Assistant Preschool Teacher

SALARY RANGE: $33,793.50 - $70,807.75 per year based on degree and experience
*If you are interested in applying for this position, please download and complete the attached Mid-Pacific Institute Application Form. This form must be uploaded in the additional documents section to be considered for the position.*
JOB SUMMARY
The Assistant Preschool Teacher works closely with the Head Teacher to support the Reggio-Emilia approach in order to implement developmentally appropriate practice and learning theory. The position includes the daily care of children, documentation of student learning, care of the environment, and collaboration with preschool team members.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Share in the team responsibility of supervising the children. In the absence of the Head Teacher, take the lead in maintaining a safe environment by managing the children.
• Maintain an emotionally and physically safe learning environment. This applies to the classroom setting, outdoors, and the play structure.
• Work collaboratively with the Pedagogista, Atelierista, and Head Teacher to support the documentation of the learning process in the following ways:
  1. Collect video, digital stills, audio, and actual student work;
  2. Contribute to the analysis of documentation;
  3. Transcribe audio from class discussions. small group interactions, and one-on-one student discussions with a teacher;
  4. Organize and photocopy student work for documentation purposes;
  5. Assist in the planning and creation of documentation panels, photo galleries on the school website, and other public displays
• Manage digital equipment used for documentation: camera, video, voice recorder, laptop, desk computer, iPods, etc. so that equipment is ready for daily use. Change batteries as needed, download memory cards, etc.
• Set up the learning space, per the Head Teacher or Pedagogists' directions, so that the setting is ready prior to the children's entry into the classroom at the start of the day, including the appropriate sanitation of all play and work materials. Maintain the aesthetic quality of the classroom environment.
• Work collaboratively with the preschool and elementary faculty on the educational program, school initiatives, special events, and ad hoc committees.
• Participate in all professional learning opportunities relevant to the Reggio Approach, inquiry learning, and schoolwide initiatives.
• Perform various school and instructional tasks assigned by the elementary principal.
• Establish and maintain a cooperative and collaborative professional relationship with students, parents, colleagues, and administration.
• Participate in the development of a safe and healthy workplace.
• Comply with the instructions given for their own safety and health and that of others, in adhering to safe work procedures.
• Take reasonable care to ensure their own safety and health and that of others.
• Report any injury, hazard, or illness immediately to their Supervisor and Human Resources.
• Not place others at risk by any act or omission, and not willfully or recklessly interfere with safety equipment.

SCHOOL SAFETY

• Participate in the development of a safe and healthy workplace.
• Comply with the instructions given for their own safety and health and that of others, in adhering to safe work procedures.
• Take reasonable care to ensure their own safety and health and that of others.
• Report any injury, hazard or illness immediately, to their Supervisor and Human Resources.
• Not place others at risk by any act or omission, not willfully or recklessly interfere with safety equipment.
• Act as a role model by demonstrating safe work behaviors.
• Identify, assess if necessary, and control hazards within area of responsibility.
• Ensure that equipment/supplies are properly maintained.
• Maintain relevant knowledge of safety laws.
• Mandatory reporting of sexual abuse to law enforcement or child protective services, and Human Resources. Sexual abuse includes child molestation, any actual or alleged illegal or otherwise wrongful sexual conduct with a minor, and serial sexual misconduct, any actual or alleged illegal or otherwise wrongful sexual conduct with more than one victim; and committed by or alleged to have been committed by any perpetrator who is not a student of an included entity.

CULTURAL COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrating Professional Body of Knowledge: A professional demonstrates an understanding of practice area knowledge and appreciates learning more about this practice area and beyond.
• Professional as a Learner: A professional engages in career-long professional learning and ongoing critical reflection to identify opportunities for improving leadership, mentoring, and collaboration. The inherent nature of a professional staff member is a keen, lifelong passion for learning, and a deep curiosity and wonder about people, events, and places.
• Fostering Effective Relationships: A professional builds positive working relationships with colleagues, other departments, and the community.
• Establishing an Inclusive Environment: A professional creates a safe, caring environment that is inclusive of and engaging for others.
• Professional as a Leader: A professional seeks leadership opportunities.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college, with a major in education with a specialization in early learning, child development, special education, Family Resources, or related field; a minimum of three years teaching in an early learning setting; experience working within a collaborative environment. Experience working with young children is highly preferred; experience in a Reggio-inspired program is highly valued.
Must possess and be able to apply his/her knowledge and understanding of progressive education concepts as they relate to preschool and elementary students and incorporate 21st-century skills and concepts into daily interactions with young children. Must understand the developmental phases (physical, cognitive, social, emotional) of young children and have experience communicating with parents to resolve student concerns. Must be computer proficient with various programs (e.g., IOS, Excel, apps). Mid-Pacific has a Mac-driven platform.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read, write, analyze, and interpret documents such as educational research, reports, and policies. A qualified person will possess the ability to write educational reports, memos, and letters, and communicate effectively when speaking to students and adult audiences, via email and other tech-based forms of communication. Knowledge of and ability to apply conventional English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The preschool/elementary campus consists of multiple buildings that require frequent walking on relatively level ground. The employee on a daily basis is required to walk to classrooms, the play court, baseball field, and other buildings located at the preschool/elementary. Some lifting and carrying of children, teaching materials, chairs, and tables up to 10 pounds; movement throughout the day for instruction and supervision of students; frequent bending; frequent reaching for materials, the phone, etc. Some climbing of stairs (daily); walking up a slight hill (daily). Sitting in a normal seated position in a chair or on the floor for extended periods of time, reaching by extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction. Finger dexterity required manipulating objects with fingers rather than with whole hand(s) or arm(s), for example, using a computer keyboard. It is important to see and hear within normal parameters and possess the ability to move about with little to no difficulty.
MENTAL DEMANDS
On a daily basis, employee must frequently problem solve, make decisions, supervise and manage students, interpret data, speak, write, organize, plan, clearly communicate, and collaborate with colleagues.
EQUIPMENT USE
Telephone, Copier, Projector - occasionally
Computer/laptop/iPad - frequently
WORKING CONDITIONS
Outdoor - if on playground with children
Loud Noise, Cold Temperatures, Rain - occasionally
Hot Temperatures - frequently
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
Mid-Pacific Institute provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, marital status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.