Job Description:
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY - EARLY LEARNING CENTER [ELC] INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT FLOATER / EXTENDED DAY
About New Beginnings Family Academy
Opened in September 2002 offering grades K-3, New Beginnings Family Academy ("NBFA") offers active and engaging learning experiences from Pre-K through 6th grade. NBFA is a tuition-free, public charter school proudly distinguished by:
- Social, emotional and academic learning steeped in child development best practices
- An emotionally responsive model that weaves trauma-informed practice into every classroom
- Parental involvement, in and outside of the classroom
NBFA's ELC is located at 170 Garden Street, Bridgeport, CT. NBFA is an equal opportunity employer that values a diverse workplace. NBFA respects, values, and celebrates the unique attributes of all stakeholders: employees, students, families, and members of its' Board of Directors.
Mission-Driven Culture:
NBFA employees thrive in a collaborative environment of thoughtful self-reflective professionals on a mission to change the life outcomes of Bridgeport youth by narrowing the nefarious achievement gap. Our mission is to provide students a meaningful, high-quality education through experience-based learning to develop essential social, emotional, and critical-thinking skills to give all children the foundation to achieve their potential.
Summary
The ELC Instructional Assistant (IA) is responsible for in- and out-of-classroom duties that help Teachers deliver developmentally-appropriate, challenging, and engaging instruction while developing meaningful relationships with students that foster a love of learning. The IA works with the Teacher to build and maintain open lines of communication with families to encourage parents/guardians to become education advocates for their children.
Principal Accountabilities:
- Help Teachers maintain a structured, positive classroom to encourage students to think critically
- Work with Teachers to ensure continuous student growth. Including, but not limited to, the following tasks:
- Grade student work that Teacher does not need to grade him/herself
- Enter data into PowerTeacher Pro, when appropriate
- Enter data into Student Notes, when appropriate
- Plan some instruction, when appropriate (reading groups, enrichment projects, energizers, morning meeting, closing circle, science projects, etc.)
- Maintain classroom organization i.e. library books in order; update agenda on the board; set-up technology; ensure furniture and materials are in order; make copies, etc.
- Communicate with other team members i.e. e-mail the Specialists about themes; inform Interventionists of a field trip; etc.
- Communicate with families i.e. assist Teacher with phone calls and e-mails; be back-up point-of-contact for room parents
- Update bulletin boards and other displays of student work
- Handle monthly newsletters
- Make anchor charts
- Manage and organize student portfolios
- Maintain cooperative and respectful working relationships with students, parents, and school personnel
- Demonstrate efficient work habits including, but not limited to, punctuality, satisfactory attendance and use of personal time, meeting deadlines, honoring schedules, attending grade-level meetings, professional performance of duties, etc.
- Model professional and ethical standards when dealing with students, parents, peers, and leaders
Certification, Knowledge and Skills:
- Associate's degree plus 1-3 years of experience in education, child care or a related field. Candidates with an Associate's degree in Education or Early Childhood Education preferred. Be on the teacher track.
- Understand that all work responsibilities are subject to performance goals and/or targets established as part of the Board's and NBFA's organizational planning
- Be willing and able to receive constructive criticism to improve practices to help students
- Fervently believe in NBFA's mission and work diligently to positively impact the life outcomes of students
Benefits:
- Friendly work environment
- Health coverage includes medical and dental benefits (generous portion of premium paid by NBFA)
- Life and AD&D, Long-Term and Short-Term Disability Insurance
- Professional Development opportunities
- 10+ paid national holidays
- Vacation / Sick Leave / Personal Time
Classification:
Full-time/40 hours per week/Exempt/186 days
Schedule:
Monday-Friday, 9:15 a.m.-5:15 p.m.