Preschool Assistant/Associate Teacher

Summary: The Assistant/Associate Teacher assists the classroom teacher in teaching preschool children to grasp daily lessons. The Associate Teacher may also provide childcare before and after school.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Supports fellow staff in the socialization and Jewish educational experiences for preschool children and is supportive of their families.
• Gears the program to the needs of the individual child with concerns for the childs interest, individual learning style and stage of development as well as the class as a group. Helps each child to become aware of his / her role as a member of the group while reinforcing positive self-esteem.
• Plans individual and group activities to stimulate growth in language, social, and motor skills such as learning to listen to instructions, playing with others, and using play equipment.
• Assists the teacher in the implementation of the planned curriculum.
• Responsible for arrangement, appearance, and age-appropriate learning environment of classroom. Cares for, maintains, and requests supplies and equipment.
• Instructs children in practices of self care. It will be necessary to change childrens clothes when needed, as well as implement a developmentally appropriate toilet-training program in a positive and nurturing manner.
• Alternates periods of strenuous activity with periods of rest or light activity to avoid overstimulation and fatigue.
• Helps children develop habits of caring for own clothing and picking up and putting away toys and books.
• Serves meals and healthy snacks to children.

Competencies:

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Interpersonal/ Communication - Focuses on solving conflict; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things. - Listens and gets clarification; participates in meetings; reads, writes, comprehends and speaks English proficiently.

Team Work - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.

Leadership - Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires respect and trust; Accepts feedback from others; Gives appropriate recognition to others; Displays passion and optimism. Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments.

Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.

Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of PJCC policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; promotes a harassment-free environment.

Safety Observes safety and security procedures.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience:

Associate's degree (A. A.) in Child Development strongly preferred.

• The distinction between these employees is based upon approved Early Childhood Education units as follows:
  • Assistant Teacher: Employees who have completed 6 units of approved Early Childhood Education.
  • Associate Teacher: Employees who have completed 12 units of approved Early Childhood Education.

One year experience required. Knowledge of Jewish culture and traditions is a plus.

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Microsoft Word processing software and perform email functions.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance.

Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Monday - Friday.