Ocean Academy Preschool Assistant Teacher

TITLE: Preschool Assistant Teacher

DEPARTMENT: Academy

REPORTS TO: Academy Director

Partner with the work of God at Ocean Church by providing a safe and developmentally appropriate preschool program in accordance with all relevant legislation, policies and procedures designated by the state of Florida and Ocean Academy. They will be responsible for planning and implementing a program to teach young children that includes age appropriate activities, lessons, schedules, and programs. They monitor children’s developmental and educational progress and direct the work of the Teacher Aide and classroom volunteers.

EXPECTATIONS

• Positively support and uphold Ocean Academy vision, policies, and procedures to parents, coworkers, and the community
• Maintain confidentiality about issues regarding staff members, students/families, and Ocean Academy operations. Refrain from involving parents in internal concerns or gossipping.
• Model professionalism by maintaining consistent attendance and punctuality.
• Establish and maintain positive, respectful, and professional relationships with students, parents, colleagues, administrators, and OC staff.
• Demonstrate openness to new ideas/childcare practices and implement action plans with the Director’s guidance
• Be flexible with work schedules and assignments as needed to meet the needs of the Academy
• Resolve conflicts by communicating with individuals involved and collaborating to develop solutions
• Keep the director informed on issues regarding the Academy.
• Attend courses and workshops, ask for feedback, and read professional literature to continue growing professionally
• Give and receive feedback respectfully and with willingness to improve.
• Conduct yourself in a way that is positive to the Academy and students.
• Model Christlike behavior and treat everyone at the Academy with respect.
• Participate in school-wide community activities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan and implement a curriculum that supports the child’s spiritual, physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development.
• Conduct a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
• Develop activities that are culturally appropriate, and that introduce math and literacy concepts.
• Plan weekly lesson plans (due each Monday morning) and provide weekly and monthly activity schedules.
• Set up snacks and lunch for students.
• Ensure that the equipment and facility are clean, well-maintained, and safe at all times.
• Establish policies and procedures that include acceptable disciplinary policies.
• Be familiar with and prepared to follow emergency procedures.
• Arrange indoor and outdoor spaces to facilitate creative play and motor-skill activities while maintaining safety.
• Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet student’s varying needs and interests.

Supervision

• Ensure children are supervised at all times.
• Provide various experiences and activities for children including songs, games, and storytelling.
• Plan and supervise class projects, guest visits, and other experiential activities and guide students in learning from those activities.
• Comfort children and build their self-esteem.
• Establish safe and secure environments for children to feel comfortable.
• Implement positive discipline when required.
• Clearly and effectively communicate in a manner that children understand.
• Observe children and make note of their progress.
• Integrate children with special needs in a positive and respectful manner.

Communication

• Communicate and post pictures daily for parents through ProCare.
• Meet with parents to discuss their child’s progress, needs, and priorities for their children; help suggest ways to promote learning and development
• Discuss identified problems and needs with professionals as needed
• Keep parents informed on program activities, expectations, and their child’s progress
• Maintain files and keep them current, accurate, and confidential 
• Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops 
• Supervise, evaluate, and plan assignments for teacher assistants and volunteers
• Collaborate with other teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of preschool programs
• Attend staff meetings and serve on committees as needed

Bible/Chapel Lesson Plans

Bible/Chapel themes, lesson plans, and weekly chapels are organized for the Academy by the Ocean Church Kids team. Extension activities are done daily in the classroom on non-chapel days.

Accident/Incident Reports

An accident or incident report is filled out every time a child is hurt (accident) or when someone has made a choice that is against our student/parent handbook (incident). The form is filled out in detail and signed by the employee, a parent, and a member of administration. The reports are stored in a file in the private file cabinet.

AN IDEAL CANDIDATE

Candidates should be familiar with early childhood development and appropriate practices for infants, toddlers, and young children. 

Knowledge

The teacher must have proficient knowledge in the following areas:

• Child care facility rules and regulations
• Health, safety, and nutrition
• Identifying and reporting child abuse and neglect
• Child growth and development
• Behavior observation and screening
• Infant and toddler appropriate practice places
• Leading staff in implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum
• CPR and first-aid certified
• Early education theories and practices

Skills

• Team building
• Supervisory and organizational
• Analytical/problem solving
• Decision making
• Effective verbal, listening, and communication
• Stress management
• Time management

Personal attributes

• Honest and trustworthy
• Respectful, compassionate, flexible, and understanding
• Has a heart for young children
• Culturally aware and sensitive
• Has a sound work ethic
• Consistent and fair
• Able to build esteem while ensuring a safe and secure environment
• Deals with the public in a positive and courteous manner
• Can communicate effectively in English

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical demands

The preschool teacher may need to lift, move, or hold children or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. Sitting on the floor or child sized furniture may be necessary. The teacher will be expected to clean and maintain the equipment/facility and may move throughout the community with children. Students may be ill/contagious, requiring precautions to be taken for the health and safety of all children, parents, and staff.

Environmental conditions

The preschool teacher will be required to supervise children through a busy, noisy environment with a number of activities and situations happening at once. There also may be smells associated with toileting and children who are ill.

Mental demands

Teachers must be prepared to handle accidents and emergencies at any time, while keeping children supervised and involved in safe and appropriate activities.