Floating Assistant Teacher

The position of Floating Assistant Teacher is primarily responsible for assisting the lead teacher with the implementation and coordination of the comprehensive education program in the classroom and for managing all aspects of outdoor activities. The Floating Assistant Teacher assists by ensuring that the classroom activities and environment are developmentally appropriate and reflect the agency’s philosophy and curriculum. The Floating Assistant Teacher ensures that the individual needs of all children regardless of race, creed, or disability are met as mandated by federal, state, and local standards.

· Promote engagement in positive parent/child relationships, families as lifelong educators, families as learners, family engagement in transitions, family connections to peers and community, family well-being, and families as advocates and leaders.

· Demonstrate a warm, supportive attitude toward children, families, and staff.

· Must be flexible.

· Encourage a consistent and structured classroom environment that fully engages the children and is appropriate for their learning and developmental needs.

· Assure that children achieve all learning and developmental outcomes and kindergarten readiness skills; with a focus on literacy and math domains.

· Encourage the involvement of the families of the children and support the development of relationships between children and their families.

· Implement a range of activities to enhance the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical potential of each child in compliance with approved Reach Based Early Childhood curriculum guidelines.

· Prepare children for kindergarten transition and readiness.

· Implement activities for children with disabilities in accordance with their Individual Educational Plans.

· Ensure safe and healthy environments that follow the Head Start Performance Standards and the DCFS Licensing Standards.

· Ensure a safe environment through daily classroom inspections of materials and equipment and reporting of unsafe/unhealthy conditions to appropriate persons.

· Ensure children are under proper supervision at all times.

· Eat with the children and provide appropriate discussions for mealtimes.

· Rooms should be organized, materials stored neatly, and cleaned daily. Attend no less than 15 clock hours of professional development per year.

· Due to the nature of this program, all staff members must be willing to perform all other duties as assigned in order to maintain a quality program for all children and their families being served at the Empowerment Opportunity Center.

Must have at a minimum, a High School Diploma or GED and a CDA credential or a state-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential or obtain a CDA within 2 years. Enrollment in a program that will lead to an associate degree in child development, early childhood, or equivalent coursework is preferred. If the degree is not in early childhood education or a related field, a minimum of 21 hours of ECE coursework is required.

Floating Assistant Teachers must be able to lift at least 40 pounds. Floating Assistant Teachers must be free of tuberculosis, pass physical exam and criminal background check prior to employment. The Assistant Teacher must meet DCFS Licensing Standards.

Floating Assistant Teachers must be able to physically interact with children, including talk, hear, sit, stand, walk; use hands to finger, reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, and lift or move items up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities are required for this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus. Must have excellent communication skills including written and verbal. Must be able to manually operate and use a computer/tablet. Must be able to clearly hear and be understood in phone conversations.

To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, and application to the Early Childhood Services Director, via mail, email, or hand delivery. Visit www.empowerdecatur.org/hiring/ to download an application. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Job Type: Part Time (25 Hours/Week); School Year (42 weeks per year)

Salary: $16.00-18.00

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $16.00 - $18.00 per hour

Expected hours: 25 - 30 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
  
• Life insurance
  
• Paid time off
  
• Professional development assistance
  

Work Location: In person