Aide - Infant Toddler (Several positions available)

SALARY RANGE$43,800- $54,200ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEWEducare DC is growing to serve over 424 children from birth to five years - and their families - through our state-of-the-art center and through community partnerships. Building on the program foundations of Early Head Start and Head Start and accredited by NAEYC, Educare DC promotes school readiness by providing high-quality, comprehensive early learning programming for children who are historically underserved, eliminating the opportunity gap often experienced by low-income communities. Educare DC is part of the 25-school Educare Learning Network that serves as a platform for broader change, inspiring high-quality programs in communities, improving public policies nationally and within each state, and demonstrating a comprehensive, research-based approach to the first five years of life and learning. Educare draws on a blend of private and public dollars, including federal child care funding, Early Head Start, Pre-K, and other state and federal funding streams.POSITION OVERVIEWThe Teacher Aide works cooperatively with the Infant-Toddler Teacher and Teacher Assistant to plan and implement the daily education program for the children. Under the reflective supervision of the Lead Teacher, the Teacher Aide will execute classroom activities and help maintain a classroom environment that is developmentally appropriate and meets the individual needs of children as mandated by federal, state, and local standards, and that reflect Educare's philosophy and curriculum.As part of the classroom educational team, and under the general direction of the School Director and direct supervision of the Lead Teacher, the Teacher Aide helps plan and participates in classroom, playground, and school activities. These activities are designed to enhance all areas of each child's development. The Teacher Aide will be responsible for assisting with implementing all program requirements in adherence to all performance and outcomes standards as prescribed by the multiple funding and model requirements.ResponsibilitiesProgram Core Features of the Educare ModelParticipate in training to build an understanding of the Educare ModelParticipate in the local evaluation and national Educare Implementation Study, engaging in a system of reciprocal, regular data feedback and utilization for individualized planning for children and families and continuous program improvementParticipate in Reflective Practice and Supervision throughout the programProvide high-quality early learning program that incorporates evidence-based curriculum and instructional activitiesSupport and provide continuity of care to help children develop secure relationshipsCollaborate with the Family Engagement Specialist (assigned to each child), and other Educare personnel and support staff to promote individual children's goals relating to early communication development, fine and gross motor skills, development of social and self-care skillsParticipate in Family Child Service Reviews as scheduledIn support of ongoing, intensive professional development, Teacher Aides will attend and participate in all scheduled trainings, engage in coaching cycles with their Lead Teachers, and develop individual plans for their own professional developmentProvide an enhanced curriculum focused on:social emotional developmentearly language and literacyphysical developmentintegration of the artsCurriculumAssist to plan and implement learning experiences that promote all developmental domains (social, emotional, physical, and intellectual) including contributing to the readiness of children to enter school by developing their early language acquisition and vocabularyAssist to develop and manage an attractive and engaging environment that encourages exploration and fosters independenceWith the Lead and Assistant Teachers, guide and facilitate activities of the children, providing responsive care giving, with a focus on the children's social and emotional well-beingEngage positively with the children and use appropriate discipline methods as outlined in the school's child guidance policyCooperate with other staff and classroom groups to maintain the smooth functioning of the school, which at times may require changes to meet the needs of the childrenAide, as requested, in transition activitiesEat with children and help them in their development of social and self-help skills, and sound nutritional practicesGuide children's acquisition of social skillsAide in the provision and maintenance of safe and healthy developmentally appropriate environmentUse strategic positioning in all environments to actively engage children, provide optimal supervision, and facilitate playUse the playground as an extension of the classroom; ensure that the playground is safeAide in conducting the daily health and environment checklistAide in implementing an IFSP (Individual Family Service Plan) seeking clarification for any aspects that are not well understoodAide in orienting volunteers, providing them with guidance as neededAssessmentCollaborate with the teaching team to observe, document, and assess their primary care childrenAssist the teaching team in identifying any developmental concerns and share the information with the teaching teamParticipate in Family Child Service Reviews, as scheduledHome/School ConnectionDevelop effective partnerships with families by maintaining open communication and encouraging their input into the educational programUnder the direction of the Lead Teacher, and as feasible, participate in home visits and parent conferencesOtherIn the absences of the Lead Teacher and Teacher Assistant, and in consultation with the Master Teacher provide support to the substitute staff, intern and/or volunteersAttend staff training and meetings, and parent meetings as requestedComplete timely and accurate time sheetsAide the Infant-Toddler Teacher and the Teacher Assistant in the completion of required reportsIn conjunction with the teaching team, maintain confidential educational information for each child and ensure all confidential information is protectedAssist in daily routines, including bottle feedings, meal preparations, diapering, toileting, hand washing, monitoring sleep times, cleanup, and supervision of children at all times, including outdoor playDistribute newsletters, flyers, and other informationPerform other duties, as may be required.EXPERIENCE AND ABILITIES1 year of relevant experienceA non-expired CDA CertificationAt least one year of experience working in an early childhood or child care programHave some knowledge of best practices of infant-toddler development and careMust be willing to pursue coursework specific to early childhood, adhering to program guidelines, as necessaryKnowledge of Early Head Start Performance StandardsKnowledge of City and State licensing requirementsAbility to work as a cooperative and supportive team memberAbility to present a positive image of the organization to members of the communityAbility to work with the Lead Teacher and Teacher Assistant to plan, organize and implement position responsibilities effectively, providing inputAbility to learn and implement child development and early childhood principles and practicesAbility and willingness to work in a program located in a high-risk, low income communityAbility to communicate and cooperate with parentsAbility to exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materialsBasic knowledge of computer applications and the ability to learn and master other computer technology /software programs as neededAbility to communicate and respond in a manner that demonstrates respect and concernWorks cooperatively with the Lead and Assistant Teachers to plan and implement the daily education program for the children.Under the reflective supervision of the Lead Teacher, the Teacher Aide will execute classroom activities and help maintain a classroom environment that is developmentally appropriate and meets the individual needs of children as mandated by federal, state and local standards, and that reflect Educare's philosophy and curriculum.Helps plan and participates in classroom, playground, and field trip activities.Assist with the implementation of all program requirements in adherence to performance and outcome standards, along with compliance standards, as prescribed by the multiple funding and model requirements.EDUCATION REQUIREMENTSHigh School Diploma or G.E.DADDITIONAL JOB REQUIREMENTSClearance of background checks as required by local, state and federal regulations.Physical examination and diagnostic tests as required by local, state and federal regulations.A bi-annual physical exam, drug screen, covid-19 vaccinations and TB test are required as a condition of continual employment.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONSManual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer and office equipment, including, but not limited to, the telephone, fax machine, copier, and tape recorderMust have advanced command of the English language and grammar, both verbal and writtenMust be able to enter and exit a vehicle without assistance, and withstand exposure to adverse weather conditionsMust be able to physically interact with children, including talking, hearing, sitting, standing, walking, using hands to finger, handling or feeling objects, tools, or controls; reaching with hands and arms; and stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling and lifting and or moving items of up to 40 poundsMust be able to clearly hear and understand telephone conversationsMust be able to participate in both home visits and parent conferences to discuss the child's individual development and progress