What it takes to be an Associate Teacher at Just Like GRAMMY & POPPOP’S
There are many different skills, personality traits and areas of expertise that we are looking for in an associate teacher team member at Just Like GRAMMY & POPPOP’S. The associate child care teacher works under the supervision of a teacher or lead teacher with a group of children.
Top 3 Qualities in an Associate Teacher
Patience. Proactiveness. Flexibility.
There are so many more qualities that are key for an associate teacher and it wasn’t easy to narrow these down to the top 3 but I believe that the above three words encompass a lot that would make a great associate teacher. I look forward to breaking those down more to what they believe to us at Just Like GRAMMY & POPPOP’S and how we look forward to seeing them in action. For example, safety is definitely of utmost importance to use, but we didn’t list “safety trained” in the above top 3. Why not? If you are proactive, you will be watching out and always discussing situations that need additional care or even reaching out for an additional hand or two when needed.
Educational Requirements for an Associate Teacher
Please make sure to review the WI Department of Children and Families Administrative Code 251 website for their requirements of an associate teacher. [When referencing the WI DCF 251.05 (3)(g), please note the name they use is assistant child care teacher which is the same requirements as Just Like GRAMMY & POPPOP’S, associate child care teacher.]
As of May 24, 2024, the following is noted as the WI Administrative Code 251:
Prior to assuming the position, a person hired to be an assistant child care teacher shall be qualified in one of the following ways:
- Be at least 18 years old and have satisfactorily completed 2 credits in early childhood education or its equivalent within 6 months of assuming the position -OR-
- Be at least 18 years old and have satisfactorily completed one, non-credit department approved course in early childhood education within 6 months after assuming the position -OR-
- Be at least 17 years of age and have satisfactorily completed an assistant child care teacher training program approved by the Wisconsin department of public instruction, 2 credits in early childhood education or its equivalent, or a noncredit department-approved course in early childhood education.
Training Requirements for an Associate Teacher
In Wisconsin and at Just Like GRAMMY & POPPOP’S child care center, it is required that you have additional training on policies, procedures, and safety measures. These are covered in our Team Member Onboarding.
Continuing Education for an Associate Teacher
Continuing Education is required each year for associate teachers. But you aren’t alone! We will help you obtain this and make sure that you have the time to complete it. That’s at least fifteen hours a year and you will be offered a variety of different topics aligned to your needs and interest to accomplish that.