CLASSROOM ROLE

Educators at First Circle respect, support, and nurture each child’s unique abilities and development while fostering exploration, play, and self-expression. They guide children in understanding appropriate behavior and serve as the primary link to parents, sharing progress and insights.

To ensure that our teachers are the top in their field, educators receive ongoing professional development, including training in CPR, emergency management, first aid, and nutrition.

Staff are supervised daily, observed monthly, and receive regular feedback and annual performance evaluations. At First Circle, we have several different roles for the educators in our classrooms:

TEACHER

Teachers at First Circle are EEC certified as teacher or lead teacher. Most have extensive coursework, workshop, and training experience, and meet annual professional development requirements in addition to their certification. Teachers share responsibility for the educational program, and have primary responsibility for the children in their classroom. They are supported, supervised, and evaluated by the director and administrative team.

CLASSROOM ASSISTANT

Classroom assistants are educators who may or may not have had prior professional experience working with children or early childhood education coursework. However, most have coursework, workshop, and training experience, and are either working towards, or in the process of receiving, their teaching certification from EEC. Classroom assistants are always under the direct supervision of teachers. They are a vital part of the classroom team and have most of the same responsibilities as a Teacher, without primary classroom responsibility. They are supported, supervised, and evaluated by the classroom teachers, director, and administrative team.

VOLUNTEERS/STUDENT INTERNS

From time to time, we have parents, extended family members, or students 16 years or older who would like to volunteer in the classroom. First Circle welcomes the opportunity to expand our ability to nurture and care for the children in our charge. In accordance with EEC regulations, we have a Volunteer Plan to which we adhere strictly. Our plan includes the following:

• • All volunteers at First Circle undergo orientation, training, and supervision to ensure compliance with all policies and procedures, including appropriate interactions with children and families, handwashing, and mandated reporting.
  • They must pass a Background Records Check, SORI check, and online EEC orientation before working with children and provide a current health assessment verifying they are disease-free and up to date on immunizations.
  • Volunteers are always under direct visual supervision of an educator, are never left alone with children, and do not administer First Aid, medication, or change diapers.
  • They are included on the written schedule but do not count toward staff ratios unless assigned for at least three months.
  • The program maintains detailed records of volunteer service, including dates, hours, and responsibilities.

Detailed job descriptions for each of these roles are available from the director.