Early Childhood - Teacher Assistant/Aide

Unclassified - Hamden, CT

Full-time

Hamden, CT

About the position

The Teacher Assistant at Hamden Early Learning Program plays a crucial role in supporting the educational environment for young children. This position involves working closely with teachers and the program director to create a nurturing and safe atmosphere conducive to learning. The Teacher Assistant is responsible for assisting in the implementation of a quality educational program tailored to the developmental needs of children aged 3 and 4 years. This includes observing and documenting children's interests and progress, which is then communicated to both parents and staff to foster a collaborative approach to education. In this role, the Teacher Assistant will collaborate with other classroom teachers to ensure that the program is developmentally appropriate and meets the needs of each child. This includes conducting assessments of child progress and facilitating parent conferences to discuss developmental milestones and educational strategies. The Teacher Assistant will also co-create weekly lesson plans in alignment with the SDE Learning Plan, ensuring that activities are engaging and relevant to the children's interests. Effective communication is essential in this position, as the Teacher Assistant must maintain open lines of communication with all staff members, administrators, and parents. This role requires a commitment to fostering positive relationships with children and their families, as well as a dedication to implementing best practices in early childhood education.

Responsibilities

• Support the Teachers and the Director in creating a caring and safe environment for children.
• Assist in activities to improve the overall care and quality of education.
• Observe and document children's interests and progress, relaying that information back to parents and staff.
• Implement developmentally appropriate activities based on children's interests and needs under the direction of the Teacher and the Director.
• Work in collaboration with other classroom teachers to provide a quality developmentally appropriate program for 3 and 4 year-old children.
• Conduct assessments of child progress and facilitate parent conferences.
• Co-create weekly lesson plans using the SDE Learning Plan.
• Maintain clear open communication with all staff, administrators, and parents.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Child Study, or Human Growth and Development preferred.
• 2 years of experience in early childhood education or related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of developmentally appropriate early childhood practices.
• Excellent oral and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a variety of settings with a culturally diverse population.
• Familiarity with NAEYC Standards and School Readiness program requirements.

Nice-to-haves

• Must be able to clear background check, fingerprinting, and pass a health screening.

Benefits

• Full-time, non-union position.