Part-Time Teacher Assistant

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

Blooming Minds Academy Teacher Assistant (TA) will support the teaching staff in implementing childcare programs. TA will assist with carrying out BMA mission and values by providing high quality childcare services to children and parents that focus on the Blooming Minds Academy’s core values: honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring.

Career Overview

Teacher Assistant works under Teacher’s supervision and give children additional attention and instruction. Teacher Assistants are responsible for observing and monitoring kids’ activities at all times: in classroom or on the playground, during field trips, naps and meals. Teacher Assistants must be constantly aware of the location of their students and keep them in line of sight.

Job Duties

Teacher Assistant typically does the following:

• Helps to ensure the safety and well-being of the children and protects each from physical or emotional harm. This includes performing all tasks with an appropriate level of confidentiality and positive attitude.
• Reinforces lessons presented by teachers by reviewing material with students in a one-on-one or in a small group setting.
• Enforces the academy and class rules to help teach students proper behavior.
• Helps teachers prepare for lessons by getting materials ready or setting up equipment, such as computers, books, notebooks, project materials, etc.
• Helps supervise students in class, between classes, during lunch and recess, and on field trips.
• Maintains observation records and other required classroom logs correctly.
• Helps with general housekeeping tasks.
• Maintains professional attitude at all times.

Essential Functions

• Assists with the implementation of daily plans and activities.
• Assists in supervising children and participates with children in activities.
• Maintains program site and equipment.
• Provides guidance for children’s behavior.
• Supervises and interacts with children at all times, including meal times, rest periods, diapering/restroom times, play times, and activity times.
• Provides care for children including changing diapers, feeding, and comforting.
• Helps with general housekeeping tasks.
• Sanitizes toys and equipment.
• Ensures the cleanliness of the classroom and all of the materials.

Physical Demands

• Performs all physical aspects of the position, including frequently moving around, bending, reaching, and lifting up to 50 pounds at a time.
• Able to recognize and react calmly and effectively in stressful situations if applicable.
• Assists children with such daily activities as maintaining personal hygiene, toileting, diapering, lifting, feeding, and getting in or out of transportation.
• May be exposed to verbal outbursts, physical actions or bodily fluids as part of childcare environment.

Environmental Conditions

The BMA Teacher Assistant will be working in a busy and occasionally noisy environment. There may be a number of activities and situations happening at once, and the BMA Teacher Assistant will have to multitask and supervise all children at all times.

Sensory Demands

The BMA Teacher Assistant may experience smells associated with toileting and children who are ill (e.g. vomiting). Should be able to care for ill children and clean the affected areas.

Mental Demands

Caring for children can be stressful. The BMA Teacher Assistant must ensure that children are supervised at all times, and that children are involved in safe and appropriate activities. There may be a number of situations happening at once, and the BMA Teacher Assistant must be prepared to handle accidents and emergencies at any time in a calm manner and with a positive attitude.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time or part time position, and hours of work and days are generally Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Extended hours may be necessary as needed to cover staffing during the academy hours.

Required Education and Experience

1. Teacher Assistant shall become a member of the Gateways to Opportunity Registry within 30 days after hire. Opportunity Registry, with all educational and training credentials entered into the registry verified in accordance with procedures and requirements adopted by the Department of Human Services (see 89 I ll. Adm. Code 50.Subpart G).
2. Teacher Assistant must complete online Mandated Reporter Training. Newly hired staff must complete this training within 30 days after hire.
3. Teacher Assistant shall submit a report of a physical examination completed no more than 6 months prior to employment that provides evidence that they are free of communicable disease, including active tuberculosis, and physical or mental conditions that could affect their ability to perform assigned duties. This examination shall include a test for tuberculosis by the Mantoux method.
4. Teacher Assistant shall complete Food Handler’s Permit within 2 months of date of hire. The current rules and regulations of the Illinois Department of Public Health pertaining to Food Service Sanitation (77 Ill. Adm. Code 750).
5. Teacher Assistant shall have physical re-examinations every 2 years and whenever communicable disease or illness is suspected.
6. CPR and First Aid Certification required within 2 months of date of hire.
7. Must pass a pre-employment criminal background check.
8. Must have some knowledge of early childhood education – coursework or prior experience desirable, but not mandatory.
9. Must meet physical requirements of the job including the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
10. Three written character references, verified by the day care center.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge

• Knowledge of child cognitive, social, and skills development methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of play, reading, and quiet-time activities for children.
• Child supervision skills.
• Knowledge of childcare facility, services and/or staff licensure and certification requirements.

Skills

• Emotional maturity when working with children;
• Cooperation with the purposes and services of the program;
• Respect for children and adults;
• Flexibility, understanding and patience;
• Physical and mental health that do not interfere with child care responsibilities;
• Good personal hygiene;
• Frequent interaction with children;
• Listening skills, availability and responsiveness to children;
• Sensitivity to children’s socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds, and individual needs and capabilities;
• Outstanding communication skills.

Ability

• Ability to provide a supportive and caring environment for children.
• Ability to provide basic nutrition and hygiene services for infants and young children.
• Ability to understand and follow specific instructions and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to keep classrooms in order.

Personal Attributes

Must maintain strict confidentiality in performing the duties of BMA Teacher Assistant. TA must also demonstrate the following personal attributes: love children, enjoy frequent communication, be organized, and responsible.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Employee signature below constitutes employee’s understanding of the requirements, essential functions and duties of the position.

Salary DOE

Please, submit your resume and cover letter to olgabloomacademy@gmail.com