Play-based early education Assistant Teacher (Northridge)

Job description: The role of the teaching assistant is to build connected relationships with the children and support developmentally appropriate activities in this play-based preschool program; in collaboration with the lead teacher, director, and/or other staff. In addition, this role includes maintaining a clean and safe classroom environment, including facilitating problem-solving when there are conflicts between children. These responsibilities would be carried out in alignment with the philosophical approach of the program. The perfect candidate for this position would have a natural joy being with children and the utmost respect for each child's emotional process. Roles and Responsibilities · In alignment with program philosophy and direction, supervise children ages 2.5 through 5 years in various activities (e.g. snack time, group or individual play, clean up, etc.), providing a safe and positive early education environment. · Support lead teacher in the supervision of children and routines of the day, taking direction and anticipating needs. · Help maintain a clean, organized and safe classroom and outdoor area. · Document children's activities, comments and play scenarios while supervising children. · Participate in meetings for reflection/discussion about child and group progress, developing curriculum, documenting child progress, and program calendar planning. · Plan age-appropriate program activities (e.g. games, art, music, etc.), addressing the individual and group interests and learning of the children. Much of this planning will be carried out by the lead teacher, but occasional activities would also be planned by the Assisting teacher. · Develop positive relationships with parents and relatives of the preschool program. · Administer first aid to children as may be required to meet immediate health care needs. · Assist director or other personnel as may be required to support them. · Other duties as needed. Physical Demands: Heavy lifting; frequent climbing and balancing; frequent stooping, squatting, kneeling, crouching, and fine motor skills. This job is also performed both outside and inside and sometimes in hot or cold weather conditions. Working with preschoolers requires focused attention, broad supervision and sustained energy. Hours and Days: Starts soon for Monday through Friday from 8:20 am to 1:30pm and Friday from 8:30am to 2pm. Occasionally, there may be a request to extend hours, but this is rare. Two Saturday mornings a year are required for Open Houses (one in January and one in June) Paid holidays are based on preschool calendar, but excludes summer months. Requirements: · Joy in working with young children · High school diploma or equivalent · Early childhood education/child development coursework and experience · CPR/first aid/preventative health and safety certified (can be completed at beginning of employment) · Livescan/TB test and any other health requirements upon hiring · Job Type: Part-time Benefits: Paid time off Work Location: In-person