Infant Toddler Teacher Assistant

Description

Job Description:

Assists teacher in the establishment, planning and implementation of safe, healthy, high quality learning experiences and environments that advances the development of the whole child in partnership with families. Complies with all CPCD policies and procedures, Head Start Performance Standards, Colorado Department of Human Services licensing requirements, and the Colorado Quality Standards for Early Childhood Care and Education Services. Implements a balance of group and individualized experiences to promote the development of school readiness skills as defined by CPCD’s School Readiness Action Plan.

Pay Scale:

Step 1: High school diploma or equivalent & relevant experience

• $17.59/hr.

Step 2: Age appropriate CDA or Level II credential

• $19.30/hr.

Step 3: Colorado Department of Human Services Director Qualification (DQ)/ Level 3

• $20.28/hr.

Step 4: Colorado Department of Human Services Director Qualification (DQ)/ Level 3 and 12 credit hours in ECE (can include Pyramid Plus and EQIT)

• $21.28/hr.

Step 5: Associate Degree in ECE or Related Field (AA + 24 credit hours in ECE)

• $22.34/hr.

About CPCD: 

CPCD is committed to the comprehensive early childhood development model, which is at the basis of its successful Head Start and Early Head Start programs. CPCD serves just under 1,200 prenatal through five-year-old at-risk, low-income and special needs children and their families. We operate classrooms in six school districts all throughout El Paso County. 

Additional Benefits for Eligible Employees (25+ hours per week): 

CPCD offers paid vacation time, paid sick time, and paid holidays/Breaks. 

• Paid Holidays include Memorial Day, Independence Day, Juneteenth, Presidents Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day

• Paid Breaks include 1-week for Spring Break (March), 1-week for Fall Break (November), and 2- weeks for Winter Break (end of December/beginning of January). 

Eligible employees receive a competitive benefits package including

• Access to medical, dental, and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, Aflac supplemental insurance, and voluntary life insurance. CPCD also pays for Basic Life, Long Term Disability, and AD&D insurance at no cost to you. 

• Our 401(k) program offers traditional and Roth enrollment options with automatic enrollment in our profit-sharing after 1-year of employment.

Tuition Assistance is available after 60 days of employment 

• $4,000 per year for Early Childhood Education Associates/Bachelor’s Degrees.

• $2,500 per year for other degrees related to employment at CPCD.

Employee Wellbeing

• Employee Assistance Program provides 6 FREE sessions with a counselor or therapist per year 

• Full well-being program to encourage and promote your well-being in the workplace, including 2 hours of paid time per month for wellness activities. 

Please Note: The successful completion of a post-offer, pre-employment physical examination, TB screen, back-ground screen and drug test (including marijuana) is required.

Requirements

Required:  

• High school diploma or GED required. 
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or Early Childhood Professional Credential Level II (PDIS) required. Candidates who do not currently hold the required credential must be willing to obtain it within two (2) years of hire.
• Must obtain First Aid, CPR, and medication administration certification within 90-days of employment and maintain as required.
• Must be able to lift/carry/manipulate up to 40 pounds. 
• Must have access to reliable transportation to perform functions of the job including being able to go to another location during the work day if necessary.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination, TB test, drug test (including marijuana), and background check in accordance with the Office of Head Start Performance Standards and Childcare Licensing. (Physical examination and TB test thereafter as required).
• Must have access to reliable transportation and if using a personal vehicle must maintain minimum liability insurance as determined by the State of Colorado. 

Preferred:  

• At least one year of successful work experience with children birth to age three and/or to age five.  
• Bilingual in English/Spanish.

Essential Functions, Duties, and Responsibilities

1. Support Classroom Teachers

• Assist the lead teacher in planning and implementing age-appropriate activities that promote the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of infants and toddlers.
• Provide support in setting up the learning environment, including preparing materials, organizing the classroom, and maintaining a clean and safe space.
• Collaborate with the lead teacher to assess each child’s progress and assist in adjusting learning strategies to meet individual needs.

2. Supervision and Safety

• Ensure the safety and well-being of all children, maintaining constant supervision during classroom activities, outdoor play and transitions.
• Maintain constant supervision, implementing safety policies and procedures, and conducting regular safety checks to ensure a hazard-free environment.
• Respond promptly to the needs of children, including diapering, assisting with toilet training, and supporting feeding routines.

3. Diapering and Hygiene Care

• Perform regular diaper changes for infants and toddlers while adhering to health and safety guidelines.
• Follow proper hygiene protocols for diapering, including the cleaning and sanitizing of changing areas.
• Assist children with toileting needs and promote healthy hygiene habits such as handwashing.

4. Engage in Child-Centered Activities

• Interact with children at their level, engaging in activities that support their cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development.
• Use developmentally appropriate language and activities to promote learning and encourage curiosity.
• Facilitate positive interactions between children, guiding them in sharing, taking turns, and problem-solving.

5. Promote Positive Relationships

• Foster a warm and nurturing environment by developing strong relationships with the children, promoting their sense of security and trust.
• Build supportive partnerships with families by providing regular updates on their child's progress and care.

6. Assist in Classroom Management

• Support positive behavior management strategies in line with classroom policies and routines.
• Assist in maintaining classroom order, managing transitions between activities, and helping children adjust to routines.

7. Communication and Collaboration

• Maintain open and effective communication with the lead teacher to ensure consistency in lesson plans, routines, and individual child attention.
• Update parents on their child's progress, daily activities, and any concerns as directed by the lead teacher, fostering a positive school-family partnership.
• Collaborate with other staff members to create a cohesive and supportive learning environment for the children.

8. Professional Development

• Participate in regular professional development opportunities, staff meetings, and required training to improve skills and stay current with best practices in early childhood education.
• Demonstrate a commitment to learning and growing in the field of early childhood education by actively engaging in educational activities and training.
• Be open to feedback and seek opportunities for growth to enhance teaching skills and classroom contributions.

9. Documentation and Record-Keeping

• Assist in maintaining accurate attendance records, incident reports, behavioral observations, and developmental progress reports for each child. 
• Help in gathering documentation to showcase each child's progress throughout the school year.

10. Confidentiality

• Maintain confidentiality regarding all children, families, and staff by safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring it is shared only with authorized personnel.
• Adhere to organizational policies on privacy and data protection, ensuring that any discussions or records concerning children's progress, behavior, or family circumstances remain confidential.
• Ensure confidentiality is observed in all communications, including face-to-face, written, and electronic formats.

11. Health and Hygiene

• Follow health and hygiene protocols, including proper handwashing, sanitizing toys and equipment, and keeping areas clean to reduce the spread of illness.
• Assist in promoting good hygiene habits in children, such as handwashing and personal care routines.

12. Continuing Education 

• CPR and First Aid Certifications are required throughout employment and need to be taken every two (2) years. 
• Through the Colorado Shines PDIS, completes training in “Recognition and Reporting and Child Abuse and Neglect” and “Infant Safe Sleep Practices” every year; training in “Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma “every two (2) years; 
• Training in “Medication Administration Training” and “Precautions in Transporting Children” every three (3) years.

13. Additional Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned by the lead teacher or Child Development Supervisor to ensure the efficient operation of the classroom and support the needs of the children.

Equal Opportunity Employer

CPCD is committed to fostering an inclusive workforce and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sex, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, citizenship, or any other legally