Position Overview: This position is responsible for assisting a classroom of infants and /or toddlers from all backgrounds and identities in accordance with the policies and philosophy of UMCDC and the University. This includes assisting in establishing a learning environment that is inclusive and developmentally age appropriate, developing emergent curriculum (see "UMCDC Learning Philosophy" for UMCDC's definition), supervising, and monitoring child development, providing high quality care, maintaining classroom materials, first aid and daily health checks. The Assistant teacher also supports and advances the center's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Job Responsibilities: Classroom Leadership (30%) - Assist in establishing and maintaining an inclusive, professional and safe learning space for children of all backgrounds, identities, abilities and developmental stages in compliance with MN DHS licensing and NAEYC accreditation standards, as well as relevant federal laws (e.g. USDA, ADA/IDEA, EOAA).
- In conjunction with the Teacher and Area Coordinator, plan and execute a consistent daily visible schedule of routines and activities.
- Conduct daily checks of the environment; assign, monitor, and follow up on the health and safety of the children and ensures the supervision of children are within sight and sound as per NAEYC and MN DHS Licensing (indoors and outdoors)
- Maintain and secure the confidentiality of information and records regarding staff, children, and families as mandated by the U of MN (e.g. FERPA, MN DHS-Licensing, MN Dept. of Ed., NEAYC accreditation, and USDA, HIPPA and ADA.)
- Participate in ongoing reflection (monthly and yearly) on evaluation of the program and personal professional development aligning with performance and job responsibilities.
Curriculum (30%) - Participate in planning and implementing emergent curriculum for children in a developmentally appropriate and inclusive environment.
- Use small groups, reflective practice, and observations when supporting the planning and implementation of learning experiences.
- Collaborate with the Teacher and Area Coordinator to help plan and implement curriculum, centering the educational work with children on their emerging interests and on their learning in relationship with others in accordance to the UMCDC Learning Philosophy.
- Assist in developing the child's role as an integral member of their learning community through developing the child's self-image and competence.
- Assist in preparing materials required for daily instruction and classroom environment for the children, ensuring they meet MN DHS licensingand NAEYC accreditation standards.
Documentation and Assessments (20%) - Through authentic observation, assist in assessing individual children's learning and development using the assigned assessment tool, Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP), in accordance with MN DHS Licensing and NAEYC accreditation standards.
- Partner with the Teacher and Area Coordinator to complete and maintain accurate documentation for "Desired Results," compliance with the NAEYC standards, and anecdotal records on children. Provide required information to the Teacher and Area Coordinator when meeting established deadlines.
- Assist in reviewing assessments and documentation of children's learning to revisit, reflect, and extend emergent curriculum, investigations, and small group explorations.
- Update and extend documentation to reflect children's work, processes, questions, and dialogues between teacher to child, child-to-child, with encounters, investigations and projects.
Communication (20%) - Establish effective partnerships with parents and reciprocal processes of communication on a regular basis. Assist in maintaining an open verbal and written communication with parents regarding child development, behavior issues, parent education, and other child related issues.
- Regularly communicate parent, child, and/or staff issues with Teacher and Area Coordinator (i.e., concerned parents, a child's behavior problems, or an employee's performance issues).
- Regularly communicate and collaborate with fellow teachers (e.g. assistants, as child(ren) transition to different classrooms).
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