techniques.