connecticut institute for communities, inc. description:
cda specialists work under the direction of an assigned lead teacher. the position is responsible for assisting 1-2 classrooms in planning and implementing classroom routines, curriculum, meals, and related activities for pre-school and/or infant toddler children (ages 6 months-5 years).
summary: the position is responsible for assisting 1-2 classrooms in planning and implementing classroom routines, curriculum, meals, and related activities for pre-school and/or infant toddler children (ages 6 months-5 years). this position serves as the assistant in a classroom of 14 to 20 head start /preschool children and/or 7-8 infant/toddler children. this position is chiefly responsible to aid in the core functions of the head start program and performs other tasks as needed.
- unit: early learning
- immediate supervisor: education services professional
- classification: standard / full time (1.0 fte) or part-time (hourly)
- status: non-exempt
- directly supervises: none
essential job responsibilities: to perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. the requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or abilities required.
- works under the supervision of a licensed teacher or assistant teacher to enforce learning for individual students or small groups of students.
- administers, and records achievement and diagnostic tests under the direction of the teacher or assistant teachers for individual students or groups of students.
- assists the teacher or assistant teacher in devising special strategies for reinforcing material or skills based on an understanding of individual students, their needs, interests and abilities.
- assists the teacher or assistant teacher in the handling, operation and care of equipment, including media, and instructional materials.
- assists the teacher or assistant teacher in the supervision of students during emergency drills, assembles, play periods, field trips and in other non-classroom activities.
- assists the teacher or assistant teacher with non-instructional duties such as snack, lunch, toilet and clothing routines.
- serves as a source of information and help to any substitute teacher assigned in the absence of the regular teacher.
- assists the teacher or assistant teacher in drill work, large group reading or storytelling.
- alerts the regular teacher or assistant teacher to any problem or special information about an individual student.
- performs clerical duties as assigned by the teacher or assistant teacher, as needed.
- maintains the same high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students as is expected of a licensed teacher or assistant teacher.
- participates in professional development training programs, as assigned.
- performs related duties as appropriate for the position.
knowledge and abilities to be achieved within 6-months of employment:
knowledge
- knowledge of the principles and practices of early childhood.
- knowledge of child development and learning styles.
- knowledge of computer data entry processes. knowledge of family-centered practices.
- knowledge of local resources, customs and languages, preferred.
abilities
- ability to know and implement the head start performance standards and requirements and policies of cifc early learning programs.
- ability to exercise judgment in evaluating and making decisions.
- ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, parents, clients, outside agencies, and the public.
- ability to keep program information confidential.
- ability to carry-out daily functions.
- ability to use program software, use computer for data entry.
- reliable transportation to get self to and from home, office, head start sites, and other program locations.
- preferred to posses a valid driver's license and have minimum automobile insurance coverage legally required by the state of connecticut.
language skills
- ability to communicate ideas and instructions orally and in writing.
- ability to speak, read and write english at a level well enough to understand and be understood by others.
- ability to hear an understand all emergency announcements in english.
- ability to write observations and business correspondence.
- ability to read, retain and understand health & safety procedures for sanitization, disinfection, and meal-time distribution.
- ability to speak within groups of individuals, such as parent conferences and staff meetings.
- bilingual skills helpful (english/spanish or english/portuguese)
mathematical skills
- ability to calculate amounts by adding, subtracting and dividing.
- ability to accurate count the number of children in a classroom.
- ability to understand 1:4, 2:8, 1:10, 2:20 child to staff member ratios.
requirements:
- minimum high school diploma or ged equivalent is required.
- child development associate (cda) certificate or a commitment to obtain a cda within 1 year of employment is required (paid by the employer) is required.
- early childhood education credits are preferred; and/or associate and/or bachelor degrees are preferred.
- bilingual candidates strongly encouraged to apply.
- entry level position; previous babysitting or childcare experience is preferred.
- basic computer experience is required (i.e. email, word processing, internet navigation).
- applicants with multiple language capabilities (english, spanish, and/or portuguese) are preferred.
health requirements:
- recent documentation free of communicable diseases; and
- recent fit for duty examination.
- ability to lift 40 lbs.
competitive compensation, plus comprehensive fringe benefits package including health care coverage and retirement program.
cifc is an equal opportunity employer/provider.
compensation details: 16.35-17.35 hourly wage
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