Teaching Assistants- Substitutes, Child Development Center in Chester

Widener University is currently seeking Substitute Teaching Assistants to be responsible for providing high quality early childhood education to young children in our program; for the general supervision and management of children and work in cooperation with and under the supervision of the teacher for that group of children. These positions are part-time, substitute pool positions funded by external funds and are contingent upon the continued receipt of these funds.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):

• Assist in planning and implementing the daily program under the guidance of the teacher group supervisor.
• Show initiative in the improvement of early education, the program and curriculum.
• Aid teachers and students by recording and reporting student attendance.
• Assist in maintaining the classroom logs, observational records, and the assessment records for each child.
• Interact and supervise students with assignments and activities.
• Provide positive reinforcement to students and model problem solving behaviour and good communication skills.
• Treat all children with dignity and respect to allow for individual differences.
• Actively supervise and manage students at all times.
• Acknowledge all parents when entering and exiting the program each day.
• Maintain an open, warm and professional relationship with all families.
• Be available for parents and teacher's conferences as needed.
• Maintain a room arrangement that is safe, inviting, interesting, and stimulating.
• Help with general housekeeping tasks such as preparing snacks, lunches, washing tables and daily chores.
• Assist teacher in the instructional program in maintaining discipline and encouraging acceptable behaviour.
• Maintain a professional attitude at all times.
• Be knowledgeable about health and emergency policies and procedures (Fire Safety and Emergency Certificate, Health Assessment, Pediatric First Aid and CPR certificate).
• Maintain a total awareness of the children's safety during all activities.
• Supervision of children at all times when on duty.
• Perform other tasks related to the position as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):

• High School Diploma and Child Development Associate (CDA).
• Associate's degree in liberal studies, early childhood education, psychology and one to two years of experience with children.
• Proficient in the use of computers, Internet and software programs such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Clearances: Current PA State Police Criminal History Report, Current FBI Criminal History Report (DHS) Department of Human Services, Current PA Child Abuse History Clearance (DHS) Department of Human Services.
• Must have current Annual Physical Exam and Manitou TB test.
• Health and Safety Basic: Requirements for Certification (10 Hours) Better Kid Care (may be completed after hiring).
• STARS 101 Certificate (may be completed after hiring).
• STARS 102 Certificate (may be completed after hiring).
• Professional development training: Pediatric First Aid Certificate, Fire Safety Training, Emergency Evaluation and Procedures, Child Abuse and Mandated Reporter (Act 31 and Act 126).
• New Staff Orientation Better Kid Care (15 hours), Professional Development Training (minimum of 24 hours per year) workshops and/or college credit.
• Ability to objectively gather and report relevant information about students to assist in the planning process.
• Must have excellent communications, both oral and written.
• Must be able to interpret and apply oral and written instruction.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work collaboratively and exchange information with other staff and outside departments.
• Decisions are limited to daily work duties.
• Ability to perform several different tasks and determine priorities.
• Ability to plan and organize work.
• Ability to work well with and relate to students of all backgrounds.
• Demonstrate self-motivation.
• High energy level.
• Ability to learn and apply school rules, regulations and procedures.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:

• Must be able to fully participate in all classroom activities, which may include but are not limited to routinely stooping, standing, bending, kneeling, running and other forms of physical activity.
• Routinely lifts up to twenty-five (25) pounds; occasionally lift and carry supplies, equipment and children that weigh up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Occasional standing, walking or climbing stairs; mobility between office and other offices/building on campus.

Qualified candidates must submit resume and cover letter for consideration. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Only those selected to interview will be contacted. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, colour, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.

Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington.