Pre-K Teacher Assistant

External Employees: Temporary Position. Must work at least 30 working days, and up to 180 working days, to be eligible for hire.

FUNCTIONAL PURPOSE
The purpose of this position is to collaborate with the principal, curriculum coordinator, pre-k teacher and families to provide an age/developmentally appropriate educational environment that offer opportunities for social/emotional, intellectual and physical development.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Ensures age-appropriate learning environment by assisting pre-k teacher in creating learning centers that are well-defined, labeled and are continually enriched to support emerging skills in the students.
• Ensures an age-appropriate routine for children by assisting the pre-k teacher in planning for children's learning by incorporating the development of the whole child and integrating curriculum goals that are consistent with state and local curriculum goals.
• Ensures a safe environment for children by maintaining appropriate staff-to-child ratios, constant supervision of children both indoors and out-of-doors, ensuring harmful substances are secured and out of reach of children, and coordinating release of children to adults as appropriate.
• Exhibits positive adult-child interactions by using appropriate voice tone and discipline techniques; uses open-ended questions to encourage/foster critical thinking; assists child in focusing on task/topic and encourages focus on child-initiated activities rather than teacher demonstrations.
• Exhibits professional and supportive relationships with other adults and families by maintaining confidentiality in all matters, assists pre-k teacher in parent-teacher conferences, classroom activities and parent meetings; provides direction to substitute teachers when necessary; respects and values diversity.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
• Ability to plan and implement age and developmentally appropriate activities for pre-k students.
• Skills in positive communication with parents, students, and staff
• Ability to exercise patience with students, staff, and parents.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate and complete records.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel).

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
• Minimum: Completion of an Associate's Degree or 48 college credit hours with a grade of "C" or better with concentration in Education or Early Childhood Development or ability to pass a formal assessment (Work Keys-three assessments needed: Reading (4), Mathematics (4), Writing (3) and 96 hours of in-service training).

If you do not meet the above requirements at this time, you may be eligible for an alternative pathway to becoming a Teacher Assistant in which you have one year to complete the following requirements:

1. Pass the Work Keys-three assessments needed: Reading (4), Mathematics (4), Writing (3)
2. Complete 96 hours of in-service training/professional development with WS/FCS

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS:
• NC DCDEE Status Letter or Approval Letter must be submitted with application.

• Minimum: Either of the following:

1) hold a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential; or

(2) hold or be working toward an Associate Degree or higher in birth-through[1]kindergarten, child development, early childhood education, or an early childhood education related field. Teacher assistants working toward the Associate Degree shall make progress by completing a minimum of six semester hours per year.

- All Teacher Assistants shall complete a minimum of 15 hours of annual in-service proffessional development. A combination of college coursework, Continuing Education Units (CEU's), or clock hours may be used to complete the requirements of this rule.

- The site-level Administrator shall document the progress of any Teacher Assistants who are working towards the required education. This documentation must be maintained the individuals staff record available for review by the Division.

Pay Grade 55 - Full-Time - 10 Months - Minimum Monthly Salary $2,479

PHYSICAL WORK DEMANDS:

PHYSICAL

ACTIVITY

FREQUENCY

C - Constant

F - Frequent

O - Occasional

I - Infrequent

NR - Not Required

PHYSICAL

ACTIVITY

FREQUENCY

C - Constant

F - Frequent

O - Occasional

I - Infrequent

NR - Not Required

Climbing/Balancing
I
Lifting/Carrying
O up to 30 lbs.
Crawling/Kneeling
I
Grasping/Twisting
O
Walking
F
Reaching
F
Running
I
Pushing/Pulling
O
Standing
F
Fingering/Typing
F
Sitting
F
Driving
NR
Bending/Stooping
O
Others:

North Carolina Child Care Law (General Statute 110-90.2) requires a criminal background check and the receipt of a valid criminal background qualification letter for this position.

In compliance with Federal Law, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools administers all education programs, employment activities and admissions without discrimination against any person on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, or disability.

When applying, please make sure to include all prior experience in your application.

Please provide at least two references. One must be the current or most recent supervisor and the other a previous supervisor.