Leila Day Preschool Afternoon Teacher Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

About This Role

Leila Day is a progressive, play-based school where childhood is honored and celebrated. We believe in schooling filled with joyful adventures, meaningful relationships, and discovery through play. Teachers plan learning experiences around the needs and interests of the children. Learning environments, both indoors and in the natural world, are created with great intention in order to encourage curiosity, exploration, and experimentation. Children make discoveries, form ideas, and reach deeper understandings about themselves and their place in the world. Afternoon Teacher Assistants work under the supervision of the Teacher(s) in their classroom as well as the Assistant Director and Director. All staff work in a manner that promotes Leila Day's culture of respect, collaboration and kindness.

• Assist other classroom teacher(s) with implementation of activities, experiences and curriculum
• Contribute to an environment that is welcoming, child-centered and developmentally appropriate by engaging with children during play, preparing materials for teacher led activities and setting up the learning environments.
• Encourage children's positive self-concept while supporting and respecting the cultural backgrounds, languages, individual interests and learning style of each child and are sensitive to issues of equity and implicit bias.
• Assist with the maintenance of the classroom and outdoor spaces, including stocking of supplies and organizing instructional materials.
• Care for materials and equipment to ensure the indoor and outdoor spaces are properly tidied and organized at the close of each day
• Relay messages to and from the teachers and families as necessary.
• Carry out daily routines and procedures under the direction of lead or co-teachers (e.g. behavioral expectations, group management, limit setting and transitions) reflective of children's different needs and that ensure the safety and well-being of the group.
• Engage in on-going professional learning opportunities to remain current with early childhood research and best practices.
• Teacher Assistants communicate with teachers and maintain a cooperative and professional relationship with them.
• Teacher Assistants attend relevant staff meetings, school wide events, professional development trainings, conferences, and other activities outside of regular hours as deemed necessary by the administration.
• Other duties as assigned or necessary.

Physical, Health & Safety Requirements

• Must adhere to all CT State guidelines and Leila Day policies regarding immunizations, physical exam, and required health and safety training such as CPR, First Aid, and Administration of Medications
• Must have the physical ability to participate in activities that may include lifting, moving or holding children from 20-60 pounds as well as walking, squatting, climbing and sitting on the floor.
• Must have desire and ability to regularly spend as many as 2and one half hours per day outdoors.
• Must be able to maintain mental and physical alertness, appropriate level of energy and respond quickly to emergencies or unexpected situations.

Education & Experience

• At least 19 years of age
• Minimum 1 year experience working in child care or school setting

Bachelor's degree (in early childhood education or a related field) preferred but not required

ECE credits

• Professional Development
• Assistants are paid hourly at a rate starting between $18-21 per hour, based on education and experience.
• Regular hours are 17 and a half hours a week ( 2:00-5:30)
• Part time employees are not eligible for health and dental insurance benefits but do get paid vacation days for certain holidays
• There may be additional "sub" hours if they become available and the person is interested.
• Based on individual initiative there are many opportunities for professional development and the possibility of advancing up the career ladder in the field of early childhood education
• Opportunities to spend lots of time outdoors, be physically active, and be part of a stimulating, collaborative learning community that is dedicated to honoring childhood, respecting teachers, supporting families, and building community

Leila Day is an accredited, nonprofit child care center serving children of working families from diverse economic, racial and cultural backgrounds from New Haven and surrounding towns. In operation since 1878, this celebrated program's mission is to foster children's social, emotional, intellectual and physical development within a warm and nurturing environment built on sound

principles of child development. Leila Day emphasizes nature and outdoor education. The children and teachers spend time learning outside every day.