Spanish Assistant Teacher - CC1 (Washington DC)

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

1.  Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the physical, social, and emotional development of children, with an emphasis on the development of the language instruction (Spanish or French) and emergent literacy skills.
2. Establishes and maintains a positive interpersonal relationship with all children, faculty and parents/guardians and directs pertinent information as appropriate.
3. Establish instructional programs based on scientifically-based research.
4. Support the emotional and social development of children.
5. Adhere to all established and written CommuniKids Preschool policies and procedures.
6. Plan and provide indoor and outdoor activities and opportunities that encourage curiosity, exploration, and problem-solving appropriate to the development level of children.
7. Model developmentally appropriate activities and positive behavior management techniques through daily contact with children and staff.
8. Monitors and documents issues, concerns and problems of each individual child.
9. Select books, equipment and other instructional materials appropriate for the program.
10. Include materials and experiences in the classroom that are culturally appropriate and represent diversity.
11. Maintain attendance records of children participating in the program.
12. Attend regularly scheduled in-service and team meetings.
13. Participate in team planning sessions with all aftercare staff to ensure well-coordinated and effective delivery of program services and objectives.
14. Work cooperatively and effectively as a team member by communicating professionally and respectfully, and contributing information that is relevant to the program on a regular basis.
15. Provide assistance and support to staff as needed.
16. Work with parents and caregivers to facilitate interactive language and literacy activities.
17. Conduct and complete pre and post assessments of children.
18. Develop and facilitate child development and language of instruction (Spanish or French) workshops for parents.
19. Maintain open, friendly, and cooperative relationship with each child’s family and encourage their involvement in the program.
20. Continue professional development by attending workshops, conferences, and other staff development activities.  All staff must meet yearly professional development hours as prescribed by state licensing boards.
21. Attend all faculty meetings.
22. Advocate and promote the program by keeping informed of and participating in local, state, and national organizations and agencies.
23. Maintain up to date knowledge of current child development practices.
24. Demonstrate behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible. 
25. Perform duties and responsibilities as assigned by program director
26. Report any suspected abuse to center director as required by state law.
27. Prepare accident and injury reports, and provide them to center director and parents.
28. Meet all applicable state licensing regulations.
29. Create Classroom Portfolios and work on other projects periodically to obtain and maintain NAEYC accreditation.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

1.  Provide direct supervision to assistant teacher(s)

Mental Demands:

1. Maintain emotional control under any and all circumstances as it pertains to children, colleagues, and parents.
2. Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with children, colleagues, and parents.
3. Communication with children, colleagues, and parents must be friendly, professional, non-confrontational, and respectful.
4. Work effectively with all staff on the coordination of campus-wide functions.
5. Demonstrate behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible. 
6. Willing to follow all policies and procedures.

Physical Demands and Environmental Factors:

1.  Must be able to lift 40 pounds several times per day.
2. Occasional travel between CommuniKids locations.
3. Frequent bending, lifting, and reaching.
4. Required attendance at occasional evening events.
5. Taking the children outside daily, except in cases of extreme weather conditions. The definition of extreme weather conditions includes the following conditions:  a storm where snow is falling at a rate of one inch or more per hour; winds over 35 miles per hour; heavy rain; lightening or thunder; hail; sleet or freezing rain; icy conditions; code red air quality alerts; or other hazardous conditions as determined by the center administration.

Qualifications:

Education and Certification:

Shall be 20 years of age, have fulfilled a high school program completion or the equivalent, and meet one of the following:

1. An associate’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in early childhood education or early childhood development;
2. An associate’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university, at least fifteen (15) credit hours from an accredited college or university in early childhood education or early childhood development, and at least one year experience teaching young children;
3. At least forty-eight (48) credit hours from an accredited college or university, at least fifteen (15) credit hours from an accredited college or university in early childhood education or early childhood development, and at least two years’ experience teaching young children;
4. A valid Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, specifying that the individual is qualified for the assigned age classification.

   Special Knowledge Skills:

5.  Experience working in an early childhood setting.
6. Native or near-native fluency in target language of instruction (Spanish).
7. Strong communication skills in English.
8. Strong interpersonal skills – MUST be able to get along well with colleagues.
9. Experience working with persons from diverse cultural, linguistic, and economic backgrounds.