PT SPECIAL EDUCATION PRESCHOOL ASSISTANT TEACHER AIDE CENTRAL COVE PRESCHOOL (Up to 29.5 HOURS PER WEEK, VOUCHER POSITION, NO BENEFITS)

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older

 Job Summary: What is the job of a preschool assistant teacher at Central Cove?

At Central Cove, we value play as the work of children and believe that children learn to interact with the world and others most effectively through purposeful play. We provide a positive, caring, safe, engaging, inclusive environment in which all children can learn and grow while playing and interacting with others.

Working under the lead teacher's supervision, preschool teaching assistants carry out various activities designed to help children understand numbers, letters, colors, and shapes. They also play an instrumental role in supervising children on the playground and in other activities, getting them ready for toileting/diapering, and serving snacks. These are all important components of the preschool routine, which, if carried out appropriately, help young children gain confidence in themselves and in their environment.

Without preschool teaching assistants available to carry out key tasks, preschool teachers might struggle to develop or execute lesson plans. This position is also important in that it provides young kids with yet another strong role model, as well as a valuable source of emotional support.

A preschool teaching assistant must have tremendous love and patience for children. Qualifications needed to teach them effectively include attention to task and detail, ability to follow a lesson plan consistently but flexibly, understanding of and patience for developmental expectations of young children, as well as the ability to engage children and build trust with them and their families.

Our goal is to support the whole child and contribute to healthy mental and emotional development so all our students will be prepared for productive, engaged learning in kindergarten classrooms and meaningful, healthy interaction with their families and peers.

Job Responsibilities: What does a preschool teaching assistant at Central Cove do? •Maintaining a safe and supportive environment for young children • Assisting teachers with carrying out lesson plans • Helping children use the bathroom or, when necessary, changing diapers • Handling basic hygiene needs such as handwashing • Preparing children for and supervising them during gym time, outside play, and other activities • Preparing and serving healthy snacks • Observing children for developmental problems and other concerns---and passing this information on to the preschool teacher • Supporting preschool teachers with preferred classroom management and discipline strategies • Participate and help with parent-teacher conferences as needed • Encourage children to interact with each other and resolve occasional arguments • Collaborate with other educators • Maintain a clean and tidy classroom consistent with health and safety standards • Maintain student data and logs as directed by the teacher • Maintains confidentiality when dealing with students, parents, and staff • Other duties as assigned

District Expectations: What skills are needed to be successful as a preschool teaching assistant at Central Cove? • Effective collaboration a nd interpersonal skills • Self-motivation and initiative in completing assigned tasks • Attention to detail, flexibility, and problem-solving • Time Management and organization • Patience and compassion with students, families, and colleagues • Optimism and positivity • Commitment to learning • Excellent understanding of the principles of child development and preschool educational methods • Familiarity with safety and sanitation guidelines for classrooms • Excellent communication (written and oral) and instructional skills • Ability to act as mediator between children • Cool-tempered, friendly, and reliable • Balance between a creative and practical mind

Requirements: What experience and qualifications will make me eligible to be a preschool teaching assistant at Central Cove? • Must be 18 years of age or older • Ability to lift at least 45 pounds • Ability to engage with small children both on and off the floor High School Diploma or equivalent required • Associate's degree or 48 semester hours of college credit earned or must have passed the Para-Pro Test (or be willing to take and pass the Para-Pro Test immediately upon hire) • Certification in child CPR preferred • Successful experience working with children at risk