Description

Essential Functions Include

• Assists in developing and implementing lesson plans, and activities that are appropriate to the age group involved
• Maintains interaction with children at all times during small and whole-group interactive learning
• Assists parents during arrival and departure times
• Maintains a safe and clean atmosphere for the children at all times, following all safety procedures at all time
• Actively supervises children in the classroom and on the playground
• Follow the program’s schedule for children’s set meal and snack periods
• Assists parents in following procedures and policies (i.e. labeling child’s belongings, following through with schedule)
• Implements philosophy of positive reinforcement and redirection of children’s behavior
• Informs parents of any information relating to their children, behavior, and development as needed in oral and written form
• Creates an environment that reflects the values and norms of the diverse children and families we serve
• Assists as monitor on a bus as applicable
• Perform other duties as assigned

Physical Demands & Work Environment 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands or fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

At Mid-Columbia Children’s Council, we are committed to supporting the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

Health & Insurance Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Supplemental Insurance Plans
• Life Insurance & AD&D (Accidental Death & Dismemberment)
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Whole Life Insurance
•  

Financial & Retirement

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with company support
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support and resources

Time Off & Work-Life Balance

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Sick Leave
• Company-Paid Holidays

We believe in taking care of our team—because when you thrive, so do we.’

Requirements

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions of this job include, but are not limited to:

HEALTH AND SAFETY

1.      Adheres to the principles of Active Supervision to maintain the safety and security of children. Ensures that no child is left alone or unsupervised at any time.

2.      Participates in the creation and implementation of Emergency Preparedness Plans, such as Evacuation Plans and Lockdown/Shelter in Place Plans, as well as Active Supervision Plans. Assists with updating the Emergency Preparedness Plans annually, when there is a change in staffing, and any time when it is otherwise necessary. Reviews Active Supervision Plans at least monthly. Collaborates with the teaching team to update the Active Supervision Plan when necessary, as described in MCCC’s policies and procedures.

3.      Serves family-style meals in accordance with federal, state, and organizational requirements. Assists the teacher in completing meal forms, such as Daily Meal Counts and Infant Menu Records.

4.      Follows medical protocols and food substitutions.

5.      Ensures that the classroom and center are prepared for children before class begins each morning. This may include cleaning and setting tables, performing playground checks, and other duties as assigned.

6.      Follows the Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting Schedule to ensure the classroom is cleaned thoroughly after class each day. Initials the Cleaning Log daily for documentation of completion, and turns the completed log in at the end of each month.

CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT

7.      Prepares lesson plan activities and materials as assigned. Implements lesson plan activities as assigned. Contributes to the Lesson Plan Reflection at least weekly.

8.      Observes students’ progress within the developmental domains. Assists the teacher with completing documentations by entering or sharing at least the minimum number of observations determined by the Education Coordinator. Observations must be objective and relevant to the developmental domains. Entered documentations must also be set with a preliminary rating.

9.      Provides a consistent, nurturing, and responsive learning environment through intentional and positive interactions with children. Responds to the physical and emotional needs of children using approved strategies. Individualizes care and learning experiences to meet each child's needs. Provides students with a variety of developmentally appropriate materials and experiences, encouraging them to experiment and explore.

10.  Follows MCCC’s policies and procedures in the prevention and intervention of challenging behaviors.

11.  Assists the Teacher with the completion of developmental assessments including, but not limited to, Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) and the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment (DECA).

12.  Follows IEPs, IFSPs, and/or other individualized plans for children.

COLLABORATION

13.  Promotes family engagement in all aspects of the program, including, but not limited to, Policy Council, Parent Committee, volunteer opportunities, family engagement events, and involvement in their child’s educational goals.

14.  Establishes and maintains positive relationships with children, families, and staff.

15.  Acts as an effective member of the team. Meets weekly with the teaching team to lesson plan. Addresses and resolves conflicts or problems collaboratively, constructively, and professionally. Asks for, and provides, feedback.

16.  Communicates professionally and with confidentiality to families, staff, volunteers, visitors, and community partners.

17.  Engages in coaching. Implements the teaching practices and strategies recommended by component coordinators, managers, and other approved specialists to increase school readiness for children and families.

OTHER

18.  Provides staff coverage as needed.

19.  Performs bus monitoring duties as assigned. This may include, but is not limited to, helping children board and exit the bus, supervising and engaging with children while on the bus, ensuring that children are only released to authorized individuals, ensuring that all children have exited the bus at the end of the route, and assisting the bus driver in maintaining a clean vehicle.

20.  Participates in all required trainings. Regularly and consistently submits training certificates to the state’s workforce registry to ensure all annual training requirements are met.

21.  Ensures a commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity within all aspects of the program.

22.  Complies with all MCCC policies, procedures, State and Federal requirements.

23.  Reports all suspected child abuse and neglect as a mandatory reporter.

24.  Performs all other work-related duties as assigned.

Summary

The Teacher Aide is a key member of the teaching team. The primary responsibility of this position is to assist the Teacher in the promotion of each child’s development within a safe and supervised educational environment. Teacher's aides often promote to teaching positions after completing their education.