Position Description: The Support Teacher will be responsible for the general supervision and management of a group of children, and will be supervised, trained and evaluated by the Early Learning Director. The Support Teacher is responsible for supervising a group of children, assisting the Lead and Assistant Teachers, and providing a warm and nurturing learning environment in which children can grow physically, emotionally, socially, and intellectually. Support Teachers are an essential part of the education team.
Essential Responsibilities and Duties:
- Follow developmentally appropriate practices
- Maintain and manage a safe, healthy, developmentally appropriate environment both inside and outside that promotes learning
- Provide constant supervision of children in your care inside the center as well as outside on the playground, and on field trips; Complete the Active Supervision form
- Maintain confidentiality of children and family information. Provide any current information to the Family Advocate as needed
- Assist in preparing and maintaining the center to meet Missouri licensing requirements outlined in the agency’s policies and procedures
- Discuss special needs of individual children with teaching staff, supervisor, coaches, and parents
- Establish a learning environment that values diversity and demonstrate cultural competency and respect for each child’s background and familial values.
- Assist in the completion of daily attendance, meal counts, environments checklists, parent sign-in books, and daily activities sheet (Infant and Toddler Teachers only)
- Practice family style serving and dining (sit and eat at the table with children)
- Prevent and stop unsafe activities. Make sure emergency posters are posted along with classroom rules with visuals for the children to understand
- Provide opportunities and support for children to develop coping skills for handling big emotions and potentially challenging behaviors
- Assist in completing all paperwork by the required deadlines
- Acquaint parents with program activities; developmentally appropriate practices; program objectives, determine and communicate needs of each child
- Solicit parents’ assistance; explain and promote parent involvement through participation and activities
- Communicate to supervisor observed safety, physical, and licensing issues immediately
- Report suspected child abuse and neglect as required by state licensing guidelines and St. Mark’s Procedures
- Maintain prompt hours and notify your immediate supervisor in a timely manner in the event of your absence
- Attend all required staff meetings, functions and staff development opportunities
- Collaborate professionally and respectfully with other members of your team
- Able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
- Complete all work in a timely and thorough manner
- All other job related duties
Physical Requirements:
- Be able to lift up to 55 pounds
- Excessive climbing, walking, bending, stretching and sitting on floor with children
- Exposure to childhood illnesses and diseases
- Exposure to varying outside temperatures (heat and cold)
Minimum Qualifications: A high school diploma or GED and previous experience working with children age 0-5 years
Preferred Qualifications: A CDA degree or a degree in higher education
