Preschool Teacher’s Aide / Floater- Part Time

Job Description
Duties &
Responsibilities
Support the emotional, social, physical and cognitive needs of each child
Perform required care-giving activities (i.E. feeding, toileting, changing diapers, dressing, etc)
Supervise children at all times inside and outside the classroom
Assist the teachers in implementing positive guidance with each child
Attend meetings, trainings and professional development activities as needed / requested
Provide coverage of classrooms during breaks, planning time, etc.
Assist teachers during transitions to get children ready for meals, activities, nap etc.
Clean classroom environment and common areas such as bathrooms and outdoor play areas in accordance with program goals and philosophy
Clean toys and educational materials
Set and clear tables for meal and snack time
Organize art supplies and classroom materials
Lift up to 50 pounds
Other duties as requested
Expectations
At LA SCUOLA, the Aide is a supporting role and is expected to provide the highest quality, developmentally appropriate educational support for the children enrolled in our school.
An Aide should bear in mind at all times the following components of his/her job, and know that performance will be evaluated in direct relationship to the following expectations:
Curriculum Expectations
The curriculum at La Scuola is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach to Education and the schools in Reggio Emilia, Italy.
Curriculum for children ages 2-6 must always include a balance of elements including music (vocal and instrumental music), movement;
dramatic &
symbolic play;
expressive arts &
crafts;
social-emotional &
self-help skills;
language &
communication skills;
listening, following directions &
concentration;
pre-literacy, pre-math, and pre-science concepts;
and gross and fine motor coordination.
Learning across all disciplines must be integrated smoothly into everyday routines and play so that the learning accomplished is authentic and meaningful for the children.
Relationships with Children
Establish a personal connection with each child
Understand each child’s individual temperament and evolving developmental level
Support each child’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development within the context of LA SCUOLA’s “pedagogy of relationships”
Encourage positive social interactions among children
Balance necessity of classroom rules and norms and the need to respond to specific individuals appropriately (balance needs of the group with needs of the individual)
Incorporate individual children’s current needs into planning for overall group curriculum/activities
Assess children’s development and growth sensitively and accurately throughout the year
Convey joy and wonder in everyday interactions
Relationships with Families
Establish personal connection with each parent
Understand family style and priorities for their child in preschool
Conduct professional and insightful parent/teacher conferences
Communicate individual and group accomplishments and projects (interests, pursuits) in a timely manner through conversations, newsletters, and other documentation
Relationships with coworkers
Communicate effectively and respectfully at all times, in moments of agreement and of disagreement alike
Model responsible adult relationships for children
Engage in analytical and collaborative reflection on our work together
Establish classroom goals/priorities in light of both current school goals and children’s developmental stages and needs
Preparation of the classroom (physical environment)
Maintain a legible and thoughtful environment, suited to the developmental stage and learning needs of the children in the group
Observe children’s usage of the prepared environment and make changes as necessary in order to accomplish classroom goals
Be willing to change plans and introduce new provocations (materials, situations) on short notice according to the changing needs of the children in the group
To check whether an activity or content is age-appropriate, you should ask yourselves the following questions:
Why is this activity, content, experience worthwhile?
Why is it important now?
Would children gain this skill or learn this concept with ease and efficiency if presented to them later in their schooling?
What prior knowledge do children need to master this?
Does this offer children a challenge, but a challenge they can successfully meet?
Classroom Maintenance
Tidy up classroom as needed
Clean up classroom as needed (wipe surfaces, sweep/mop floors)