Early Childhood Classroom Assistant

Early Childhood Classroom Assistant

Position Title - Early Childhood Classroom Assistant

Position Type - Temporary Part-Time

Hiring Location - Owens Campus-Georgetown, DE

Position Specific Details - The working hours for this position are Monday – Friday, 12:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Salary - $19.36/hour

Classification Title - Early Childhood Classroom Assistant Teacher

Job Code - 5145 (FT), 5645 (PT)

FLSA - Non-Exempt

Position Pay Grade - B/C 10

Summary Statement - An incumbent is responsible for assisting the early childhood classroom teacher in implementing and maintaining developmentally appropriate educational activities within a classroom of the Child Development Center (CDC). Work includes supporting the daily care, guidance, and supervision of children. An incumbent assists in classroom preparation and maintenance, promoting a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment, while building position relationships with children, families, and staff.

Nature and Scope - An incumbent typically reports to the director of the childhood development center and may receive directions from the assistant director of the child development center and early childhood classroom teacher. Work involves assisting in the planning and implementation of curriculum activities, maintaining classroom organization and safety, and ensuring compliance with Delaware regulations and standards as well as College policy. The assistant teacher supports the development of children from infants to school age across all functions and contributes to a positive, team-oriented learning environment. This position models appropriate interactions for Early Childhood Education practicum students, maintains professional communications, and supports the mission of the College's Child Development Center.

Principal Accountabilities - An incumbent may perform any combination of the below listed accountabilities:

• Assists the classroom teacher in implementing daily lesson plans and learning activities that promote the cognitive, language, social-emotional, and physical development of children, while engaging actively with children in play, exploration, and structured learning experiences.
• Assists in the supervision of children to ensure their safety, health, and well-being at all times.
• Supports children in self-care routines such as toileting, eating, handwashing, dressing, and rest time, including helping children develop habits of self-regulation and agency in caring for their belongings and environment.
• Provides individualized support to children based on developmental levels and classroom goals.
• Maintains classroom, restroom, and playground environments that are clean, organized, and in compliance with OCCL health and safety regulations. Reports maintenance, safety, or health concerns promptly to the classroom teacher or center director/assistant director.
• Interacts respectfully and professionally with families, children, and visitors to promote positive relationships and communication. Shares relevant information about children's daily experiences with classroom teachers and families at routine pick-up and drop-off times as appropriate to ensure consistent family communication.
• Assists with the preparation for parent conferences, family events, and other Center activities.
• Assists in the daily opening and closing of the Center, which includes, maintaining the cleanliness and safe storage of supplies and equipment and performing light housekeeping duties in the Center.
• Plans, prepares, and/or serves meals and/or snacks as assigned.
• Prepares and/or maintains accurate written and electronic records, as assigned, in a timely manner, which may include attendance, daily activities, and incident documentation.
• Participates in team meetings, professional development sessions, and staff training opportunities.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities - Knowledge of relevant State and federal program policies, procedures, and regulations, including but not limited to OCCL and State Funded Early Care and Education Program (SFECEP) requirements. Knowledge of basic early childhood education principles, child development stages, and best practices in infant, toddler and preschool settings. Knowledge of basic program development, assessment of children, curriculum implementation, and early childhood evaluation frameworks. Knowledge of the physical, cognitive, social-emotional development of children. Skills in organization and management of multiple tasks and priorities. Ability to critically think and use sound judgment, remaining calm when confronted with emergency situations. Ability to build strong relationships with children, families, staff, college administrators and community partners. Ability to use applicable technology and software. Ability to effectively communicate and relate to a diverse population in a multicultural environment. Ability to maintain confidentiality, professional ethics, and a respectful, inclusive environment. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to prepare and maintain written records. Ability to utilize positive behavior management techniques appropriate for children being served.

Minimum Qualifications - High school diploma or GED and general experience with childcare. Must meet Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) requirements for an Early Childhood Assistant Teacher or Early Childhood Intern or higher as verified through the Delaware Educator Data Systems (DEEDS). Ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Ability to bend, reach and move from sitting on the floor to standing quickly.