Centre Assistant

Job Description 


Requirements


  • A great attitude and enjoyment of being around children

  • First aid certificate

  • Salary $41,600 – 45,000 full time – determined by experience

Job summary 


The Centre Assistant plays a vital role at Childsteps Early Learning Centre.  The primary role is to support room teachers to provide quality learning outcomes for children and work within the Centre in a general support role. This role requires the demonstration of sound interpersonal and relationship building capability. 


Job competencies 


Adaptability - adapts to changing work environments, work priorities and organisational needs. Able to effectively deal with change and diverse people


Teamwork - interacts with people effectively. Able and willing to share and receive information. Co-operates within the group and across groups. Supports group decisions and puts group goals ahead of own goals.


Work standards - sets and maintains high performance standards. Pays close attention to detail, accuracy and completeness. Shows concern for all aspects of the job and follows up on work outputs.


Motivation - displays energy and enthusiasm in approaching the job. Commits to putting in additional effort. Maintains high level of productivity and self-direction.


Stress tolerance - displays emotional resilience and the ability to withstand pressure on an on-going basis. Deals with difficult situations while maintaining performance. Seeks support from others when necessary and uses appropriate coping techniques.


Communication - expresses ideas effectively. Organises and delivers information appropriately. Listens actively.


Job details


Professionalism


  • Understand and practice the Centre’s philosophy.
  • Maintain a professional image by consistently upholding uniform and hygiene standards as set out in staff handbook.
  • Ensure daily jobs within the room are completed regularly and consistently.
  • Articulate ideas and opinions professionally both written and verbal.
  • Role model consistent standards, building and maintaining relationships of co-operation.
  • Actively promote teamwork and participation and work as an effective member of the teaching team.
  • Ensure that Centre policies are implemented into daily practice. 
  • Attend and actively participate in team and Centre meetings. 
  • Participate in on going professional development and share the acquired information and experience with the team.


Teaching and Administration 


  • Follow the Social Competence and Guidance Policy as established by the Centre. Ensure guidance of children’s behaviour that encourage positive self-concept by applying positive guidelines such as redirecting, positive language, and positive reinforcement.
  • Understand and apply the Supervision Plan.
  • Ensure communication with each child is at that child’s level. Acknowledge feelings with sensitivity and demonstrate appropriate expressions of emotions. Assist children in expressing themselves by listening and responding with questions or comments that extend conversations.
  • Contribute to programme planning.
  • Encourage and assist children to practice self-help daily.
  • Ensure the environment is presented appropriately and responsive to children’s’ individual learning, including their physical and emotional needs.
  • Demonstrate a respect for diversity. Assist with the provision of inclusive and diverse language, images and experiences.


Internal review


  • Work with the team to evaluate all aspects of the programme for continuous improvement.
  • Actively undertake internal review in a meaningful and purposeful way.


Community


  • Participate with your team/Centre in fundraising and celebration events.
  • Promote the Centre within the community.


Health and Safety


  • Ensure OSH checks are completed daily. 
  • Practice safe work methods, utilising and making proper use of safety equipment and eliminating workplace hazards.
  • Be competent in fire and evacuation procedures.
  • Complete accurate and timely incident reporting.
  • Maintain resources to a high standard, reporting maintenance issues within the room when they occur.
  • Understand health and safety responsibility per health and safety legislation and Centre policy and procedures. 
  • Take responsibility for your own health and safety and ensure no action or inaction on your own part harms others in the workplace.


Communication with Parents/Whanau


  • Establish relationships based on respect and trust to enhance learning opportunities for children.
  • Help ensure the language and culture of families is promoted.
  • Ensure all parents’ comments and concerns are dealt with or handed on to the Head Teacher appropriately.
  • Attend centre events, including parent evenings.
  • Provide positive and meaningful feedback to parents on their child’s day.
  • Accommodate the parent’s instructions for daily routines and communicate these to other staff members as required.


Centre Support


  • Back up to the cook (this role is shared amongst all Centre Assistants)
  • Cover teacher absences in other rooms if required.


Other Duties


Provide support and expertise to other teachers, team members and the management team as required, in a timely, efficient, conscientious, and positive manner.


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