Position Overview
The PEEPS Assistant Teacher completes the non-credit early childhood education classes required to meet the educational qualifications for an Assistant Teacher position. With a combination of classroom instruction and engagement in hands-on classroom application, the Participant will develop the skill sets needed as an Assistant Teacher. Participants initially attend as a training participant transitioning to the Assistant Teacher role at the conclusion of the program. All teaching positions ensure that the education program is developmentally appropriate and meets the individual needs of the children as mandated by Office of Head Start, Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, Wisconsin’s quality rating and improvement system, YoungStar, and Next Door policies and procedures.
Responsibilities/Duties/Functions/Tasks
- Attends, participates, and completes all required activities and assignments of the Preparing Early Educational Professionals coursework.
- Actively participate in classroom observations, hands-on learning activities, and practice opportunities.
- Demonstrate a commitment to learning child development principles, early learning standards, and best practices in early childhood education.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and program information.
- Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, punctuality, and accountability.
- Participate in reflective practice activities to strengthen skills and improve performance.
- Accept feedback from instructors, coaches, and supervisors and incorporate recommendations into practice.
- Follow all program policies, procedures, health and safety regulations, and licensing requirements.
- Assists classroom staff in maintaining a safe, clean and healthy work environment.
- Assists in the compliance of Head Start Performance Standards, Licensing requirements, policies, procedures and guidelines in the day-to-day operation of the classroom.
- Models appropriate behavior and interacts in a positive, friendly and courteous manner with children, staff, families and community volunteers to build and foster responsive relationships.
Accountability and Performance Requirement
All staff members are accountable for knowing and performing the responsibilities associated with their individual position in an efficient and effective manner, understanding that each of us plays an integral role in the success of our mission. All staff will support the agency’s mission, vision, standards of conduct/code of ethics and strategic directions and support administrative decisions. This must be demonstrated by maintaining a positive work environment, and by behaving and communicating in an appropriate manner with children, families, coworkers, supervisors and the public while achieving performance expectations.
Qualifications
- To have a HS Diploma or GED
- To complete a required background check, drug test, health screening, and TB test
Special Position Requirements
- Participants must be able to attend full sessions as scheduled.
Preferences
- N/A
Safety and Health
Next Door is committed to providing a safe work environment and to fostering the well-being and health of its employees. An essential part of each employees’ job is the development of safe working practices and the observance of safety rules, including:
- Always following safety warnings and directions.
- Using personal safety devices when required.
- Reporting any unsafe conditions to the supervisor.
- Following process for reporting suspected child abuse and neglect.
- Reporting unsupervised children, after ensuring child’s safety.
- Implement active supervision practices at all times, including transition times.
- Ensure knowledge of each assigned child’s location at all times.
- Ensure medication is stored according to licensing regulations (DCF 251) and Next Door policies and procedures.
Physical Demands
- Primarily active work; occasionally lifting, holding or moving up to 50 lbs.
- A biannual physical exam, drug screen and TB test are required as a condition of initial employment and continued employment.
Physical Activity
- Bending, stooping, kneeling, sitting on the floor, walking/transporting, handling, reaching, climbing, balancing, crouching, crawling, talking and speaking clearly, hearing conversation level, smelling, and seeing; ability to interact daily with children outdoors in varied weather
Work Environment
- Mainly classroom setting and travel to various sites for meetings and/or trainings
Personal/Physiological
- Ability to make frequent, significant decisions to understand and react to the employees and candidates.
- Ability to respond quickly and competently to an emergency or crisis in order to keep children and staff safe.