Preschool Teacher Assistant Floater

About the position

Under the direction of the Site Manager, the Teacher Assistant Floater possesses a diverse set of skills that support the daily operation of our Preschool program by taking on roles from substitute teaching, maintaining the kitchen, keeping our facilities clean and making sure the children are well fed.

Responsibilities

• Performs according to the standards set forth by the NAEYC, CACFP, USDA, Tennessee Day Care Licensing and Porter-Leath while performing duties within the kitchen and classroom.
• Provides classroom coverage for Teachers and Assistant Teachers when they are absent or out of the classroom; Assume responsibilities as the primary caregiver for one group of children for Teachers / Assistant Teachers, including children with special needs when assigned.
• Performs duties as a role model to clients and staff; act as mentor to families of children in group.
• Keeps Supervisor and Manager informed of programmatic issues in a timely and concise manner.
• Works cooperatively with other staff to create a positive, enriching and safe environment for children, families and staff.
• Assists program staff in delivering appropriate health, nutrition, disability, education, and family support services to children and families in accordance with program policies, procedures, and service plans.
• Assists in implementing daily education procedures in the classroom while adhering to best practices; assists in ensuring that children are involved in activities suited to their immediate emotional, social, intellectual, and physical needs; provides ample activity options to children.
• Ensures communication with nutrition staff, health/disability/nutrition staff, and education staff in order to fulfill special diet needs.
• Assists in the preparation and serving of meals to prep and serve meals in quantities according to menu and number of persons to be served making appropriate substitutions when necessary in accordance with USDA recommended daily dietary allowances and family-style dining requirements; comply with all Health department and Porter-Leath requirements regarding food preparation, food storage, cleanliness, and kitchen sanitation.
• Assists in maintaining appropriate records of attendance, meal counts, etc. necessary to produce reports.
• Conduct regular home visits and parent conferences with families.
• Assists with and conducts ongoing child evaluations.
• Contributes to team effort by performing other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School diploma/GED required
• Child Development Associate (CDA) preferred
• Associate's degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred
• Previous Head Start experience preferred
• Two (2) years of relevant work experience with infants, toddlers, and/or preschoolers
• CPR and First Aid certification preferred