Teacher Assistant - Washington, United States - Bright Beginnings, Inc.

Description

SIGNING BONUS ELIGIBLE
Bright Beginnings, Inc. is a non-profit organization that operates early childhood and family learning centers for families experiencing homelessness.

Our mission is to meet the needs of children and families living in homeless environments by:

providing children with a safe, nurturing educational environment; preparing children to enter kindergarten ready to learn; and supporting homeless parents to stabilize their home lives and become self-sufficient.

Summary:

Responsible for assisting the Lead Teacher in developing and implementing a program of activities that promotes the social, emotional and physical development of each child enrolled in a group in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards and Title 29: District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (DCMR).

The duties and responsibilities will be carried out under the direction of the Lead Teacher.


Essential Duties:

• Assist lead teacher in maintaining records on each child's progress and development for the purpose of planning and compliance with Head Start Performance Standards.
• Assist lead teacher in implementing with fidelity High Scope, an evidenced-based curriculum according to policies and procedures.
• Assist lead teacher with the full implementation of Head Start, NAEYC, and Title 29: DCMR performance standards, policies and procedures, regulations and guidelines in the day-to-day operation of an early childhood development center, including developmentally appropriate practices.
• Assist lead teacher in reviewing the progress of each child and developing child portfolios and individual plans to promote each child's growth and development.
• Observe each child daily to assess skills, interests, and needs and use this information to facilitate learning and growth.
• Develop a positive relationship with each child and promote the development of self-esteem and self-discipline.
• Establish a positive relationship with each child's family and share information about the child's day at the Center.
• Assist lead teacher in conducting home visits and parent/teacher conferences.
• Assist lead teacher in the full implementation of Individual Family Service Plans (IFSPs) or Individual Education Plans (IEP)'s and inclusion of children with disabilities and special needs.
• Assist lead teacher with the maintenance a well-organized, safe and attractive classroom environment conducive to the optimal growth and development of children.
• Assist lead teacher with classroom maintenance ensuring a safe and sanitary condition by completing daily health and safety checklists in the classrooms and playground.
• Ensure universal precautions are kept at all times, including washing of hands upon entering classroom, after diapering, toileting, before and after meals, and after contact with bodily fluids.
• Assist the lead teacher with the implementation of health procedures on a daily basis, including following medication administration procedures, tooth brushing, sanitation, and administering First Aid/CPR.
• Assist with evacuation of children during fire drills, natural disasters, and any other emergencies, which may occur.
• Attend all staff meetings and professional learning provided by Bright Beginnings.
• Keep abreast of current knowledge in the field of Early Childhood Education.
• Maintains confidentiality of children and families at all times.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Mission and culture alignment;
• High school diploma or GED with a CDA or 15 credit hours in Early Childhood Education AND one year of teaching experience can be substituted for CDA;
• Must demonstrate experience and interest in working with young children, parents, and volunteers;
• Must demonstrate a strong knowledge of appropriate practices in early childhood development including working with parents;
• Must demonstrate success in working as a member of a team;
• Must have effective and strong communication skills (orally and written);
• Must demonstrate the ability to work well with young children;
• Must be willing to work flexible hours in order to meet the needs of the program;
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards preferred;
• Strong computer skills with expertise in Windowsbased programs, such as the Microsoft Office Suite;
• Must have DC local and Federal criminal record clearance, Child Protective Register check status and substance abuse testing; and
• Documentation of Tuberculinfree condition and health screening on an annual basis.

Physical Demands:

• Be able to lift 2550 lbs.
• Be able to walk, squat/kneel, sit on floor, see, hear and speak.
• Be able to raise objects from a lower to higher location or moving objects horizontally from one location to another.

Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider.
Work Remotely

• No

Pay:
From $37,600.00 per year


Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending accou