Teacher Assistant

The Teacher Assistant will support the preschool team and the Director by helping to create a caring and safe environment for the children and assisting in activities to improve the overall care and quality of education.  S/he must be able to communicate, listen and work well with others in a team environment. Assist the staff in implementing a quality educational program and in developing positive relationships with the children and their parents. The teacher assistant will work with lead teacher to ensure the education program is developmentally appropriate and meets children's individual needs as well as program standards of Malone, the Nebraska Department of Education, and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). This is a full-time position.

Essential Job Functions

• Champion the Malone Center mission and vision in all engagements and interactions, both internal and external to the organization.

Child Development:

• Observe, assess, and document each child’s skills, behavior, growth, and development.

• Provide opportunities for children to develop positive self-images and experience success.

• Develop and individualized educational plan for each child.

• Bring attention to those children with special needs. Coordinate referrals for children with special needs or mental health needs with the Lead Teacher.

• Contribute to and participate in child and family reviews, Mental Health staffing, and/or Individualized Education Plans/Individualized Family Service Plans.

Classroom Management:

• Maintain an attractive and stimulating learning environment and encourage child’s independence and self-selection of activities.

• Ensure that all children are under appropriate supervision and guidance at all times.

• Maintain a clean, safe, and healthy classroom environment.

• Utilize Positive Behavior Supports and Touchpoints strategies.

Curriculum:

• Assist team with planning and implementation of developmentally appropriate classroom activities that will enhance language and literacy development, (2) cognition and general knowledge, (3) approaches towards learning, (4) physical well-being and motor development, and (5) social and emotional development of each child.

• Participate in interpreting and analyzing assessment results and utilize data to plan individual and classroom experiences as well as intentionally share information with families.

• Assist in developing lesson plans with goals, objectives, activities, and outcomes for children and implement them intentionally.

• Assist in integrating other areas, i.e., health/physical activity, nutrition, mental health, disabilities, transition, safety, and parent involvement, into the education plan.

Parent Involvement:

• Participate in parent conferences and meetings about the child’s progress.

• Encourage parent participation in program activities and in implementing education activities for their children at home and in the community.

• Communicate with parents (informal conversations, newsletters, personal notes) regarding their child’s involvement in classroom activities and progress toward learning goals.

• Utilize Brightwheel online parent and teacher portal for parent communication and tracking of youth attendance.

• Participate in regular reflective supervision with the Lead teacher.

• Participate in ongoing professional development (including peer learning activities).
• Support the implementation of new strategies gained through training.

• Maintain confidentiality regarding each child and family.

• Assist in maintaining daily attendance and CACFP food counts.

• Actively engage in activities; manage cleanliness, maintenance, and availability of classroom materials.

• Follow all center policies and state regulations.

• Perform all other duties as assigned.

• This position requires regular evening and weekend availability to support program operations, trainings, events, meetings, and organizational needs.

Education and Experience 

• High school diploma or GED, required.

• Significant college credit in early childhood education or related field, preferred. 

• Minimum of two years of experience in early childhood in a group setting, preferred.

• Demonstrated experience serving children and families from marginalized communities.

• Ability to develop rapport with diverse populations.

Required Qualifications

• Driver’s license and clean driving record.

• Knowledge of childcare and nonprofit policies and regulations.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Attend all mandatory trainings. 

• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.

• CPR/First Aid Certification or obtained within first 30 days of employment.

• Food Handlers Permit or ability to obtain within first 30 days of employment.

• Complete “Safe Kids Buckle Up” program within first 60 days of employment.

• Complete Child Care Health and Safety training within first 90 days of employment.

• Complete “Safe with You” training within first 90 days of employment.

• Complete Mandated Reporter training within first 60 days of employment.

• Effective and efficient problem-solving skills.

• Strong attention to detail and anticipation of needs.

• Self-motivated.

• Ability to build rapport and relationships with people from all demographics.

Compensation and Benefits

Pay Range: $16.50 - 18.00/hr depending on qualifications and experience.

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays

• Professional development and training opportunities, including a defined pathway toward program directorship

• Wellness resources

This position requires regular evening and weekend availability to support program operations, trainings, events, meetings, and organizational needs.

The Malone Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Minorities / Women / Veterans / Disabled