Assistant Teacher - Preschool

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

Educare DC serves over 350 children from birth to five years – and their families – through our state-of-the-art center and through community partnerships. Building on the program foundations of Early Head Start and Head Start and accredited by NAEYC, Educare DC promotes school readiness by providing high-quality, comprehensive early learning programming for children who are historically underserved due to systemic racism, eliminating the opportunity gap often experienced by low-income communities. Educare DC is part of the 25-school Educare Learning Network that serves as a platform for broader change, inspiring high-quality programs in communities, improving public policies nationally and within each state, and demonstrating a comprehensive, research-based approach to the first five years of life and learning. Educare DC draws on a blend of private and public dollars, including federal childcare funding, Early Head Start, Pre-K, and other state and federal funding streams.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Preschool Assistant Teacher is responsible for contributing to the planning, implementation and coordination of the comprehensive education program. The Assistant Teacher supports the lead in ensuring that the education program is developmentally appropriate and meets the individual needs of the children as mandated by Head Start, state and local standards, and the Educare model.

Responsibilities

Program Core Features of the Educare Model

Participate in training to build an understanding of the Educare Model

Participate in the local evaluation and national Educare Implementation Study, engaging in a system of reciprocal, regular data feedback and utilization for individualized planning for children and families and continuous program improvement

Participate in Reflective Practice and Supervision throughout the program

Provide high-quality early learning program that incorporates evidence-based curriculum and instructional activities

Support and provide continuity of care to help children develop secure relationships

Implement, document, and demonstrate an understanding of the importance of multiple perspectives and have the skills to be successful in their interdisciplinary efforts

Collaborate with the family engagement specialist (assigned to each child), and other Educare personnel and support staff to promote individual children's goals relating to communication skills, health habits, physical skills, development of self-awareness, and early literacy

Participate in Family Child Service Reviews as scheduled

In support of ongoing, intensive professional development, Assistant teachers will attend and participate in all scheduled trainings, engage in coaching cycles with their Lead Teachers, and develop individual plans for their own professional development.

Provide an enhanced curriculum focus on:

Language and Literacy

Social/Emotional development

Problem-solving and numeracy

Integration of the Arts

Curriculum

Engage positively with the children and use appropriate discipline methods as outlined in the school's child guidance discipline policy

Assist in the planning and implementation of classroom activities that are child-centered, developmentally appropriate, open-ended and process oriented

Support children’s ideas and initiatives, and creativity

Assist in developing and managing an attractive and engaging environment that encourages children’s independence and self-selection of activities

Position themselves strategically in all environments to actively engage children, provide optimal supervision, and facilitate play

Use the playground as an extension of the classroom; ensure that the playground is safe

Assist in daily routines including helping to keep the classroom clean; this includes following all sanitary procedures for food service and diapering/toileting

Assessment

Collaborate with the teaching team to observe, document, and assess their primary care children

Identify any developmental concerns for primary care children and share the information with the Lead Teacher

Collaborate with the teaching team to complete weekly lesson plans

Complete and submit small group plans for primary care children to the lead teacher on a weekly basis

Participate in Family Child Service Reviews for their primary children

Assist in the completion of band-aid reports and documentation of incidents in the medical log

Home/School Connection:

Develop effective partnerships with families by maintaining open communication and encouraging their input into the educational program

Collaborate with the teaching team to develop, document, and implement, in collaboration with each child’s family, and individualized plan for each child to be reviewed regularly in response to each child’s progress

Under the direction of the lead teacher, schedule and complete home visits and conferences as required each year

Other

The assistant teacher will assume the responsibilities of the lead teacher in the absence of the lead teacher

Under the direction of the lead teacher, assist in data entry as requested

Assist the lead teacher to maintain an up to date classroom inventory

Participate in reflective supervision with the Lead Teacher and/or Mentor Teacher

Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the job description

EXPERIENCE AND ABILITIES

1 year of relevant experience

Knowledge of early childhood curriculum and developmentally appropriate practice for the specific age group (3-5)

Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards

Knowledge of City and State licensing requirements

Ability to work as a cooperative and supportive team member

Ability to communicate and cooperate with various professionals and community groups.

Ability to communicate and cooperate with parents

Ability and willingness to work in a program located in a high-risk, low-income community

A biannual physical exam, drug screen and TB test are required as a condition of initial employment and continued employment

Responsible for contributing to the planning, implementation and coordination of the comprehensive education program.

Supports the Lead Teacher in ensuring that the education program is developmentally appropriate and meets the individual needs of the children as mandated by Head Start, state and local standards, and the Educare model.

Assist with the implementation of all program requirements in adherence to performance and outcome standards, along with compliance standards, as prescribed by the multiple funding and model requirements.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or a related field

ADDITIONAL JOB REQUIREMENTS

Clearance of background checks as required by local, state and federal regulations.

Physical examination and diagnostic tests as required by local, state and federal regulations.

A bi-annual physical exam, drug screen, covid-19 vaccinations and TB test are required as a condition of continual employment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Must be able to physically interact with children, including bending, kneeling, sitting on the floor, lifting up to 40 pounds, climbing and walking

Must have advanced command of the English language and grammar, both verbal and written

Must remain abreast of developments in the child development field to enhance professional growth and development

Educare DC offers a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, retirement accounts with company match, paid leave, and more. Educare DC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.