Assistant Teacher - Infant Toddler at EducareDC – Washington, District of Columbia

ORGANIZATIONAL 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.al funding streams.

POSITION OVERVIEW
The Infant-Toddler Assistant Teacher is responsible for contributing to the planning, implementation and coordination of the comprehensive education program. The Assistant Teacher supports the Lead Teacher in ensuring 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
Program Core Features of the Educare Model
Participate in training to build an understanding of the Educare Model
Participate in the local evaluation and national Educare Implementation Study, engaging in a system of reciprocal, regular data feedback and utilization for individualized planning for children and families and continuous program improvement
Participate in Reflective Practice and Supervision throughout the program
Provide a high-quality early learning program that incorporates evidence-based curriculum and instructional activities
Support and provide continuity of care to help infants and toddlers develop secure relationships
Implement, document, and demonstrate an understanding of the importance of multiple perspectives and have the skills to be successful in their interdisciplinary efforts
Collaborate with the Family Engagement Specialist (assigned to each child), and other Educare personnel and support staff to promote individual children's goals relating to early communication development, fine and gross motor skills, development of social and self-care skills
Participate in Family Child Service Reviews as scheduled
In support of ongoing, intensive professional development, Assistant Teachers will attend and participate in all scheduled trainings, engage in coaching cycles with their Lead 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 the school's child guidance discipline policy
Assist in the planning and 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 developing and managing an attractive and engaging environment that encourages exploration and fosters independence
Position themselves strategically in all environments to actively engage children, provide optimal supervision, and facilitate play
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, document, and assess their primary care children
Identify any developmental concerns for primary care children and share the information with the Lead Teacher
Collaborate with the teaching team to develop activities and use instructional materials suitable for infants and toddlers with a wide range of cognitive, physical, and emotional maturities
Participate in Family Child Service Reviews for their primary children
Assist in the completion of band-aid reports and documentation of incidents in the medical log

Home/School Connection:
Develop effective partnerships with families by maintaining open communication and encouraging their input into the educational program.
Collaborate with the teaching team to develop, document, and implement, in collaboration with each child’s family, an individualized plan for each child to be reviewed regularly in response to each child’s progress
Under the direction of the Lead Teacher, and as feasible, participate in home visits and parent conferences

Other
The Assistant Teacher will assume the responsibilities of the Lead Teacher in the absence of the Lead Teacher
Under the direction of the Lead Teacher, assist in data entry as requested
Assist the Lead Teacher to maintain an up to date classroom inventory
Participate in reflective supervision with the Lead Teacher and/or Master Teacher
Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the job description

EXPERIENCE AND ABILITIES
1 year of relevant experience
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 City and State 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
Responsible for contributing to the planning, implementation and coordination of the comprehensive education program.
Supports the Lead Teacher in ensuring that the education program is developmentally appropriate and meets the individual needs of the children as mandated by Head Start, state and local standards, and the Educare model.
Assist with the implementation of all program requirements in adherence to performance and outcome standards, along with compliance standards, as prescribed by the multiple funding and model requirements.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Associate's degree in early childhood education, Child Development or a related field

ADDITIONAL JOB REQUIREMENTS
Clearance of background check as required by local, state, and federal regulations.
Physical examination and diagnostic tests as required by local, state, and federal regulations.
A drug screen and bi-annual TB tests are required as a condition of continual employment.
Full Covid-19 vaccination is required as a condition of employment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Must be able to physically interact with children, including bending, kneeling, sitting on the floor, lifting up to 40 pounds, climbing and walking
Must have advanced command of the English language and grammar, both verbal and written
Must remain abreast of developments in the child development field to enhance professional growth and development