What are the responsibilities and job description for the Teacher Associate position at Chester Community Preschool?
Job Objectives and Job Summary:
Teacher Associates are responsible for being familiar with Head Start Performance Standards, Vermont Early
Learning Standards, and Vermont Child Care Licensing Regulations for Center Based Child Care and Preschool
Programs, and ensuring they are being met in the classroom. Teacher Associates are part of a team designed to
provide all children with a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment. The teacher associate is part of
a team that meets regularly. This position requires a close collaborative working relationship with the Lead
Teacher, Teacher Assistant, parents and other center staff.
Responsibilities:
• Meet the qualifications for at least “Teacher Assistant” in the Vermont Child Care Licensing Regulations
for Center Based Child Care and Preschool Programs and Head Start Performance Standards.
• Teacher Associates model positive, respectful interactions with adults and children alike. They are role
models for parents, and an ambassador for the program.
• Participate in a developmentally appropriate preschool experience for children.
• Participate in parent activities in collaboration with Family Partners.
• Participate in regularly scheduled individual supervision meetings, team meetings, center staff meetings,
staff development days, and SEVCA All Staff meetings.
• Participate in ongoing training according to an Individualized Professional Development Plan that meets
the requirements of the Vermont Child Care Licensing Regulations for Center Based Child Care and
Preschool Programs for this position.
• Assist the lead teacher with all aspects of the classroom including: paperwork, curriculum planning,
screenings, and documentation for children’s assessments.
• Assist in daily room maintenance.
• Substitute for the lead teacher in her absence.
• Respect and respond competently to the culture, traditions, lifestyle, language, and values of each family
and community.
• Offer parents opportunities to be involved in group activities, meetings, and educational activities based
on their interest and need. Also offer opportunities for parents to build on their goals, strengths, and access
needs.
• Facilitate, support and document family engagement activities in collaboration with Family Partners.
• Contribute to the Monthly Newsletter.
• Contribute input to monthly Case Management meetings with Family Partners.
• Ability to speak the language of the majority of the children in the classroom.
• Ability to work collaboratively with coworkers and maintain a team effort at all times.
• Represent the program at local, state and regional meetings and conferences.
• Ability to lift, twist, and turn with 50 pounds of weight.
• Enter and submit biweekly attendance to Child Care Services Manager (for full day classrooms only)
• Behavior management and interactions with children must be positive and respectful.
• Fulfill role as mandated reporter as stated in Child Abuse and Neglect Policy.
• Be present at work in order to provide consistency of services.
• Complete needs assessment and participate in the practice-based coaching model within the program, if selected
• Other duties as assigned.
Job Standards/Accountability:
Teacher Associates will adhere to the Head Start Performance Standards, Vermont Early Learning Standards,
and the Vermont Child Care Licensing Regulations for Center Based Child Care and Preschool Programs, the
SEVCA Personnel Policies and SEVCA/SEVCA HEAD START Policies and Procedures. Teacher Associates
report directly to the Lead Teacher and ESDM.
Working Conditions:
The Teacher Associate is considered a full-time position with at least 32.5 hours per week, hourly wage, and
program year position. The hours depend on the number of Head Start children served in the classroom, and
whether the center offers full day care. Teacher Associates help Lead Teachers manage their own classroom
space and are responsible for its general upkeep and daily maintenance. Benefits are attached to this position
according to the SEVCA Personnel Policies. Professional Development will be partially supported by
SEVCA/SEVCA HEAD START. Teacher Associates are also given paid planning time on a daily basis.
Salary : $19 - $22