Assistant Teacher - Daycare at Community Action of South Mississippi

Description

Position Overview

The Assistant Teacher ensures the young children we serve have a solid foundation for life by encouraging the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of children and attending to their safety and welfare. The Assistant Teacher promotes family engagement in all aspects of the program by supporting the Daycare Teacher in providing quality classroom activities that meet the requirements of any local, state, federal, and/or agency policies and procedures.

Experience

Six (6) months of experience working with toddlers and preschool children in a daycare setting is preferred.

Physical Demands

Work involves frequent movement throughout the classroom and the facility. Work involves using repetitive motions of the wrists, hands and/or fingers while operating standard office equipment. Must be able to perceive the nature of sound at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Must be able to be active for extended periods of time without experiencing undue fatigue.

Must be able to lift children weighing 50 pounds or more as it may be required during emergencies or other unusual circumstances. Must be able to perform indoor and outdoor activities with children, including floor activities, keeping pace with the energy level of the children. Must recognize hazards and dangerous situations and take appropriate action. Must be available to accompany children on field trips, assisting them on/off the bus and when crossing the street.

Mental Demands

Must demonstrate good communication and speaking skills to receive and give information in person and by telephone. Must demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills. Must have the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Attention to detail and the ability to multi-task in complex situations is required.  

Must have the ability to apply Early Childhood Development (focus on infant/toddler) theory in daily activities, and adapt to the individual needs of children.

Special Demands

Must possess superior customer service skills and professional etiquette. Must possess proficient knowledge and ability to use a computer (must be keyboard proficient) and other office technology (i.e., telephone, fax, etc.).  

Must have the ability to supervise and monitor children at all times to ensure a safe environment, including the physical ability to monitor and move quickly in order to respond to children who are very active and may need restraint or redirection in order to ensure their safety or the safety of others.

Must have emotional maturity, willingness to cooperate with the aims of the program, respect for children and adults, flexibility, patience, good personal hygiene, and physical and mental health that does not interfere with responsibilities.  

Requirements

Education

High School graduate or equivalent required. A Child Development Associate credential (CDA) is preferred.

Certification

A Child Development Associate credential (CDA) in infant/toddler; OR enrolled in a program leading to an associate or baccalaureate degree in early childhood education; OR enrolled in a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential program to be completed within 18 months of hire date.