Preschool Teaching Assistant, School for Young Children

This role assists the teacher in the classroom with all the aspects of the routines.

• Collaborates with the teacher to design and implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum as guided by SYC's curriculum document, the CT ELDS, and NAEYC's accreditation standards. This includes helping to set up the classroom and maintaining necessary educational materials to attract and keep children's interests.
• Supports the teacher in modifying curriculum and lesson plans as needed to support the learning environment and to guide short & long term learning goals for children.
• Shares assessment observations and CT DOTS documentation with the teacher. Assists in gathering assessment documentation such as narratives, work samples, and photos. Supports the teacher during the family-teacher conferences.
• Supports SYC in maintaining NAEYC accreditation status by participating in various activities during re-accreditation cycles. Throughout each year, supports the teacher in maintaining the classroom portfolio. The portfolio is reviewed at least once per month to assess sections in need of updating.
• Welcomes families into the program on a daily basis. Supports the teacher in communicating with families about children's activities and progress. Supports a welcoming environment for families by attending school family events such as picnics and fundraiser.
• Supports college student's professional development through modeling and supportive interactions.
• Acts as a teacher in the teacher's absence.
• Continues to grow professionally by attending staff meetings, workshops, courses, and other sources of professional development (reading, networking etc.)
• Follows school policies and procedures as outlined in the USJ and SYC handbooks. Submits paperwork on time such as time sheets, surveys and other documents as needed. Monitors all school communications through the USJ email account and alert systems.
• Customer Satisfaction: Handles customer needs quickly, efficiently, enthusiastically, and courteously.
• Understands the basis of the institution is customer service.

Education & Experience

• Associate Degree
• 2-3 years working in an early childhood education program or related field is preferred or a combination of education, training and experience which would lead to the competencies required for successful performance of the position's essential duties
• Experience in a model laboratory school preferred

Other Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to work in an active school environment
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with fellow teachers
• Positive organizational, interpersonal, and customer service skills
• Ability to work in a fast paced, customer service environment with patience, flexibility and attention to detail
• Demonstrated computer literacy skills
• Demonstrated ability to recognize and appropriately handle matters of a confidential nature
• Professional, courteous demeanor and appearance; ability to work professionally with students, faculty, staff and administration and represent the College professionally to the public
• Physical ability to perform essential functions of the position, as noted below, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Additionally, employees of the School for Young Children enjoy a combination of University benefits including;

• Access to the 403(b) program: Hourly employees who contribute 2% receive the University 5% match!
• Tuition Waiver Benefits including spouse & dependent waivers:
• The employee waiver covers a maximum of 6 credits per semester at USJ and translates to approximately $15,000 per year!
• The dependent waiver covers 100% undergraduate or graduate tuition for dependent children after 3 years of service
• Medical/Dental/Vision insurance
• Paid time off (sick and personal) & 13 paid holidays
• Two paid breaks (one week in December and one week in April)
• Enjoy the month of August off to relax, travel, or spend time with friends & family
• 8 weeks of parental leave (both maternal and paternal)

*applicable waiting periods and restrictions may apply; a full list of benefits can be found on our employment page

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements and description of the work environment are representative of what an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Activity

Approximate Percentage of Time Spent in this Activity

(Minimal, Some, Substantial)

1. Bending

Substantial

1. Climbing (e.g. stairs)

Some

1. Keyboarding

Some

1. Kneeling

Substantial

1. Lifting (indicate maximum weight)

Some

1. Reaching

Some

1. Sitting

Some

1. Standing

Substantial

1. Using Telephone

Some

1. Walking

Some

1. Other (please explain):

Work Environment (a brief description) Needs to be active enough to supervise children ages 3-4 years old in an active preschool environment both indoors and outdoors. Intervention maneuvers are necessary to facilitate social conflicts, facilitating play on the floor, supporting children in the bathroom, etc.