Teacher Assistant

As an Early Years Teaching Assistant, your primary responsibility is to support the lead teacher in creating a positive and nurturing learning environment for young children. You will assist in implementing age-appropriate educational activities, fostering social and emotional development, and ensuring the well-being of each child in the early years setting. 

Visual Inspection: Before children arrive, conduct a thorough visual inspection of the play areas, both indoors and outdoors. Look for potential hazards like broken toys, loose equipment, spills, or uneven surfaces.

Duties and responsibilities 

Classroom Support:  

• Organization and Preparation: Assist the lead teacher in organizing and preparing a conducive learning environment.
• Curriculum Implementation: Support the implementation of age-appropriate curriculum activities to enhance the learning experience.
• Collaborative Atmosphere: Collaborate with the teacher to create a stimulating and engaging atmosphere for young learners.
• EYFS and Guided Risk Management: Apply sound knowledge and/or experience of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and guided risk management. Refer to the guided risk-taking policy for additional information.
• Strategic Support: Utilize effective strategies, in collaboration with the teacher, to assist pupils in achieving Early Years Foundation Stage objectives, specifically the Early Learning Goals.
• Activity Planning: Take an active role in planning and setting up activities, materials, equipment, and resources for individual and group learning experiences, collaborating with other staff.
• Observation Support: Support in observations by monitoring pupils' responses to learning activities.
• Parent/Carer Relationships: Establish constructive relationships with parents and carers to foster a positive and communicative partnership.
• Group Support: Provide assistance in various class groups, including phonics, circle times, and focused activity learning.
• Personal Care Duties: Assist with toileting and changing duties as needed, ensuring a supportive and caring environment.
• Behavioural Environment: Create an environment where good behaviour is encouraged and rewarded.
• Attendance Recording: Use your own profile to record daily attendance, food and toileting accurately or to request additional items using the communications app.
• Active Supervision: Maintain active supervision throughout the day as children engage in play. This involves regular scanning of the environment, anticipating potential hazards, and intervening promptly if necessary.

Individualized support: 

• Nappy changing/ potty training/ and general toileting hygiene.  
• Ensuring the teacher is aware of when parents would like to initiate potty training. 
• Assistant to be aware of Kids Spot Potty training program, no more than 3 children at a time.  
• How and when to request for diapers/ extra clothes. 
• To be aware of allergies and medical conditions for each child.  
• Observe children for any sign of illness or discomfort upon arrival, take temperature and inform the teacher if any concerns arise.

Communication: 

• Maintain open and effective communication with teachers and other staff members, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Establish and cultivate positive relationships with parents and carers on a daily basis, promoting open dialogue and partnership to enhance the child's overall well-being.
• Engage in respectful communication with children, refraining from using negative words such as "no" or "don't cry." Acknowledge their feelings, validate concerns, and employ age-appropriate language. Acknowledge their contributions to conversations and redirect gently when necessary. Avoid the use of harsh or condescending tones when communicating with children, ensuring a supportive and encouraging atmosphere.
• Collaborate with other classroom assistants to execute general cleaning tasks based on established schedules, contributing to a well-maintained learning environment.
• Utilize only the English language while at the nursery, except during designated break times, to maintain a consistent communication environment.
• Activate and operate your own parent app account for check-ins, daily meal updates, and toileting information.
• Stay proactive in responding to any requests or updates, ensuring effective communication between parents and the nursery.
• Always maintain a safe and clean learning environment to ensure the child’s wellbeing.
• TA & CA to equally share joint housekeeping responsibilities within the classroom.  

Resources and Hygiene in class: 

• Assist in organizing and maintaining classroom materials, resources, and equipment. 
• Help set up learning and ensure that educational materials are accessible to children. 
• Resources – to be stored in the correct location daily.  
• Monthly resource stocktakes to be done in every class, information to be shared with the supply assistant.  
• Ongoing hot spot cleaning daily of tables, door & cubby handles, chairs, and other surfaces. 
• Friday Deep Cleaning: All resources to be washed and sanitized. Warm water, soap, and Dettol/antibacterial solution to be used for classroom cleaning. Vacuum must be used.
• Safety and cleaning checklists to be done daily.
• At the end of the month hand the attendance sheet to reception to scan to one drive.
• Always maintain a safe and clean learning environment to ensure the child’s wellbeing.
• TA & CA to equally share joint housekeeping responsibilities within the classroom.  
• Conduct regular check- ups on classroom equipment and furniture and communicate to the teacher any shortage of supply observed.
• Document maintenance work if broken or missing items is observed in class.
• Ensure plug sockets is covered at the end of every day.  

Behaviour Management and child handling: 

• Active Listening: Engage in active listening by bending down to a child's level, making eye contact, and genuinely attending to their concerns and ideas. This demonstrates respect and fosters open communication.
• Positive Reinforcement: Emphasize positive reinforcement, directing attention to effort and positive behaviour rather than focusing solely on mistakes. For instance, encourage walking instead of running.
• Comfort and Reassurance: Recognize the power of child handling as a tool for comfort and reassurance. Simple gestures like asking if a child needs a hug can have a profound impact on their emotional well-being.
• Appropriate Touch: Acknowledge the importance of child handling techniques, especially in the context of appropriate touch. Adhering to these principles is crucial for the overall well-being and emotional development of each child. Refer to our policies for specific guidelines and practices related to child handling.

By incorporating these principles into our approach, we aim to create an environment that fosters trust, promotes positive self-esteem, and cultivates healthy interpersonal relationships.

Code of Conduct: 

• Undertake training and CPD’s, as required.
• Appreciate and support the role of other professionals.
• Attend and participate in relevant meetings/events as required.
• Excursions: Support a professional manner that will reflect well on the school. See excursion policy for more information. 
• Ensure a safe and secure environment for children, following all health and safety protocols. 
• Teaching assistants are assigned to a particular class for an academic year. However, the nursery will deploy teaching assistants as the needs of the nursery dictate.  
• Be a role model for children and colleagues in terms of behaviour and attitude. 
• Be always punctual and professional and when we have visitors welcome them and offer support if no one is around.  
• Wear the nursery provided uniform, for more information refer to the uniform policy. 
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety, welfare, security, confidentiality, and data protection, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person. 
• Actively support the school policies and ensure that all children have an equal access to opportunities to learn and develop. 

Qualifications:

• A minimum of a high school diploma; a relevant associate or bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field is preferred.
• Previous experience working with young children in an educational setting.
• Knowledge of early childhood development principles and best practices.
• First aid and CPR certification (or willingness to obtain).

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: AED2,000.00 - AED2,500.00 per month

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• Teacher Assistant: 2 years (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 100% (Preferred)