Assistant Teacher 917 St. Louis

Definition: The Early Childhood Assistant Teacher provides early care and education within a defined childcare unit (classroom).

Educational Requirements: The Early Childhood Assistant Teacher shall have a minimum of a Child Development Associate (CDA) or equivalent. A 2 year degree is preferred. Note: An option of actively participating in a CDA certification program exists, but prior approval by the Director is needed.

Experience Qualifications: The Early Childhood Assistant Teacher shall have one (1) year of experience in the early childhood field.

Certification Requirements: Must be willing to maintain CPR and First Aide Certification.

Personal Qualifications: The Early Childhood Assistant Teacher shall demonstrate maturity, initiative, sound judgment and dependability, and the ability to communicate orally and in writing. He/she will be flexible and capable of working with a professional teaching team. He/she will be able to maintain a professional demeanor in words, tone and behavior, including the ability to effectively handle emergency situations and remain calm. He/she will have the ability to relate to a wide variety of individuals; including parents, children, staff and community contacts. The Early Childhood Assistant Teacher must be able to lift, carry, and hold children as well as perform those physical acts consistent with best practice. He/she must be willing to attend occasional Early Care and Education related meetings held off-site.

Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods of standing and frequent bending. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at a time. Will be exposed to illness-causing bacteria and viruses.

General Expectations:

• Be committed to the mission of the Agency.
• To understand and work within the Catholic Charities Maine Personnel, Accounting, Administrative and Service Area Policies and Procedures.
• Work in harmonious relationship with all Agency staff and community.
• To accept shared responsibilities and authority with other team members to successfully accomplish the goal of each team of which he or she is a member.
• Perform duties in a conscientious, cooperative manner.
• Perform required amount of work in a timely fashion with a minimum of errors.
• To assure quality in work performed in order to facilitate the delivery of quality services.
• Be punctual for scheduled work and use time off appropriately.
• To follow Catholic Charities USA's Code of Ethics, NAEYC Code of Ethics, and, in as much as they are congruent with these, to follow applicable professional codes of ethics. In addition, to comply fully with all relevant licensing, certification, accreditation and legal standards as required by the agency, contracts, Medicare, Medicaid (MaineCare), HIPAA and other applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.

Primary Responsibilities: The primary responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• To spend a majority of work time actively engaged with and observing children, supporting, promoting, enhancing and facilitating learning situations.
• To assist in the planning and implementing of developmentally appropriate activities as defined by the Early Care & Education curriculum, assessment practices and philosophy of care, including the National Association for the Education of Young Children guidelines, modifying content and modality as necessary to meet the needs of all children, both typically and atypically developing.
• To provide a warm, supportive environment which encourages hands on involvement from the children and stimulates growth in all developmental domains and content areas. (social/emotional, cognitive, motor, and language)
• To administer prescription medications to children as necessary, following the Early Care and Education Policy.
• To be accepting of change as it relates to quality improvements in curriculum, program policies, and procedures.
• To provide a safe, structured environment which meets the physical needs of each child. For example: toileting, diapering, participation in meals, playground supervision, maintaining hygienic standards (mats, tables, toys) etc.
• Assist in arranging the classroom to include interest centers that encourage small group, large group, and individual activities. Maintain a clean, neat, organized, classroom environment that stimulates children's interest.
• To assist in the management of room functioning by monitoring supplies, recording attendance, completing all required food forms, maintaining a daily room schedule, and lesson plans.
• To assist in the coordination of support services of children and families:
  • To be supportive during transitions into and from the program.
  • Participate in formal parent meetings.
  • To work in partnership with parents, communicating regularly to build mutual understanding and greater consistency for children.
  • Advocate for children and their families.
• Participate in meetings, training sessions, agency in-service and other community events/trainings related to the program.
• To assist in the maintenance of records as assigned; including food forms, attendance records, curriculum plans and assessment records.
• To work cooperatively with administrative staff to promote the mission statement and goals of Early Care and Education and Catholic Charities Maine.
• To understand the organizational structure of both the program and the agency and to work within the policies and procedures of both.

Secondary Responsibilities: The secondary responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• To accept and perform other duties as assigned.
• To perform tasks necessary to the overall functioning of the program.

You may apply directly on our Career Center or send your resume and cover letter via email (hroffice@ccmaine.org), fax (207-523-2789), or mail to Human Resources Office, Catholic Charities Maine P.O. Box 10660, Portland, ME 04104.

Catholic Charities Maine is a United Way and Affirmative Action/EOE/Minorities/Females/Veteran/Disabled Employer. Catholic Charities Maine participates in E-Verify. For more information on E-Verify, please go to: https://www.ccmaine.org