Description Purpose: To be responsible for assisting in the general supervision and management of a classroom of children by performing the duties necessary to provide a safe, nurturing, stimulating and educational environment. This includes allowing the children to grow at their own pace and gain in social, physical, emotional and cognitive development. Reports To: Classroom Head Teacher or Teacher Supervises: Self Requirements: • Able to observe, see, hear and respond to children's needs, emergencies and conflicts that might occur in a classroom, on the playground, other Center areas, or on field trips • Able to lift approximately 30 pounds from the floor to a waist high table 25 - 30 times daily • Able to reach a child 20 - 30 feet away within 30 seconds • Able to crouch to a child's height, maintain eye contact at the child's level, and sit on the floor for extended periods of time on a regular basis • Good health as confirmed by a physician's statement and proof of being free of tuberculosis • New York State Registry clearance • Criminal History Fingerprint clearance • Be at least 18 years of age Responsibilities: • Adhering to all policies and procedures of Care-a-lot Child Care and the child care licensing regulations of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services • The care, safety and well-being of all children in the classroom, including attending to children's personal needs, e.g., diapering, toileting, feeding, washing, clothing, comforting, preparing for rest • Assisting in the planning and implementation of an age-appropriate, open-ended program which coincides with the philosophy of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) • Assisting in preparing an inviting, clean and organized classroom environment with learning centers and hands-on activities which coincides with the philosophy of NAEYC • Interacting frequently with children in a positive, respectful, responsive and encouraging manner which follows the guidelines of NAEYC • Orienting and actively supervising children by overseeing both small and large groups of children • Developing parent relationships and communicating directly with parents on a regular basis • Maintaining classroom records and keeping necessary written documentation • Maintaining a positive work climate • Communicating effectively and directly with other staff • Assisting new and substitute staff assigned to the classroom • Assisting supervisor and rendering staff support to all other classrooms and employees as necessary • Assisting in the maintenance, general housekeeping and repair of assigned areas and common space • Performing administrative duties as necessary for the classroom and Center operations • Serving in the absence of the Head Teacher or Teacher as necessary Completing 15 hours of early childhood training within the first 6 months and every year thereafter Maintaining current Aspire account to record education and training with QualitystarsNY Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: • Knowledge of NYS child care regulations • Increasing knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices and age appropriate activities which correspond with NAEYC guidelines • Effective and tactful oral and written communication skills • Ability to maintain positive relationships with children, co-workers, and parents • Increasing ability to use constructive methods for maintaining group control and individual behaviors • Ability to use sound judgment and tact • Ability to work as a team member • Flexibility (especially in scheduling and practice to respond to the needs of the program) • Creativity and patience Training and Experience: • High School Diploma or its equivalent, AND • A commitment to working with young children in a manner that will encourage the children's emotional, social, physical and intellectual development, as outlined by NAEYC guidelines, AND • At least one (1) year of related work experience with children is preferred.