What are the responsibilities and job description for the Preschool Assistant Teacher position at Blossoms Childcare?
JOB SUMMARY
The Assistant Teacher position is the backbone of Blossoms. We strive to make this a good place for people looking to add experience to their resume and making a significant impact in children's lives along the way. We care about standing apart from other childcare providers by sticking to our motto; thriving children, empowered teachers, and supported families. We want to empower you to Blossom here and discover if childcare might be your calling and we expect that you’ll be committed to us while you’re here. We combat notoriously high turnover seen in this industry by being open, listening and understanding to our team and we strive to build a flexible program that listens to you. Our freedom and trust also comes with some expectations: We want you to communicate, we want you to show up, we want you to listen, and we want you to have your eyes keeping these kids safe at all times!
JOB PURPOSE
Your purpose is to maintain the safety and care of children entrusted to us, to maintain cleanliness, safe conditions, and to follow the guidance and direction of your lead teacher. Assistant Teachers help a lead teacher (or licensee) provide instructional support to children and implement developmentally appropriate programs for the classroom. We need you to show up to committed times and to communicate with us regarding anything that might impact your attendance. Most of all, we need you to love kids and/or babies in your care!
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Cares for children by playing with them, talking to them, comforting them, helping them, preventing squabbles, protecting them from harm from strangers, other children or inappropriate toys or unsafe conditions.
- Maintains appearance and cleanliness of the classroom by picking up toys, organizing, cleaning up spills and mishaps immediately.
- Maintains security of each child by following check-in and check-out procedures; following company’s rules and policies.
- Maintains cleanliness of each child by changing diapers, changing clothes; wiping noses, dirty hands and faces.
- Maintains order by bringing behavioral problems to the immediate attention of the lead teacher
- Protects childcare by upholding all posted rules.
- Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
- MUST BE WILLING, ABLE AND CAPABLE OF CHANGING DIAPERS FOR ALL CHILDREN IN YOUR CARE / CLASSROOM
- Must be consistently on time and willing to complete an entire day’s shift for your scheduled / contracted time.
- Must be at least 18 years or older
- The ability to lift 50 pounds
- Must be able to lift and carry children
- Must be able to assume and maintain a variety of postures (kneeling, squatting, crawling, sitting, standing) for extended periods of time.
- The ability to respond quickly - physically and mentally
- The ability to move safely over uneven terrain or in confined spaces
- The ability to see and respond to dangerous situations
- The ability to safely climb step ladders
- The ability to work outdoors with the children (we go outside multiple times EVERY DAY unless the weather is extreme)
- The ability to wear personal protective gear correctly the entire day, particularly gloves and masks
- Must be able to sit on the floor or stand for extended periods of time
- Must be able to clean a child after toileting accidents
- Must have manual dexterity to perform specific computer and electronic device functions pertaining to parent communication
- Must be physically present at the assigned job location
- Must be able to receive detailed information through oral communication
- Must have visual acuity to read and comprehend written communication through computer, electronic devices, and paper means
- Must have reliable transportation and be willing and able to travel between different locations as specified by your scheduling supervisor
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS THAT MUST BE COMPLETE PRIOR TO HIRE
- Create a MERIT account & obtain a STARS ID number
- Have a highschool diploma or equivalent with transcript uploaded to MERIT system
- Register with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) and pass a background check, and fingerprinting as deemed necessary by DCYF. Background check performed once every 3 years and more as deemed necessary by Blossoms Childcare
- Child Care Basics 30 Hour STARS Certificate, plus 10 hours of continued education yearly thereafter
- (Will be required after 5 years of employment) Stackable certificates: Initial Certificate and any additional education required by DCYF
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
- Negative TB Test results done within the last 12 months
- 1st Aid & Infant, Child and Adult CPR (expires every two years)
- 2 hour BBP Certificate (expires every year)
- Food Handlers Card (expires every 2 years)
- Safe Sleep Training (expires every year)
- Read all handbooks provided for families with Blossoms Childcare
