- Office in Silver Spring
Under overall supervision of Assistant Director (or other designated supervisor) and classroom supervision of Childcare Teacher, the Childcare Teacher Assistant supports implementation of classroom programming, which helps children to realize their personal goals, become valued members of their communities, and make choices about how they live their own lives. Teacher Assistants are expected to be flexible and responsive, and to demonstrate initiative.
Job-Specific Duties and Responsibilities
Inclusion and Engagement for Children Supported
- Facilitate and model inclusive interactions and relationships.
- Provide inclusive choices and opportunities for decision-making.
- Support accessing and participating in community activities and events, allowing dignity of risk with appropriate safeguards.
Needs and Goals of Children Supported
- Assist with implementing activities and curriculum which benefit children and meet their identified needs.
- Encourage and support children’s active participation in achieving their identified goals and developing their interests.
- Promote increased independence in all aspects of life, especially communication, activities of daily living, and community engagement.
- Assist in establishing and maintaining healthy relationships which expand social circles.
Health and Safety of Children Supported
- Provide appropriate care to all children using current best-practices and maintaining required adult:child ratios.
- Provide personal care assistance and food preparation/food service assistance, implementing required protocols.
- Provide timely information/feedback to supervisor and nurse (as needed) related to concerns or problems.
- Ensure service delivery environment is clean, tidy, and free from hazards, and equipment is regularly cleaned and maintained.
- Report environmental issues and concerns to supervisor and follow-up as needed.
- Assist with implementing appropriate action during emergencies, including requests for emergency assistance and notifications to nurse (as needed) and supervisor.
Documentation and Recordkeeping
- Assist with completing written records of support services provided, ensuring the data is accurate, concise, and clear, and indicates how those services fulfill identified requirements.
- Review records to understand children’s medical, educational, and developmental status.
- Assist with reporting all incidents according to established policies and procedures and follow-up as needed.
- Assist with maintaining records as required, cooperating and consulting with others as needed.
Professional Development and Credentialing
- Support accreditation standards and process.
- Complete at least 12 Core of Knowledge training hours annually.
- Apply for state childcare credentials and renew annually to work toward/maintain a minimum Level 2 credential.
Qualifications
- Minimum age 18.
- High school diploma or GED equivalency.
- Successful completion of pre-employment medical examination and TB testing.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills and computer skills.
- Ability to read and write in English and have a good understanding of the English language.
- Ability to lift and carry independently up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to withstand prolonged periods of standing or walking, and frequent bending, stooping, reaching, pulling and pushing.
Pay Rate: $18.12 - $19.04 per hour depending on education and experience.
EOE M/F/Vet/Disabled
