Educational Assistant

Summary

The Educational Assistant is responsible for assisting in the physical, mental, emotional and social well-being and the supervision of his/her assigned group of children.

Duties

Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Under the direction of the Director, the Educational Assistant performs all of the following:

Child Development and Supervision
Supervises and implements the childcare program in accordance with policies and the philosophy of the center.
Treats each child with dignity and respect.
Helps children become aware of their roles as integral members of a group.
Physically supervises all activities of children in their care; supervision standards and processes must be maintained at all times both inside and outside of the center.
Provides consistent care of children’s needs throughout the day, including but not limited to:

• Feeding
• Diapering
• Toilet Training
• Comforting
• Guidance
• Nap
• Play
• Learning

Maintains confidentiality in dealing with parents, children, and families.
Tailors the program to the needs of individual children with concern for their interests, abilities, special talents, and individual style and pace of learning.
Considers individual children in relation to their cultural and socioeconomic background.
Leads developmentally appropriate activities and lessons that include dramatic play, block/manipulative, gross/fine motor, arts/crafts, music/movement, language, math/science, indoor/outdoor activities, etc.
Communicates daily with parents regarding child’s day/activities.
Educational Assistant must be willing to actively participate in child development and care to include: play, picking up children, reading to children, helping with meal time, and all other duties.
Assists the Lead Educator in identifying behavioral problems and ensuring development plans are followed.
Responsible for performing Lead Educator responsibilities in their absence including, but not limited to: lesson planning, completing daily paperwork, documentation, parent communications, etc.

Classroom and Program Management

• Assists the Lead Educator in carrying out all scheduled activities and lesson plans for the assigned group of children.
• Collaborates with the Lead Educator in the arrangement, appearance, decor, and learning environment of the classroom.
• Responsible for ensuring the cleanliness of, and reporting any maintenance/repair for, the classroom.
• Assumes an equal share of housekeeping responsibilities (indoor and outdoor).
• Assists as necessary to ensure the classroom is adequately stocked with any necessary forms or supplies each day before the first child arrives.
• Assists Lead Educator as necessary in maintaining accurate records or attendance, accidents, activity sheets, medications, etc.
• Carries out standards of the Virginia Department of Education licensure rules; responsible to read, review, and understand all regulations.
• Responsible for reporting in an appropriate and timely manner any noncompliance with UVA Wise policies and procedures, VDOE licensure rules, and local, state, and federal regulations.
• Attends all required staff meetings.
• Participates in recommended training programs, conferences, CPR and First Aid courses, and other aspects of professional development ( Minimum hours required: 16 per year )
• Represents the Educational Assistant position, YWCA, and UVA Wise in a hospitable manner to guests and in contact outside the center.
• Maintains a positive, flexible, and cooperative relationship with all staff and volunteers of the agency.

Requirements

General Requirements

• Works in a safety-conscious manner, which ensures that safe work practices are used in order not to pose a risk to self or others in the workplace. Reports any safety violations or hazards to the supervisor.
• Complies with UVA Wise policies and procedures and local, state, and federal regulations.
• Adheres to a drug-free workplace.
• Interacts in a professional, compassionate manner with children, families, visitors, volunteers, and co-workers to provide a safe and caring environment that ensures self-respect, personal dignity, rights, and physical safety of each person.
• Maintains a dependable attendance record and adheres to standards of cleanliness, grooming hygiene, and dress code.
• Ensures equal opportunity in the conduct of all business activities without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, age, national origin, disability, citizenship, veteran status, or any other legally protected category.

Physical Demands

• Walking, standing, talking, and hearing. The employee must be able to hear children at all times, must be able to see the children with a quick glance, and must be able to physically respond immediately.
• Ability to routinely lift children, move furniture in an early childhood classroom, and sustain long hours of active work for 8 hours or more.
• Ability to lift 40 pounds.
• Agility to move quickly and keep pace with young children.

Mental Demands

• Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written).
• Ability to maintain emotional control under stress.
• Ability to remain alert and energetic for 8 hours or more.

Travel

• Minimal travel required. Some travel may be required for trainings.