Maple Leaf Children’s Center Revised August 2022
General Position Description
The Teacher Assistant supports the Teachers and the Director by helping to create a caring and safe environment for the children and assisting in activities to improve the overall care and quality of education. S/he must be able to communicate, listen and work well with others in a team environment. Assisting the staff in implementing a quality educational program and in developing positive relationships with the children and their parents, the Teacher Assistant observes and documents children’s interests and progress, and relays that information back to parents and staff. Teacher Assistants are responsible for implementing developmentally appropriate activities based on children’s interests and needs under the direction of the Teacher and the Director.
This position reports to the Director, Xandra Wishnefsky.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in the implementation of curricula activities and encourage participation by children.
- Communicates with the Lead Teacher about daily expectations of the classroom.
- Actively engage in activities; manage cleanliness, maintenance, and availability of classroom materials.
- Maintain frequent communications with parents through informal discussions and progress reports. As well as communication on Life Cubby when necessary.
- Encourage self-help and good hygiene through behavior modeling.
- Help ensure a smooth, daily transition from home to a childcare center.
- Follow all center policies and state regulations.
- Fill out Bi-Weekly Time Sheets
- Maintain a personal professional development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement.
Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Required
- Minimum of 1-2 years of professional childcare experience.
- High energy.
- Ability to work well with others.
- Strong oral and written communication skills, and basic computer skills.
- An understanding of child development.
- Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- Infant/child CPR and First Aid certification.
- Must clear full background check and must pass a health screening.
Educational Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED.
- At least 18 years of age.
- Meet at least one of the choice criteria in the VT Child Care Licensing Regulations for Teacher Assistants.
- Completion or willingness to complete the Vermont Orientation Training (9 hours).
- Must be willing to continue earning Professional Development hours annually.
Physical Requirements
- Requirements include the ability to take frequent walks, use hands and fingers, handle objects, tools or controls, and talk to and hear voices at many levels. May also be required to kneel, bend, squat or crawl.
- Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds.
- Must be able to sit, kneel, and bend on/to the floor.