Summary Statement of Primary Functions: The Early Childhood Assistant is responsible for helping the teacher adhere to the guidelines of the licensing standards set by DCFS and any other accreditation requirements as related to the specific program and to ensure the quality of developmentally appropriate experiences received by the children.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES/ PRESCHOOL EC ASSISTANT

• Assists the teacher in maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment that follows program guidelines, performance standards and job targets.
• Assists the teacher in arranging physical space to encourage independence and seven different learning centers.
• Directs specific activities in the classroom assigned by the teacher.
• Assists the teacher in preparing materials to be used in the daily routine.
• Assists the teacher in providing smooth transitions and routines, such as hand washing, toileting, brushing teeth, greetings and transitions from one activity to the next.
• Eats with the children and provides appropriate discussion for meal times.
• Assists with documentation and individualization for all children.
• Assists with all assessments (prescreening forms, observations, check-lists) as well as an individual portfolio for each child.
• Assists with the completion of a Skill Check-List Report for each child three times a year.
• Maintains and turns in accurate attendance and meal count sheets.
• Assists in providing a balanced curriculum that encourages social and cultural awareness, exploration, predicting and testing behaviors, choices of leaning centers, large, small and individualized group activities.
• Sees self as a team member and effective model.
• Uses written system to share responsibilities.
• Participates in team meetings at least twice a month or more as needed, with center administration.
• Participates in daily communication with classroom team members and shares information .
• Accepts responsibility for managing the classroom when the teacher is absent.
• Interacts with children and adults in a positive manner.
• Helps plan activities and methods for keeping parents interested and involved in their child's development.
• As needed, -participates in Parent/Teacher Conferences and/or educational staffings.
• Works cooperatively with team and staff to maintain good parent relationships and involvement.
• Evaluates the daily routine with the teacher as it relates to the needs of all the children.
• Assists with the clean up and care of the room and classroom equipment.
• Participates in evening and/or week-end events as required including but not restricted to In-Service Training; and family activities/presentations.
• Annually participates in 15 - 25 clock hours of in-service training per year as required by DCFS and any accrediting body.
• Performs other related duties from time to time that may be assigned by the teacher and/or administrative staff.

QUALIFICATIONS

Educational

• Must have as a minimum a High School Diploma or GED, preference is given to staff with CDA credential or equivalent.
• Assistants who do not have at least a CDA credential are enrolled in a program leading to a CDA credential or the equivalent.
• Required paperwork relevant to DCFS and the park district on file.
• Background check required.

Personal and Programmatic

• Emotional maturity when working with children.
• Cooperation with the purposes and services of the program.
• Respect for children and adults.
• Flexibility, understanding, and patience.
• Physical and mental health that do not interfere with child care responsibilities.
• _Good personal hygiene. .
• Frequent interaction with children.
• Listening skills, availability and responsiveness to children.
• Sensitivity to children's socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds and individual needs and capabilities.
• Use of positive discipline and guidance techniques.
• Ability to provide and environment in which children can feel comfortable, relaxed happy and involved in play, recreation and other activities.
• Skills to help children meet their developmental and emotional needs.
• Skills in planning, directing and conducting activities that meet the children's basic needs.

Physical Constraints Required Include:

• To hear the conversational voice with or without a hearing aid.
• The ability to see and read newsprint with or without corrective lenses.
• To speak and be understood under normal circumstances.
• To lift and carry children and items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• The use of arms, hands, legs, and feet with or without corrective devices to accomplish the job including evacuation of the building during emergencies