Assistant Preschool Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

About This Role

Bristol Child Development Center is a non-profit child care agency located in Bristol, CT. We have two sites and serve infants through preschoolers, and in the summer we offer a school age program. We are state funded through school readiness, CDC and are NAEYC Accredited. Currently we seek to hire qualified teacher assistants with a love for teaching in the early childhood field. The assistant teacher supports the teacher in developing, implementing, and evaluating developmentally appropriate practice for children which meet their physical, emotional, social and cognitive needs to ensure school readiness.

• Create a pleasant, inviting classroom atmosphere in which children feel comfortable and secure.
• Ensure the safety of children through constant supervision, effective arrangement of space, proper maintenance of equipment.
• Assists & supports teacher in designing and implementing indoor and outdoor learning environments that engage the total development of each child while addressing the individual needs of the children in the group
• Participates in team-teaching approach within the classroom by collaborating in developing and implementing lesson plans along with documenting children's development and growth.
• Assists & supports teacher in planning individual and group activities to stimulate growth in all areas of development.
• Assists in plans and implements the curriculum which meets individual needs of children throughout the year.
• Shares responsibility with teacher in evaluating the needs and progress of children using methods of developmental assessments and screening including, but not limited to, cognitive development assessments, observations, and anecdotal records to implement educational plans during the year.
• Shares responsibility with the teacher in maintaining written records designed to evaluate each individual child as well as the class as a whole.
• In the absence of the teacher, assume designated responsibilities as assigned.
• Works with staff, parents, and other professionals to integrate services to benefit the child.
• Maintain an open, friendly, and cooperative relationship with each child and each child's family.
• Encourage parental involvement in the program.
• Assist in maintaining parent contacts through progress reports, parent conferences, daily and weekly classroom reporting methods, newsletters, and personal contact.
• Maintain a healthy and safe learning environment for children following DPH & NAEYC guidelines.
• Works in conjunction with the teacher and consultants to provide educational instructions within the classroom.
• Acts as a role model to other staff promoting a harmonious environment for staff and children.
• Contribute to the operation of the center by participating in staff meetings and sharing information gained through attendance at workshops and professional development.
• In collaboration with the administrative team assist in setting program goals and strategic planning.
• Report issues and/or incidents concerning children, parents or staff to the administrative staff.
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality.
• Follows the centers abuse and neglect policy for reporting suspected abuse.
• Physically able and willing to interact with children in the indoor and outdoor environment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Educational Qualifications

Minimum of a Child Development Credential (CDA) and at least 12 credits in Early Childhood Education or an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education or a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field with a minimum of 12 credits in Early Childhood Education.

Experience and Training

• At least one year of experience in an early childhood setting.
• First Aid and CPR certification or willingness to complete required courses
• Medication and Epi-pen certification or willingness to complete required training

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to exercise good judgment in situations and flexibility in accommodating individual needs/skills for each child.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to work with parents, staff and community.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work in a center environment, actively participate in physical activities with children.
• Must be energetic and physically agile. Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, pushing light objects, and lifting children.
• Must be able to lift 40 lbs.
• Vision and hearing corrected to normal
• Must be able to communicate fluently in English, both verbally and in writing.

Other Requirements:

• Required to undergo a criminal and Department of Children and Families background check per the Office of Early Childhood's state licensing requirements.
• Statement of good health from personal physician including documentation of a negative tuberculosis test.

Associates Degree in ECE or related field

First Aid and CPR certification or willingness to complete required courses

Medication and Epi-pen certification or willingness to complete required training

• We offer excellent benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, paid holidays, 401K, and short/long term disability and are an equal opportunity employer.

Bristol Child Development Center began in preschool education in 1971, we serve over 200 students, ages 12 weeks through 12 years of age in two locations: 291 Burlington Avenue, and 339 West Street, Bristol, Connecticut. We are a non-profit organization licensed by the State of Connecticut, Office of Early Childhood and receive School Readiness and Child Day Care Funding. We are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. BCDC is a full year educationally based program our mission is to provide early care and education to children to assist in their healthy, emotional, social, mental and physical development for lifelong learning.

Our program is based upon the premise that each child has the inherent right to develop the skills necessary to be a life-long learner. The Early Childhood Program stimulates thinking and expression, exploration, and curiosity. We believe every child is unique in terms of life experiences, developmental readiness, and cultural heritage. We value the partnership between school and home as it provides for a better understanding and increased knowledge of the child's educational goals, development, and activities. The foremost task of Bristol Child Development Center, Inc. program is to promote optimum development of a healthy self-concept in each child.