Travelling Teacher Aide in Washington, District of Columbia at EducareDC

TRAVELING TEACHER AIDE
FLSA Status: Full time, Non-Exempt
Supervisor: School Director
Supervisory Position: No
Salary: $18.36 Per Hour
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ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW
Educare DC is growing to serve over 325 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, eliminating the opportunity gap often experienced by low-income communities. Educare DC is part of the 24-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 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
Upon completion of the Professional Development Institute (PDI), the Traveling Teacher Aide (TTA) will collaborate with their supervisor to determine their ongoing schedule. The Traveling Teacher Aide works cooperatively with various Lead Teachers and Teacher Assistants to implement the daily education program for the children. For the role, the day-to-day responsibilities within the classroom include tasks assigned to help maintain a classroom environment that is developmentally appropriate and meets the individual needs of children as mandated by federal, state, and local standards, and that reflects Educare DC's philosophy and curriculum.
Under the School Director's reflective supervision, the Traveling Teacher Aide will be assigned to a primary and secondary location to report weekly based on the program's operational needs.
RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Core Features of the Educare Model
Participate in 30-day all-day training program (EDC PD (Professional Development) Institute) to build an understanding of the Educare Model and expectations at Educare DC
• Participate in Reflective Practice and Supervision throughout the program.
Provide high-quality early learning practices that incorporate evidence-based curriculum and instructional activities.
• In support of ongoing, intensive professional development, Traveling Teacher Aides will participate in all scheduled trainings, engage in coaching, and develop individual plans for their own professional development.
• Ensure the health and safety of every child in your care.
• Participate in an enhanced early childhood education curriculum focused on:
o Social emotional development
o Early language and literacy
o Physical development
o Integration of the arts
Curriculum
• Collaborate with the Lead and Assistant Teachers to guide and facilitate activities of the children, providing responsive care giving, with a focus on the children’s social and emotional well-being.
• Engage positively with the children and use appropriate positive behavior supports as outlined in the school's child guidance policy.
• Cooperate with other staff and classroom groups to maintain the smooth functioning of the school, which at times may require changes to schedules, work locations or other changes to meet the needs of the children or operations
• Aide, as requested, in transition activities.
• Eat with children and help them in their development of social and self-help skills, and sound nutritional practices.
• Guide children's acquisition of social skills
• Aid in the provision and maintenance of safe and healthy developmentally appropriate environment
• Use strategic positioning 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
• Aide in implementing an IFSP (Individual Family Service Plan) seeking clarification for any aspects that are not well understood.

Other
• Attend staff training and meetings, and classroom/parent meetings as requested.
• Complete timely and accurate time sheets
• Aide the Infant-Toddler Teacher and the Teacher Assistant in the completion of required reports
• In conjunction with the teaching team, maintain confidential educational information for each child and ensure all confidential information is protected.
• Assist in daily routines, including bottle feedings, meal preparations, diapering, toileting, hand washing, monitoring sleep times, cleanup, and supervision of children, including outdoor play.
• Develop working knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards
• Develop working knowledge of City and State licensing requirements
• Perform other relevant duties, as may be required.

EXPERIENCE AND ABILITIES
• One year of relevant experience is preferred
• At least one year of experience working in an early childhood or childcare program
• Knowledge of best practices of birth to five years of age development and care
• Must be willing to pursue coursework specific to early childhood, adhering to program guidelines, as necessary
• Ability to work as a cooperative and supportive team member
• Ability to present a positive image of the organization to members of the community
• Ability to work with various Lead and Assistant Teachers as a support to the developmentally appropriate educational and day-to-day operations of the classroom
• Ability to learn and implement child development and early childhood principles and practices
• Ability and willingness to work in a program located in a underserved community
• Ability to communicate and cooperate with parents
• Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials
• Basic knowledge of computer applications and the ability to learn and master other computer technology /software programs as needed
• Ability to communicate and respond in a manner that demonstrates respect and concern
• 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.
• Ability to travel to multiple sites
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
• High School Diploma or G.E.D
• Non-expired Child Development Associate (CDA) Preferred

ADDITIONAL JOB REQUIREMENTS
• Must be able to work any of the 3 shifts assigned.
• Clearance of background checks, physical examination and diagnostic tests as required by local, state and federal regulations.
• Annual physical exam, drug screen, COVID vaccination and bi-annual TB test are required as a condition of continual employment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
• Must have advanced command of the English language and grammar, both verbal and written
• Must be able to participate in both home visits and parent conferences to discuss the child's individual development and progress