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.

POSITION OVERVIEW
The Teacher Aide works cooperatively with the Preschool Teacher and Teacher Assistant to plan and implement the daily education program for the children. Under the reflective supervision of the Preschool Teacher, the Teacher Aide will execute classroom activities and 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 reflect Educare's philosophy and curriculum.

As part of the classroom educational team, and under the general direction of the School Director and direct supervision of the Preschool Teacher, the Teacher Aide helps plan and participates in classroom, playground, and field trip activities. These activities are designed to enhance all areas of each child’s development. The Teacher Aide will be responsible for assisting with implementing all programming requirements in adherence to all performance and outcomes standards as prescribed by the multiple funding and model requirements.

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 high-quality early learning program that incorporates evidence-based curriculum and instructional activities
Support and provide continuity of care to help children develop secure relationships
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 communication skills, health habits, physical skills, development of self-awareness, and early literacy
Participate in Family Child Service Reviews as scheduled
In support of ongoing, intensive professional development, Teacher Aides 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:
Language and Literacy
Social/Emotional development
Problem-solving and numeracy
Integration of the Arts

Curriculum
Assist in the planning and implementation of classroom activities that are child centered, developmentally appropriate, open-ended and process oriented
Support children’s ideas and initiatives, and creativity.
Assist in developing and managing an attractive and engaging environment that encourages children’s independence and self-selection of activities
With the Preschool Teacher, guide and facilitate activities of the children, including: daily activities, field trips, selecting and arranging equipment and materials in the classroom
Engage positively with the children and use appropriate discipline methods 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 meet the needs of the children
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
Aide 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 conducting the daily health and environment checklist
Aide in implementing an I.E.P. (Individual Education Plan) seeking clarification for any aspects that are not well understood
Aide in orienting volunteers, providing them with guidance as needed

Assessment
Collaborate with the teaching team to observe, document, and assess their primary care children
Assist the teaching team in identifying any developmental concerns and share the information with the teaching team
Participate in Family Child Service Reviews, as scheduled
Assist in the completion of band-aid reports and documentation of incidents in the medical log.

Home/School Connections
Develop effective partnerships with families by maintaining open communication and encouraging their input into the educational program
Under the direction of the lead teacher, participate in home visits and required conferences

Other
In the absences of the Lead Teacher and Teacher Assistant, and in consultation with the Mentor Teacher provide support to the substitute staff, intern and/or volunteers
Attend staff training and meetings, and parent meetings as requested
Complete timely and accurate time sheets
Aide the Preschool 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 helping to keep the classroom clean; this includes following all sanitary procedures for food service and diapering/toileting
Distribute newsletters, flyers, and other information
Perform other duties, as may be required

EXPERIENCE AND ABILITIES
1 year of relevant experience
A non-expired CDA Certification
At least one year of experience working in an early childhood or child care program
Have some knowledge of best practices of development and care
Must be willing to pursue coursework specific to early childhood, adhering to program guidelines, as necessary
Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards
Knowledge of City and State licensing requirements
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 the Preschool Teacher and Teacher Assistant to plan, organize and implement position responsibilities effectively, providing input
Ability to learn and implement child development and early childhood principles and practices
Ability and willingness to work in a program located in a high-risk, low income 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.
Works cooperatively with the Lead and Assistant Teachers to plan and implement the daily education program for the children.
Under the reflective supervision of the Lead Teacher, the Teacher Aide will execute classroom activities and 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 reflect Educare's philosophy and curriculum.
Helps plan and participates in classroom, playground, and field trip activities.
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
High School Diploma or G.E.D

ADDITIONAL JOB REQUIREMENTS
Clearance of background checks as required by local, state and federal regulations.
Physical examination and diagnostic tests as required by local, state and federal regulations.
A bi-annual physical exam, drug screen, covid19 vaccination, and TB test are required as a condition of continual employment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer and office equipment, including, but not limited to, the telephone, fax machine, copier, and tape recorder
Must have advanced command of the English language and grammar, both verbal and written
Must be able to enter and exit a vehicle without assistance, and withstand exposure to adverse weather conditions
Must be able to physically interact with children, including talk, hear, sit, stand, walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and lift and or move items of up to 40 pounds
Must have good command of English language and grammar, both verbal and written
Must be able to clearly hear and understand telephone conversations
Must be able to participate in both home visits and parent conferences to discuss the child's individual development and progress