Summary
Assist with the direct care and supervision of the children in the center, providing for their physical, social, emotional and educational needs in a safe, clean, and stimulating environment.
Qualifications
· Required: High School Diploma or GED.
· Preferred: Mandated 45 hours of training by the Department of Children and Families before hire.
· A minimum of one-year experience in an early childhood classroom.
Responsibilities
· Implement developmentally appropriate preschool programs for young children.
· Assist the lead teacher in planning and implementing activities to meet the physical, emotional, intellectual and social/emotional needs of the children in the program
· Ensure equipment and facility are clean, well maintained and safe at all times
· Responsible for completing the classroom cleaning log with classroom staff and submitting it to the office each month
· Ensure children are always supervised.
· Provide a safe and secure environment for children to feel comfortable
· Establish routines and provide positive guidance
· Implement positive discipline when required
· Outdoor play areas shall be under the supervision of staff interacting with the children.
· Clearly and effectively communicate in a manner that children understand
· Observe children and make notes of progress
· Integrate special needs children in a positive and respectful manner
· Must adhere to DCF Definition of Direct Supervision: SUPERVISION OF CHILDREN The knowledge of and accounting for the activity and whereabouts of each child in care and the proximity of staff to children at all times assuring immediate intervention of staff to safeguard a child from harm.
· Communicate with parents/guardians.
· Discuss children’s development with parents/guardians
· Maintain program administration.
· Keep parents informed of program expectations, program activities and their child’s progress
· Conduct semi-annual parent/teacher conferences with Lead Teacher
· Maintain a portfolio and developmental assessment for each child in your class
· Prepare, maintain, and ensure classroom meets compliance mandates for National Accreditation Commission (NAC), Department of Children and Families (DCF), Manatee,
Preschool Teacher Assistant – page 2
· Charlotte and Sarasota County Early Learning Coalitions, Manatee and Sarasota School Boards and USDA inspections.
· Comply with Easterseals policies and procedures utilizing the highest standards of personal and professional ethics and behavior.
· Demonstrate good judgment, diplomacy, courtesy and effective communication while working at Easterseals or when representing the organization.
· Other duties as assigned.
Easterseals Southwest Florida is dedicated to providing exceptional service to children, youth and adults with disabilities as well as support to their families. We offer the highest quality of care throughout our clients’ lives so they can enjoy access, opportunities and more dynamic life choices. The agency was founded in 1946 and for more than 80 years has offered therapies, services and enrichments across our region.
Through public and private funding as well as philanthropy, Easterseals administers a variety of therapies -- occupational, physical, speech and more -- as well as educational opportunities for the young and not-so-young: The Lily School Pre-K, ABA Academy, VIP High School, Adult Employment Services & Day Training as well as enrichment programs in art, music and performing arts. Community partnerships enhance offerings and include equine therapy at InStride Therapy and projects in organic farming with Operation Eco Vets garden on the Easterseals campus. Therapists are also actively enhancing therapies and services within the autism spectrum, allowing Easterseals to serve this growing community.
Easterseals SWFL strives to be an Employer-of-Choice and is proud to offer our employees a rich, comprehensive and competitive benefits package including, but not limited to, options for a medical plan, dental and/or vision plans, paid time off, 403B retirement plan, and paid holidays.