Assistant Teacher - Preschool

Job descriptionORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEWEducare DC serves over 350 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 due to systemic racism, 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 DC draws on a blend of private and public dollars, including federal childcare funding, Early Head Start, Pre-K, and other state and federal funding streams.POSITION OVERVIEWThe Preschool Assistant Teacher is responsible for contributing to the planning, implementation and coordination of the comprehensive education program. The Assistant Teacher supports the lead in ensuring that the education program is developmentally appropriate and meets the individual needs of the children as mandated by Head Start, state and local standards, and the Educare model.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 relationshipsImplement, document, and demonstrate an understanding of the importance of multiple perspectives and have the skills to be successful in their interdisciplinary effortsCollaborate with the family engagement specialist (assigned to each child), and other Educare personnel and support staff to promote individual children's goals relating to communication skills, health habits, physical skills, development of self-awareness, and early literacyParticipate in Family Child Service Reviews as scheduledIn support of ongoing, intensive professional development, Assistant teachers will attend and participate in all scheduled trainings, engage in coaching cycles with their Lead Teachers, and develop individual plans for their own professional development.Provide an enhanced curriculum focus on:Language and LiteracySocial/Emotional developmentProblem-solving and numeracyIntegration of the ArtsCurriculumEngage positively with the children and use appropriate discipline methods as outlined in the school's child guidance discipline policyAssist in the planning and implementation of classroom activities that are child-centered, developmentally appropriate, open-ended and process orientedSupport children's ideas and initiatives, and creativityAssist in developing and managing an attractive and engaging environment that encourages children's independence and self-selection of activitiesPosition themselves strategically 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 safeAssist in daily routines including helping to keep the classroom clean; this includes following all sanitary procedures for food service and diapering/toiletingAssessmentCollaborate with the teaching team to observe, document, and assess their primary care childrenIdentify any developmental concerns for primary care children and share the information with the Lead TeacherCollaborate with the teaching team to complete weekly lesson plansComplete and submit small group plans for primary care children to the lead teacher on a weekly basisParticipate in Family Child Service Reviews for their primary childrenAssist in the completion of band-aid reports and documentation of incidents in the medical logHome/School Connection:Develop effective partnerships with families by maintaining open communication and encouraging their input into the educational programCollaborate with the teaching team to develop, document, and implement, in collaboration with each child's family, and individualized plan for each child to be reviewed regularly in response to each child's progressUnder the direction of the lead teacher, schedule and complete home visits and conferences as required each yearOtherThe assistant teacher will assume the responsibilities of the lead teacher in the absence of the lead teacherUnder the direction of the lead teacher, assist in data entry as requestedAssist the lead teacher to maintain an up to date classroom inventoryParticipate in reflective supervision with the Lead Teacher and/or Mentor TeacherPerform other duties as assigned within the scope of the job descriptionEXPERIENCE AND ABILITIES1 year of relevant experienceKnowledge of early childhood curriculum and developmentally appropriate practice for the specific age group (3-5)Knowledge of Head Start Performance StandardsKnowledge of City and State licensing requirementsAbility to work as a cooperative and supportive team memberAbility to communicate and cooperate with various professionals and community groups.Ability to communicate and cooperate with parentsAbility and willingness to work in a program located in a high-risk, low-income communityA biannual physical exam, drug screen and TB test are required as a condition of initial employment and continued employmentResponsible for contributing to the planning, implementation and coordination of the comprehensive education program.Supports the Lead Teacher in ensuring that the education program is developmentally appropriate and meets the individual needs of the children as mandated by Head Start, state and local standards, and the Educare model.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 REQUIREMENTSAssociates Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or a related fieldADDITIONAL 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 FUNCTIONSMust be able to physically interact with children, including bending, kneeling, sitting on the floor, lifting up to 40 pounds, climbing and walkingMust have advanced command of the English language and grammar, both verbal and writtenMust remain abreast of developments in the child development field to enhance professional growth and developmentEducare DC offers a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, retirement accounts with company match, paid leave, and more. Educare DC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.