Purpose:
To be responsible for assisting in the general supervision and management of a classroom of children by performing the duties necessary to provide a safe, nurturing, stimulating and educational environment. This includes allowing the children to grow at their own pace and gain in social, physical, emotional and cognitive development.
Reports To: Classroom Head Teacher or Teacher
Supervises: Self
Requirements:
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Able to observe, see, hear and respond to children's needs, emergencies and conflicts that might occur in a classroom, on the playground, other Center areas, or on field trips
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Able to lift approximately 30 pounds from the floor to a waist high table 25 - 30 times daily
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Able to reach a child 20 - 30 feet away within 30 seconds
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Able to crouch to a child's height, maintain eye contact at the child's level, and sit on the floor for extended periods of time on a regular basis
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Good health as confirmed by a physician's statement and proof of being free of tuberculosis
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New York State Registry clearance
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Criminal History Fingerprint clearance
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Be at least 18 years of age
Responsibilities:
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Adhering to all policies and procedures of First Learning Child Care and the child care licensing regulations of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services
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The care, safety and well-being of all children in the classroom, including attending to children's personal needs, e.g., diapering, toileting, feeding, washing, clothing, comforting, preparing for rest
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Assisting in the planning and implementation of an age-appropriate, open-ended program which coincides with the philosophy of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
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Assisting in preparing an inviting, clean and organized classroom environment with learning centers and hands-on activities which coincides with the philosophy of NAEYC
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Interacting frequently with children in a positive, respectful, responsive and encouraging manner which follows the guidelines of NAEYC
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Orienting and actively supervising children by overseeing both small and large groups of children
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Developing parent relationships and communicating directly with parents on a regular basis
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Maintaining classroom records and keeping necessary written documentation
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Maintaining a positive work climate
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Communicating effectively and directly with other staff
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Assisting new and substitute staff assigned to the classroom
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Assisting supervisor and rendering staff support to all other classrooms and employees as necessary
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Assisting in the maintenance, general housekeeping and repair of assigned areas and common space
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Performing administrative duties as necessary for the classroom and Center operations
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Serving in the absence of the Head Teacher or Teacher as necessary
Completing 15 hours of early childhood training within the first 6 months and every year thereafter
Maintaining current Aspire account to record education and training with QualitystarsNY
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
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Knowledge of NYS child care regulations
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Increasing knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices and age appropriate activities which correspond with NAEYC guidelines
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Effective and tactful oral and written communication skills
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Ability to maintain positive relationships with children, co-workers, and parents
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Increasing ability to use constructive methods for maintaining group control and individual behaviors
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Ability to use sound judgment and tact
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Ability to work as a team member
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Flexibility (especially in scheduling and practice to respond to the needs of the program)
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Creativity and patience
Training and Experience:
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High School Diploma or its equivalent, AND
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A commitment to working with young children in a manner that will encourage the children's emotional, social, physical and intellectual development, as outlined by NAEYC guidelines, AND
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At least one (1) year of related work experience with children is preferred.
