Child Care Assistant Teacher

Job Description:

Position Overview:

The Blake School Cub House is a Reggio-inspired, licensed child care which serves up to 10 children aged three months to four years of Blake employees. The Assistant Teacher will work collaboratively with other staff to design and teach curriculum, and prepare the environment to meet the physical, cognitive, social and emotional needs of the children in a cozy, nurturing, responsive setting. Respect for children manifested in keen observation and attentive listening is the cornerstone of the program.  The Cub House is open during the academic year from mid August to early June, six hours per day.  Summer hours may be available to interested candidates.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Director and Assistant Teachers to develop and implement a progressive Reggio-inspired emergent curriculum based on the Minnesota Early Childhood Indicators of Progress (MNECIPS) and designed for children ages three months to four years old

• Supervise and ensure the health and safety of the children at all times

• Monitor and support the physical, cognitive, social and emotional well-being of the children

• Use effective research-based strategies to support the children’s behavior management skill development

• Use observation, anecdotal record keeping and documentation to assess the children’s growth and understanding

• Design and modify curriculum in response to the children’s interests and needs

• Support each child’s individual needs, interests and growth as well as the collaborative creative process of the group experience

• Use a broad range of materials in designing the children’s learning experiences

• Create and maintain an organized, aesthetically pleasing environment

• Maintain vigilant attention to and resolve any safety concerns that arise from the facility or the children

• Communicate effectively and frequently with families

• Keep current with best practices in early childhood education

• Meet yearly child care education and certification licensing requirements

• Share the responsibility to clean and sanitize materials and surfaces daily

Experience and Skills:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or higher

• Early childhood coursework, CDA or degree preferred

• Must have 6 months of experience working in child care, daycare, and or a preschool center

• Respect for children and their potential

• Understanding of children’s social, emotional, cognitive and physical developmental stages

• Effective management skills

• Ability to work with children, parents and colleagues from diverse backgrounds, interests and experiences along with a commitment to equity and pluralism

• Evolving knowledge and ability to increase children’s knowledge, awareness and respect for the similarities and differences between one’s self and others

• Passion for on-going learning and professional growth

• Collaborative working style

• Flexibility, confidence and the ability to contribute to a positive work environment

• Creative, joyful approach to learning and teaching

• Experience with progressive, constructivist early childhood models

• Proven ability to effectively monitor and adjust ever-changing priorities in order to meet children’s needs

• Strong written and oral communication skills

Working Conditions:

• Work environment will be active, loud and messy throughout the day
• Part of each day will also be spent outside

Essential Physical Requirements:

• Position involves much lifting, bending, squatting, reaching and pushing
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds
• Must be able to get up from and down to the floor numerous times throughout the day
• Will need to be able to react quickly to certain situations

Benefits:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 403(b) 8% match
• Vacation & Sick Time
• Life Insurance
• LTD/LTC

Pay Range:

• $20.00 - $22.00 per hour

This salary range includes the expected annual salary for this position. In making a salary determination, we consider professional experience, applicable qualifications and other job-related factors. Based on these factors, a candidate's salary offer could exceed this range.

The Blake School is a pre-kindergarten through grade 12, co-educational, nonsectarian, independent day school enrolling 1,316 bright, talented students from nearly 56 Twin Cities-area communities. Founded in 1900, The Blake School has the advantage of facilities and campuses designed for specific developmental ages. Blake's mission is to engage students with a dynamic, academically challenging education in a diverse and supportive community committed to pluralism and a common set of values. Students pursue an integrated program of academic, artistic and athletic activities, preparing for college, lifelong learning and purposeful lives as community and global citizens. The school community is also guided by its Commitment to Pluralism and values.

The Blake School believes that a diverse society enriches all individuals and communities. Diversity of race, ethnicity, national origin, geography, religion, gender, affectional or sexual orientation, age, physical ability, and marital, parental or economic status forms the fabric of our society. As a result of these beliefs, The Blake School actively seeks students, families and employees who value and contribute to the fullness of a diverse community within the context of its mission. In doing so, we recognize our responsibility to help make each person's experience a success. EOE