Teacher Assistant/Teacher Aide
The Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) provides operations support services and business solutions to the community of 10,000 House Members, Officers and staff. The CAO organization comprises more than 650 technical and administrative staff working in a variety of areas, including information technology, finance, budget management, human resources, payroll, child care, food and vending, procurement, logistics and administrative counsel.
The incumbent serves as a Teacher Assistant or Teacher Aide and is responsible
for assisting in the day-to-day delivery of exemplary child care services to
the House Community. The duties and responsibilities will be carried out
under the direction of the Lead Teacher. The position does not have
supervisory/managerial responsibilities unless otherwise directed.
PRIMARY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Support and assist with the oversight of the
day-to-day delivery of child care services in assigned classroom. Provide
care for children including changing diapers/toileting, feeding, and
comforting. Ensure all children’s physical, cognitive, and emotional needs
are met.
2. Provide leadership support. Model high quality work and assist with
leading and coaching team. Support Lead Teacher with all aspects of
classroom operations. Provide classroom-level management in the absence of
the Lead Teacher. (Teacher Assistant only)
3. Prioritize health and safety; includes, but is not limited to: conduct daily
child health and safety checks, maintain child to staff ratios, provide active
supervision of children, be aware of all special health and dietary needs,
monitor and respond appropriately to illness & injury and emergency
situations, follow cleaning & sanitation guidelines, and utilize universal
precautions. Immediately raise/bring to Lead Teacher and Directors’
attention any relevant information or issues concerning or related to staff,
children, and/or families.
4. Support and assist with the oversight of developmentally appropriate,
child-centered curriculum and assessment planning, implementation, and
documentation. Support children and families through transitions including
enrollment and withdrawal, between classrooms, to and from home each day, and
between activities throughout the day.
5. Contribute to the classroom, Child Care Center, and CAO team. Show
initiative towards the improvement of provided services by sharing ideas and
participating in meetings. Participate in special limited term and
long-term projects and initiatives. Participate in after action reviews
and provide feedback as appropriate.
6. Maintain accurate records and logs in a timely and organized fashion.
7. Develop and maintain familiarity and compliance with, and established
systems for meeting all applicable legal requirements, House Rules, Committee
and CAO policies and procedures, as well as specific House Child Care Center
practices and procedures. These include, but are not limited to: The
Personnel Policies and Procedures for the Officers and Inspector General, as
well as the supplemental policies and procedures thereof; CAO Work Schedule
Policies; and National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
standards.
8. Use materials and resources effectively. Inform administration of
unusual problems and unanticipated constraints of resource requirements in a
timely manner. Monitor usage and inventory levels of all supplies
and materials, and advise Administrators of related needs and
issues. Return relevant items to designated storage areas and maintain
organization throughout the classroom and Center.
9. Treat all children, families, and staff with dignity and respect, allowing
for individual differences. Establish positive relationships with each
child, family member, and coworker. Communicate effectively and professionally
orally and in writing. Maintain confidentiality. Continually remain
calm in challenging situations. Utilize developmentally and situationally
appropriate behavior management techniques.
10. Seek and attend ongoing professional development and demonstrate an
attitude of continual growth.
11. Perform other duties as required or assigned.
• Have and maintain a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential (or higher)
• Experience and continued interest in working with young children and their families in an early childhood setting.
• Demonstrated knowledge of basic child development as well as the ability to understand the developmental progress and identify the needs of all applicable children.
• Ability to understand child care educational research and/or best practices, and convert/apply to the classroom.
• Ability to organize and plan effectively. Detail oriented with the ability to work under stress, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with tact, as well as the ability to exercise judgment and discretion.
• Ability to sustain a high level of energy and a positive, professional attitude.
• Proficient in using varied information and automated office systems to include computers and mobile devices, MS Office, web-based systems, copier, phone, etc.
Additional requirements:
• Ability to acquire and maintain Infant/Child/Adult CPR Certification. Required within 30 days of hire date.
• Ability to acquire and maintain First Aid Certification. Required within 30 days of hire date.
• Ability to successfully complete an annual physical and tuberculosis test (at the incumbent’s expense) prior to employment and annually thereafter (current documentation may not be older than 12 months).
• Ability to maintain consistent and reliable attendance required. Flexibility with scheduling and availability to work additional hours as needed.
• Ability to meet minimum physical requirements:
o lift (from floor) and carry up to fifty pounds
o push a crib/cart/stroller with up to 6 children for potentially long distances
o carry Classroom Go-Bag and other emergency supplies
o move equipment, furniture, and toys in and out of play areas
o utilize fine and medium hand manipulations.
o assume postures in low level positions including but not limited to bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling and sitting on the floor
o agility to move from a seated position to a standing position promptly to respond to emergency situations
o perform all activities with children, including but not limited to standing, jumping, dancing, walking, and running for extended periods of time
o possess hearing and visual capabilities necessary to monitor the environment and children’s well-being
o be outdoors for regular, prolonged activities in a variety of temperatures and weather conditions
• Must be able to secure and maintain applicable security clearances.