What are the responsibilities and job description for the Instructional Assistant position at EducareDC?
ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW
Educare DC serves over 350 children from birth to five years – and their families – through our state-of-the-art center and through community partnerships. Building on the program foundations of Early Head Start and Head Start and accredited by NAEYC, Educare DC promotes school readiness by providing high-quality, comprehensive early learning programming for children who are historically underserved due to systemic racism, eliminating the opportunity gap often experienced by low-income communities. Educare DC is part of the 25-school Educare Learning Network that serves as a platform for broader change, inspiring high-quality programs in communities, improving public policies nationally and within each state, and demonstrating a comprehensive, research-based approach to the first five years of life and learning. Educare DC draws on a blend of private and public dollars, including federal childcare funding, Early Head Start, Pre-K, and other state and federal funding streams.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Instructional Assistant (IA) is responsible for contributing to the planning, implementation, and coordination of the comprehensive education program. Reporting to the Education Mentor, the IA ensures that the education program is developmentally appropriate and meets the individual needs of the children as mandated by Early Head Start, state and local standards and the Educare model.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Support ongoing intensive professional development including attending and participating in all scheduled trainings, engaging with partnership sites in coaching cycles with the classroom teachers, and develop individual plans for their own professional development.
Provide an enhanced curriculum focus on social emotional development, early language and literacy, physical development, and integration of the arts.
Curriculum
Engage positively with the children and use appropriate discipline methods as outlined in Educare DC’s child guidance discipline policy.
Assist in the implementation of learning experiences that promote all developmental domains (social, emotional, physical, and intellectual) including contributing to the readiness of children to enter school by developing their early language acquisition and vocabulary.
Assist in managing an attractive and engaging environment that encourages exploration and fosters independence.
Position themselves strategically in all environments to engage children, provide optimal supervision, and facilitate play while in the classroom.
Use the playground as an extension of the classroom; ensure that the playground is safe.
Assist in daily routines such as bottle feedings, meal preparations, diapering, toileting, hand washing, monitoring sleep times, cleanup, and supervision of children at all times, including outdoor play.
Assessment
Collaborate with the teaching team to observe and model documentation for all children.
Identify any developmental concerns for children in their care and share the information with the Lead Teacher of the classroom.
Collaborate with the teaching team to implement activities and use instructional materials suitable for infants and toddlers with a wide range of cognitive, physical, and emotional maturities.
Assist in the completion of incident reports and documentation of incidents in the medical log.
Interdisciplinary Duties
The Instructional Assistant will assume the responsibilities of a teacher in the absence of the Teacher when meeting with the Education Mentor or when directed by the Manager of EHS Partnerships.
Under the direction of the Education Mentor, assist in data entry as requested.
Participate in reflective supervision with the Education Mentor.
Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the job description.
EXPERIENCE AND ABILITIES
Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field with a minimum of 18 credits in Early Childhood or Child Development.
One year’s classroom experience is required.
Knowledge of early childhood curriculum and developmentally appropriate practice for the specific age group (6 weeks through three years).
Knowledge of Early Head Start Performance Standards.
Knowledge of DC licensing requirements.
Ability to work as a cooperative and supportive team member.
Ability to communicate and cooperate with various professionals and community groups.
Ability to communicate and cooperate with parents.
Ability and willingness to work in a program located in a high-risk, low-income community.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Associate's degree in early childhood education, Child Development, or a related field with a minimum of 18 credits in Early Childhood or Child Development.
ADDITIONAL JOB REQUIREMENTS
Clearance of background checks as required by local, state, and federal regulations.
Annual physical exam, drug screen and TB tests, and Covid-19 vaccination are required as a condition of continual employment as required by Educare DC, state, and federal regulations.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Advanced command of the English language and grammar, both verbal and written.
Visual and auditory acuity within professionally determined normal ranges, with correction if needed.
Manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer and office equipment, including, but not limited to, the telephone, fax machine, copier, and tape recorder.
Must be able to lift 40 pounds.
Must be able to travel.
Must be able to enter and exit a vehicle without assistance and withstand exposure to adverse weather conditions.
Experience working successfully with a culturally diverse staff and clients.
Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.
This position may work 40 or more hours per week.
About EducareDC
Educare DC is a leading early childhood education source for preparing children for success in school and life. With a focus on equity, excellence and continuous improvement, the Educare DC work environment is safe, fun and challenging. Come join our team and partner with us to provide the highest quality care and education to families.
