Early Childhood Teacher Assistant: CentroNia

POSITION TITLE

Early Childhood Teacher Assistant

DEPARTMENT

Early Childhood Department

LOCATION

1420 Columbia Rd and Annex A-D

SUPERVISOR

Early Childhood Education Project Director

PRIMARY PURPOSES OF JOB

The primary responsibility of the Early Childhood Teacher Assistant is to participate in planning and implementation of a developmentally appropriate Bilingual curriculum for children ages 3 months to four years of age (infants, toddlers and preschoolers) in conjunction with the Early Childhood Teacher. The Early Childhood Teacher Assistant implements this curriculum by supervising and working collaboratively with Early Childhood Lead Teacher, Volunteers and Parents in the classroom setting.

The Early Childhood Teacher Assistant is essential in implementing an effective Early Childhood Development program to meet the physical, social, emotional, language, and cognitive needs of each child (infants, toddlers and preschoolers) based upon the mission, goals, objectives and the curriculum of CentroNía. The Early Childhood Teacher Assistant ensures that Child Development Routines are consistent with child development principles; ensures the health, safety, welfare and accountability of children through constant supervision; and that parents receive adequate information about their child's experiences. The Early Childhood Teacher Assistant maintains written records monitoring child's progress in all areas of development; provides supervision to staff and includes staff in planning and assignments; and teaches infants, toddlers and/or preschool children.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

· Knowledge of state and local rules and regulations, which govern childcare, NAEYC accreditation standards, and District of Columbia Standards; Early Childhood Development standards in the areas of health, safety and nutrition; and state regulations governing the identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect.

· Knowledge of child development including typical and atypical language, cognitive, motor, social, and self-help skills development.

· Ability to provide services to all children and families with respect and dignity.

· Advocate for parents in accessing needed resources and support services.

· Assist in ensuring parent involvement and/or awareness in program planning through regular open communications, center parent meetings, parent newsletters, and parent conferences.

· Assist in the maintenance of assigned classroom records including but not limited to; attendance, and volunteer time sheets.

· Collaborate with other staff in developing plans for activities and strategize on program development and implementation.

· Comply with required documentation and record keeping responsibilities for both the classroom functioning and for individual children.

· Ensure records on children and families are current, complete, and kept confidential.

· Ensure all required reports are completed accurately and in a timely manner as per the Early Childhood Coordinators request or Center Director.

· Involve parents in the classroom in meaningful ways which demonstrates the belief that parents are the principal influence on their child's education and development.

· Assist in Planning, creating and implementing a dynamic daily program for children in conjunction with the Early Childhood Teacher.

REQUIRED EDUCATION

Current and Valid Child Development Associate Credential and Certificate prior to employment (maintain current certificate during employment) or in process of acquiring a valid CDA; also High School Diploma or GED equivalent it is a must with at least one year experience.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

Three years (preference) experience in an Early Childhood setting and demonstrated capacity in assisting with planning classroom activities, observing children’s behaviors, and maintaining educational records.

CORE COMPETENCIES

1. Propensity for problem solving.

2. Ability to relate to families in a holistic fashion that incorporates education, health and nutrition, and family issues.

3. Experience working with groups and/or families from diverse cultural, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.

4. Willingness to comply with the established agency performance standards which may include: productivity/personal responsibility, client/customer service-orientation, embracing a team player orientation, entrepreneurialism, and maintaining a professional demeanor.

5. Demonstrate self-motivation, continual learning, and taking initiative.

6. Practice professional and effective interpersonal communication skills.

7. Able to work independently or with others in a team approach.

8. Nurturing character that enables the building of a respectful, trusting and loving relationship with children and their families.

9. Ethical and professional conduct that enables the building of a respectful, trusting and collaborative relationship with the center staff.

10. Modeling of appropriate behavior for children, parents, and other staff.

11. Ability to be responsible for the completion of assigned tasks and projects.

12. Ability to understand the importance of family information and to keep it confidential.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

To comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), which prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability, it is necessary to specify the physical, mental and environmental conditions of the Essential Duties of the job. The following codes are used to explain the frequency of physical activity:

"F" for frequently; "O" for occasionally; "N" for not at all

On the job the employee must be able to carry/lift loads of:

( F ) Light (up to 25lbs.)

( O ) Moderate (25-50lbs.)

( N ) Heavy (over 50lbs.)

On the job the employee must:

( F ) Bend ( O ) Sit ( F ) Squat and Kneel ( F ) Stand

( F ) Crawl ( F ) Walk ( O ) Climb ( F ) Push/Pull

( F ) Handle objects (Manual Dexterity) ( O ) Reach above shoulder level

( F ) Use fine finger movements

WORKING CONDITIONS

Office located within a community-based organization with a safe, stable and healthy environment. CentroNía has a very diverse staff, and Spanish/English bilingualism is essential to conduct business and serve clients.

To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter and references; indicating the position you are applying to:

Human Resources Department at CentroNía or DC Bilingual Public Charter School at:

1420 Columbia Road, NW, DC 20009

centroniajobs@centronia.org
dcbilingualjobs@centronia.org

Fax (202) 745-0154

“Educating children and youth, and strengthening families, in a bilingual, multicultural community.”

CentroNía and DC Bilingual PCS are equal opportunity employers