Assistant Teacher Trainee

Job Description

Job Description

About This Role

The Assistant Teacher Trainee (ATT) is part of an accelerated training program that culminates with earning an Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. In this role, the ATT provides high-quality care to children in a Head Start / Early Head Start (HS/EHS) classroom, using best practices in child guidance and building strong relationships with classroom teachers, staff, children, and families. The ATT is also expected to be sensitive to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of our clients and reflect Sunbeam Family Services' core values and standards of excellence at all times.

• Complete all requirements for Infant/Toddler CDA within 45 days of hire, including successful completion of coursework and passing the CDA exam.
• Support the physical, social-emotional, and cognitive development of each child in the classroom, using a child-centered approach and evidence-based practices.
• Assist the lead teacher in maintaining a safe, clean, and healthy learning environment, and ensure the wellbeing and safety of children in their care.
• Work collaboratively with other staff to implement the Head Start/EHS written curriculum plan and demonstrate capacity for providing developmentally appropriate practice.
• Support record keeping and reporting systems to ensure accurate information and timely completion of tasks.
• Encourage language expansion, extended learning, and problem-solving strategies throughout the day.
• Participate in and attend all staff meetings, trainings, and certification courses as required, and occasionally travel locally as needed.

• CPR/First Aid Certification (or obtain within 30 days of hire), maintained throughout employment.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) certification (or obtain within 45 days of hire).
• High School Diploma.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent command of English language and grammar, both verbal and written.
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft applications and the ability to master other software as needed.
• Willingness to work with high-risk, low-income communities.
• Must be able to travel and work some evenings and weekends as required by the job.
• Local travel required and must have valid Oklahoma driver's license and insurance as required by the position.
• Must work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Communicate in a professional manner, demonstrating dignity, respect for our internal, external, and community members.
• Process, protect and exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials.
• Sustained concentration to detail and accuracy, along with the ability to prioritize workload.
• Exercise independent judgment.
• Good communication skills to interact with staff, children, and families.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds at a time.
• Ability to detect, discern distinguish, observe, inspect, and compare.
• Caring and compassionate attitude when interacting with and caring for children and families.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to frequently communicate with staff and others, and must be able to exchange accurate information when doing so. The employee must be able to interact closely and safely with small children in various positions. Must be able to communicate verbally with children, able to perform tasks such as feeding children, changing diapers, lifting children from floor or other surfaces. Must be able to endure remaining in stationary position for extended periods of time (up to 50% of workday). Occasionally must be able to move or lift up to 50 pounds at a time. Must be able to detect, discern distinguish, observe, inspect, and compare.

Work Environment

The employee will work in a classroom environment, may work in close quarters with other staff and small children. The noise level in the work environment varies from moderate to loud; frequent chaotic, characteristic to working with children ages 0-5 years. Employee must expect exposure to strong odors such as soiled diapers and clothing, and poor hygiene. Employee may come into contact with childhood diseases and blood on occasion. 

Other

The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. The qualifications, physical demands, and work environment described herein are representative of those an employee will encounter and must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel or candidate and may be subject to change at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

Sunbeam Family Services is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are committed to fair and equal in all its employment practices for persons without regard to race, ethnicity, color, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, religion, disability or degree thereof, national origin, domestic/marital status, political affiliation or opinion, veteran status, HIV status, AIDS status, genetic information, and any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

• Experience working in Early Childhood Education or Head Start/Early Head Start programs.
• Knowledge of Child Plus, NAEYC, and other relevant standards and guidelines.
• Advanced computer database and Microsoft Office software skills.
• Bilingual Spanish/English speaking ability to interact with children and families from multilingual homes.

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Leave
• Sick Leave
• Retirement Plan
• Professional Development
• A Low Student to Teacher Ratio of 2:8
• No out of pocket cost for school supplies 
• Classroom planning and prep is included in your schedule
• Calm, inviting, and fun environment
• Training and educational best practices
• A team of experts partners with you to support children's families (i.e. Family Partner to provide support and resources, Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health, Inclusion Specialist, and more)
• Sunbeam's Child Development Associate Scholarship Program covers books, online/traditional classes, and CDA Credential Exam 

Sunbeam's Mission: Building brighter futures with all children and families. When all families can build a strong foundation for their children, we all have a brighter, healthier life.

Sunbeam continually aspires to be a recognized leader in early childcare and education, with specialized support for entire family systems. We consistently strive to strengthen the social service ecosystem in our communities. We seek to be advocates of the highest-quality services and ensure the sustainability of our work.

"Hope is the belief that tomorrow will be better than today, and that you have the power to make it so." - Chan Hellman, Ph.D.

Our Culture

Sunbeam is an employee-first organization to serve the community best.  Employees are valued, respected, and encouraged to grow. We believe when employees are inspired, motivated, and treated well, they provide great service to our families.

"Best Places to Work"

At Sunbeam we are in the "people development business", developing the people we serve as well as our staff. That's one of the reasons we're voted The Journal Record's "Best Places to Work" for the seventh year in a row.

Benefits

Sunbeam Family Services is committed to maintaining a benefits program that meets the needs of its employees and their families. The benefits package includes medical, dental, life, and disability insurance. In addition, employees have access to Sunbeam's confidential counseling services through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and a 403(b) retirement savings plan, paid holidays, paid sick leave, paid time off (PTO), flexible spending account, and education reimbursement. In addition, employees have access to Sunbeam's confidential counseling services through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Childcare is also available for children up to age three.

Family Positive Workplace

Sunbeam is proud to be recognized as a Family Positive Workplace by the Potts Family Foundation and the OK25by25 Coalition. This award recognizes businesses throughout the state who intentionally help their employees balance work and family responsibilities.

*Sunbeam requires COVID vaccination or an approved exemption based upon medical or religious reasons prior to starting employment.

Sunbeam Family Services is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are committed to fair and equal in all its employment practices for persons without regard to race, ethnicity, color, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, religion, disability or degree thereof, national origin, domestic/marital status, political affiliation or opinion, veteran status, HIV status, AIDS status, genetic information, and any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws