Assistant Teacher - Portland Location at Westminster Preschool

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionSummaryHours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday with additional hours for staffing needs/ training/staff meetings as assigned by directorScope of position:The Assistant Teacher is responsible for supporting a cohesive teaching team, implementing the curriculum, and managing day-to-day operational activities of the classroom in the absence of the Lead Teacher. The Assistant Teacher is also responsible for general administrative duties as assigned, monitoring children's progress, and maintenance of related records for assigned classroom as directed by the Lead Teacher. Assistant Teachers understand children's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development to ensure a safe and stimulating classroom environment where children are actively engaged and encouraged to succeed. The Assistant Teacher promotes the school's philosophy and educational objectives and supports the mission and goals of the program.DutiesSpecific Duties:Have a positive attitude each dayBe supportive of the mission and goals of Westminster PreschoolBuild strong relationships with children and familiesAlways maintain adult supervision of children and adhere to child/staff ratiosAttend all required training and eventsDemonstrate faith in action and love for childrenUpholds Biblical values and principles.Classroom environment:Maintain a clean and organized classroom and learning environmentAssist lead teacher in keeping learning centers neat and organizedFollow a daily schedule, allowing for appropriate transition time between different activitiesInteract with the children during all activitiesStep in for lead teacher in her/his absenceImplement activities as assigned by lead teacherAssume an equal share of the joint housekeeping responsibilities of staffComplete and submit the daily cleaning checklist in the absence of the lead teacherCurriculum:Assist in implementing curriculum and lesson plans in the classroomParticipate in mealtimes with children, encouraging them to try new foods, asking open ended questions, urging positive conversations. Safety:Meet all health/safety standards as outlined in Indiana Childcare Licensing Rules and Regulations for Registered Ministries, CCDF, VCP and Paths to QualityAdhere to all Safe Sleep guidelinesObserve handwashing policies and procedures for both staff and childrenObserve proper diaper and sanitation proceduresCommunication with children, families, and staff:Communicate with children with eye-level, one-on-one attention throughout the dayPositively work with children on conflicts using a problem-solving approachCommunicate with families through ProCare on a regular basis about their child's daily activities, teacher concerns, photos of their children, etc.Communicate with co-works and administrative staff regarding classroom and work-related needsRequirementsQualifications:Have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalency.Show interest in / working towards a CDA awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition or equivalentAbility to learn and utilize specialized software for parent and staff communication.Ability to communicate professionally verbally and in writingRequirements:CPR/First Aid/Universal Precautions with annual recertificationMust pass drug screening, criminal background check and FSSA background checkTB testingUp-to-date physicalComplete trainings in Safe Sleep, Indiana Early Learning Foundations, Child Abuse and Neglect, and Child Safety modulesMaintain and hold 20 hours annually of in-service training on early childhood topicsAttend and participate in all mandatory staff meetings/trainingsMust be in a capacity to independently care for the appropriate number of children in the staff/student ratio required for the age group to which they are assignedBe familiar with the Voluntary Certification Program, Registered Ministry licensing requirements and Paths to Quality requirementsPhysical requirements:Willing and able to lift a child weighing at least 40 poundsMust be able to bend, stoop, reach, sit on the floor and rise from the floor without adult assistance.