Assistant Teacher, Child Development Center

Chelsea

 

Our Philosophy

Phoenix Charter Academy’s mission is to challenge young people in our area with an academically rigorous and individually tailored curriculum. Phoenix scholars will have the support, resources and training needed to succeed academically in high school and college, and become economically secure in their future. Phoenix Charter Academy is named after a mythological figure of strength, healing and renewal.

 

Phoenix schools challenge resilient, disconnected young people with rigorous academics and relentless supports, so they take ownership of their futures and succeed in high school, college, and as self-sufficient adults.

 

At Phoenix we do not just accept difference – we celebrate it, support it, and thrive on it for the benefit of our scholars and the communities we serve. We believe difference makes us stronger. Phoenix Charter Academy is an equal opportunity employer and as such, we do not discriminate against any team member or candidate because of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. Phoenix Charter Academy is committed to making any reasonable accommodation necessary to support an individual’s employment.

 

The Opportunity

Phoenix Charter Academy is seeking a Child Development Center Assistant Teacher (CDC Assistant Teacher) to join our team in Chelsea. The Assistant Teacher is responsible for supporting the Lead Teacher in developing and implementing a program of activities in the Child Development Center that promotes the social, emotional, and physical development of each child enrolled. The Assistant Teacher also works closely with our young parents, supporting them in their path to high school success.  The Child Development center enrolls up to 20 young scholars each academic quarter, with an age range of a few months old to 4 years old.

 

Qualities of a Phoenix team member: 

 

• Unwavering Belief in Phoenix Scholars – Phoenix staff operate with the deeply held belief that all young people want to and can succeed even in the face of what can seem like insurmountable barriers and societal constraints.
• Ability to Put Scholars First – Phoenix staff go above and beyond to ensure mastery of the skills and development of positive self-identity that will ensure success for college, careers and beyond.  Phoenix staff find every opportunity to engage in teaching and learning with scholars, using conflict to build supportive relationships with scholars and never taking things personally.
• Eager to Learn Under Pressure – Phoenix staff must be able to learn as they go in a fast paced, ever evolving, urgent environment. They have the desire to receive direct feedback and the ability to implement the feedback into practice quickly.
• Humility – Phoenix staff approach problem solving with curiosity and desire to understand the perspectives of others. They carry an internalized sense of “I can always learn more”  from others, and know that adults at Phoenix must model the qualities of being open-minded and willing to make mistakes and learn from them.
• Experience with Low Income Communities –  Staff have the proven ability to work across cultures and experience serving low-income communities and/or academically-disconnected adolescents.
• Ability to Find Inspiration In the Small Things – In the face of challenge and hard work,  Phoenix staff must have the ability to find humor, inspiration, success and joy in the day to day interactions with scholars and the larger Phoenix Community.
• Personal Commitment to Cultural Proficiency and Ongoing Development – Phoenix staff are ongoing learners about diversity, equity and inclusion and seek to understand the ways that their self-identity and experiences impacts and interacts with their daily work, colleagues and scholars.

 

Your Contribution

In addition to demonstrating the qualities of a Phoenix staff member, the CDC Assistant Teacher will be responsible for the following:

 

Specific Responsibilities

• Along with the Lead Teacher, maintain records of each child’s progress and development
• Working with the Lead Teacher, review the progress of each child and develop written plans to promote each child’s growth and development
• Maintain a well-organized, safe and attractive classroom environment conducive to the optimal growth and development of children
• Develop a positive relationship with each child and promote the development of their self-esteem and self-discipline
• With the support of the Lead Teacher, plan and implement the daily program of activities based on principles of child development and in accordance with the program’s curriculum
• Observe each child daily to assess skills, interests, and needs, and use this information to facilitate learning and growth
• Float between the baby/toddler room and the toddler/preschool room, as needed to support lead teacher
• Establish a positive relationship with each child’s family and share information about the child’s day at the Center
• Act as primary contact for a small group of students and their adult supporters
• Work alongside and relentlessly support the parents of young scholars
• Perform other duties as required or assigned

 

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED
• Must have a desire/willingness to advance own certification/qualifications for working in Early Education field
• Must have CPR/First Aid Training. Must acquire training if hired without certification as soon as possible and keep it current from that point forward
• Must have documentation of Tuberculin-free condition
• Will undergo a criminal background check
• Must demonstrate experience and interest in working with young children, parents, and volunteers.
• Must demonstrate success in working as a member of a team.
• Must have effective and strong communication skills (orally and written).
• Must demonstrate the ability to work well with young children.
• Must be willing to work flexible hours in order to meet the needs of the program.

 

Physical Requirements

• Lift up to 40lbs
• Repeatedly bend, stretch, and stoop
• Push emergency evacuation cribs with up to 150 lbs. of weight
• Have mobility required to ensure the safety of children
• Work with children on the floor
• Perform duty cleaning
• Type and perform actions on a computer

 

 

**The Network retains the right to modify this job description at any time, for any reason, at the Network’s sole discretion**

 

Durante nuestra hora de café con leche, nuestros presentadores y expertos de salud presentaran información importante de la vacuna de covid para nuestra comunidad Latina en español. Tome una silla y acompáñenos con su tacita de café con leche.

https://www.facebook.com/events/251859113194199/?ref=110

Thanks for your interest in Cambridge Health Alliance’s (CHA) Mental Health First Aid trainings.

 

Upcoming trainings include:

Adult Mental Health First Aid

Saturday, March 13 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday, March 22 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Wednesday, April 21 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Youth Mental Health First Aid

Friday, April 2 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday, April 10 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

Virtual Mental Health First Aid is a two-part, eight-hour class that involves:

1. Two-hour, self-paced, online pre-work on Mental Health First aid topics and brief training on the online Zoom platform, which is used to host the live part of the class.

2. Six hour, instructor-lead, live training on Zoom.

 

To register: please click on a link below for the class that interests you. Registration is required.

 

Register here for 3-13 Adult MHFA

Register Here for 3-22 Adult MHFA

Register Here for 4-21 Adult MHFA

Register Here for 4-2 Youth MHFA

Register Here for 4-10 Youth MHFA

 

Registration preference is given for those in the Cambridge Health Alliance’s service areas including Cambridge, Somerville, Everett, Malden, Medford, Revere, Somerville, and Winthrop. Registration is provided on a first come, first served basis.

Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring adults how to help someone who is developing a mental health or substance use problem or crisis.

Adult Mental Health First Aid helps community members learn about risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, and gives them skills and strategies to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations. 

For registration questions please send to Kerry Mello, kmello@challiance.org

Gene Beresin, MD, of The Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds, shares tips for parents to help children, teens cope with situational anxiety.

Anxiety is a way we humans have evolved to protect ourselves.

Situational anxiety is a normal reaction to an adverse event in our lives.

In threatening situations, our brains release of a string of responses that result in rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling, hyperventilating, and intense fear — all geared to prepare us for danger. This is the foundation for appropriate and adaptive anxiety. But when this kind of “danger” response happens enough to significantly interfere with a child or teen’s social, academic, or recreational functioning, we call it a psychiatric disorder. Still yet, there are examples of when anxiety is not listed an official disorder but can be disruptive for everyday life.

Let’s look at what has been called “situational anxiety.”

What is Situational Anxiety?

Situational anxiety is a normal reaction to an adverse event in our lives. It’s typically unexpected or shocking or creates sudden hardship or excessive worrying about how it might negatively affect our lives. It’s often tied to feeling out of control. It can affect our kids — interrupting their busy schedules, and impairing their sleep, exercise, academics, and social life.

If this is an issue of situational anxiety, you likely will also notice a rather sudden change in behavior.

Some examples that send shock waves through our kids include: natural disasters (hurricanes, mud slides, forest fires), public health crises, mass shootings, cyberbullying or a sudden death or a loss.

How Will I Recognize Situational Anxiety in My Child or Teen?

In general, anxiety may present itself through one or more of the following symptoms.

These are symptoms of panic attacks, that may be observable:

• Rapid heart rate
• Hyperventilation and shortness of breath
• Dizziness or fainting
• Sweating
• Pacing
• Blushing

Kids may also reveal other signs of anxiety:

• Fatigue
• Irritability or temper tantrums in younger kids
• Isolation
• Poor appetite
• Poor sleep
• Physical complaints: Headaches, stomach aches, chest pain
• Reduced verbal responsiveness
• Expressions of worry

If this is an issue of situational anxiety, you likely will also notice a rather sudden change in behavior. Your child may behave in ways that are “out of character.”

8 Tips to Help Children and Teens Cope

Here is some guidance for parents to consider.

1. If the Situation Also Affects You, Take Care of Yourself

We are all shaken by sudden, unexpected, and at times devastating news events. Many people are profoundly concerned about climate change, natural disasters or mass shootings. Remember that anxiety is “contagious,” and your kids will pick up on your emotional reactions. The most effective way to help them is to stay calm yourself. Here are some ways you can help diminish your own anxiety:

[Younger children] tend to see the world in concrete black and white terms.

• Talk with supports, such as a spouse, partner, friend or relative. Talking about your worries is a great way to decrease anxiety.
• Take care of your physical health, including getting restful sleep and exercise.
• Use the best methods you have found helpful for reducing your own anxiety, such as yoga, meditation, prayer, listening to music, reading, journaling, or watching a good TV show.

2. Initiate Conversations

Many times, your child will not approach you with their anxiety or concerns. This may be because they feel ashamed, worried that talking will make things worse, or that they will burden you. If you notice a change in your child’s behavior, there is no harm in saying: “I’ve noticed you haven’t been yourself, lately. Is anything troubling you?” Then, follow with open-ended questions — ones that let them respond with more than just “Yes,” “No,” or “Nothing.” The point of open-ended questions is to get more details that allow you to explore what’s going on. Examples include:

• What are you worried about?
• Can you tell me about your concerns?
• How are you feeling?

3. Think Developmentally

Kids’ bodies and brains change rapidly as they get older. So, school-age children (ages 7-12) may have different anxieties about a situation than a teen (ages 13-18) or young adult.

Kids of all ages need to know that you take their anxiety seriously and acknowledge how much it means to them.

Younger children are more concerned about daily routines and activities. They also tend to see the world in concrete black and white terms. They often need simple explanations about what is going on and a clear statement that you, the parent or caregiver, will be there to protect them. They do not need to be swamped with news and information. For them, it is best to turn the TV and digital media off.

Teens and young adults think with more complexity. They can see beyond the here and now and may worry about the impact of a situation on their life in the weeks ahead or even years ahead. They may be concerned about a situation’s effect on their family, friends, community, or the earth. For them, it may help to sit with them in front of the TV or computer and learn together about the situation in the news. Or if it is a local event, such as cyberbullying or a sudden death, have an in-depth conversation about what’s been happening. Older children and young adults need to process a situation and this is best done through discussions.

4. Validate Feelings and Concerns

Kids of all ages need to know that you take their anxiety seriously and acknowledge how much it means to them. Whether it is rational or irrational, it is the reality of what your child is feeling and thinking. Try to uncover their feelings and concerns and let them know that you understand and appreciate what they are feeling. Then you can have a conversation about the situation in a way that can help reduce their anxiety.

Kids as well as adults benefit from activities that promote resilience and well-being.

5. Encourage Peer Support

Kids, especially teens and young adults with situational anxiety, often want to talk with friends about their concerns. Peer support has been shown to be very helpful in managing anxiety and is often best accomplished under supervision of a trusted adult, lest the conversation escalate and increase anxiety. Ask your child if she would like to talk with her friends and a trusted adult. Then, consider which adult could best provide guidance. This might be you or another parent, a valued teacher, coach, community leader, or member of your spiritual community.

6. Help Identify Self-Care Activities

Kids as well as adults benefit from activities that promote resilience and well-being. This includes getting good amounts of sleep and exercise. For all of us, a variety of activities may be helpful, such as the ones noted above for parents. The Clay Center has videos on Self-Care for Middle School, High School and College along with a Tool Kit that may be used at home or in school to facilitate discussion.

7. Provide Perspective and Reassurance

All kids need to know that no matter the situation, there are ways to meet the challenge. For any particular situation, one strategy may naturally be better than another, but in general we want to help them feel confident that something can be done. It is often helpful to think of a family story in which a significant hardship was overcome: “Remember when Grandma died?” or “Remember when the hurricane hit us, and a tree fell on the house?” “We all stuck together, and with the help and support of our family and friends, we got through it.” Narratives such as these provide a foundation for resilience and hope.

There are many effective treatments for anxiety, including cognitive behavioral therapy, other types of individual psychotherapy, family therapy, group therapy, and medications.

8. Seek Professional Help

There are times when many of the above measures are insufficient to quell situational anxiety. It may be that your child is struggling with other mental health problems such as depression, an anxiety disorder, or a developmental disorder that make it very hard to bounce back. Or your child may be the kind of kid who is already anxious, moody, or rigid in thinking and gets “stuck” emotionally or in certain ways of thinking.

In these cases, professional help is invaluable. Talk with your pediatrician and get a referral to a mental health professional who can do a comprehensive evaluation and suggest a treatment plan. There are many effective treatments for anxiety, including cognitive behavioral therapy, other types of individual psychotherapy, family therapy, group therapy and medications.

The bottom line is this: at some time or another, we all face difficult situations in our communities and around the world. With thoughtful, sensitive attention to the specific worries and concerns of our kids, we can help ease their current situational anxiety and lay an important foundation to deal with situational anxiety in the future.

To donate or learn more about the Clay Center, please contact us.

This story first appeared on the Clay Center’s website.

 

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

Posted in: Grade School, Hot Topics, Parenting Concerns, Teenagers, You & Your Family

Topics: Anxiety, COVID-19 + Family Mental Health, En Español, Stress

La ansiedad es la forma en que los humanos hemos evolucionado para protegernos.

En situaciones amenazadoras, nuestros cerebros desencadenan una serie de respuestas que resultan en una elevación del ritmo cardíaco, sudoración, temblores, hiperventilación y miedo intenso, todo con el propósito de prepararnos para el peligro. Esta es la base de la ansiedad apropiada y adaptativa. Pero cuando este tipo de respuesta de “peligro” ocurre en un grado suficiente como para interferir significativamente con el funcionamiento social, académico o recreativo de un niño o adolescente, es cuando la identificamos como un trastorno psiquiátrico. También hay ejemplos en los cuales cuando la ansiedad no figura como un trastorno oficial, pero puede ser perjudicial para la vida cotidiana.

Veamos lo que se ha llamado “ansiedad situacional”.

¿Qué es La Ansiedad Situacional?

La ansiedad situacional es una reacción normal a un evento adverso en nuestras vidas. Típicamente, es una respuesta a algo inesperado o impactante, que crea dificultades repentinas o preocupaciones excesivas sobre cómo este evento podría afectar negativamente nuestras vidas; a menudo está relacionado con una sensación de sentirse fuera de control. La ansiedad situacional puede afectar a nuestros hijos, interrumpiendo sus rutinas y perjudicando el sueño, ejercicio, estudios y vida social.

Algunos ejemplos de eventos que conmueven a nuestros hijos incluyen: desastres naturales (huracanes, deslizamientos de lodo, incendios forestales), crisis de salud pública, tiroteos masivos, acoso cibernético o una muerte o pérdida repentina.

¿Cómo reconoceré la ansiedad situacional en mi hijo o adolescente?

En general, la ansiedad puede identidicarse por medio de uno o más de los siguientes síntomas.

Los siguientes síntomas son típicos en los ataques de pánico:

• Ritmo cardiaco elevado
• Hiperventilación y falta de aliento
• Mareos o desmayos
• Sudores
• Caminar/moverse constantemente
• Rubor o “ponerse rojo”

Los niños también pueden presentar otros signos de ansiedad:

• Fatiga
• Irritabilidad o berrinches en niños pequeños
• Aislamiento
• Poco apetito
• Dormir mal
• Quejas físicas: dolores de cabeza, dolor de estómago, dolor en el pecho
• Responder verbalmente menos cuando uno les habla
• Expresiones de preocupación

Si se trata de un problema de ansiedad situacional, es probable que usted también note un cambio repentino en el comportamiento de su hijo/hija con comportamientos anormales para su hijo/hija.

Cómo Ayudar a Sobrellevar El Estrés de Niños/as y Adolescentes: Consejos Para Padres

1. Si La Situación También Le Está Afectando a Usted como Padre, Cuídese

Todos estamos sacudidos por noticias repentinas, inesperadas y, a veces, devastadoras. Muchas personas están profundamente preocupadas por el cambio climático, los desastres naturales o los tiroteos masivos. Recuerde que la ansiedad es “contagiosa” y sus hijos percibirán sus reacciones emocionales. La forma más efectiva de ayudarlos es mantener la calma. Aquí hay algunas formas en que puede ayudar a disminuir su propia ansiedad:

• Hable con la gente en su vida que le apoyan, como su esposo o esposa, pareja, amigo o pariente. Hablar sobre sus preocupaciones es una excelente manera de disminuir la ansiedad.
• Cuide su salud física, incluyendo el sueño reparador y el ejercicio.
• Use los métodos que haya encontrado mas útiles para reducir su propia ansiedad, como yoga, meditación, oración, escuchar música, leer, escribir en un diario o mirar un buen programa de televisión.

2. Inicie Conversaciones

Muchas veces, su hijo no se acercará a usted con ansiedad o inquietudes. Esto puede deberse a que se siente avergonzado, preocupado de que al hablar las cosas empeoren o de que le agobie a usted como padre. Si nota un cambio en el comportamiento de su hijo/a, no hay nada malo en decir: “He notado que no has sido tú mismo últimamente. ¿Hay algo que te preocupa?” Luego, siga con preguntas abiertas, que le permitan responder con algo más que “Sí”, “No” o “Nada”. El objetivo de las preguntas abiertas es obtener más detalles que le permitan explorar lo que está sucediendo. Ejemplos incluyen:

• ¿Qué te preocupa?
• ¿Puedes contarme sobre tus preocupaciones?
• ¿Cómo te sientes?

3. Tome en Cuenta El Desarrollo

Los niños/as en edad escolar (de 7 a 12 años) tienen distintas ansiedades comparados con adolescentes (de 13 a 18 años) o adulto joven.

Los niños/as más pequeños están más preocupados por las rutinas y actividades diarias. También tienden a ver el mundo en términos concretos, en blanco y negro. A menudo necesitan explicaciones simples sobre lo que está sucediendo y una declaración clara de que usted, el padre, madre, o adulto que le cuida, estará allí para protegerlo/a. No necesitan estar inundados de noticias e información. Para ellos, es mejor apagar la televisión y los medios digitales.

Los adolescentes y los adultos jóvenes piensan con más complejidad. Pueden ver más allá del aquí y ahora, y pueden preocuparse por el impacto de una situación en su vida en las próximas semanas o incluso en los próximos años. Pueden estar preocupados por el efecto de una situación en su familia, por sus amigos, su comunidad o incluso los cambios climáticos. Puede ser útil sentarse con ellos frente al televisor o la computadora y aprender juntos sobre la situación en las noticias. O si se trata de un evento local, como el ciberacoso o una muerte súbita, mantenga una conversación en profundidad sobre lo que ha estado sucediendo. Los niños mayores y los adultos jóvenes necesitan procesar una situación, y esto se hace mejor a través de la conversación.

4. Valide Sus Sentimientos y Preocupaciones

Los niños de todas las edades necesitan saber que usted toma en serio su ansiedad y reconoce cuánto significa para ellos. Ya sea racional o irracional, es la realidad de lo que su hijo siente y piensa. Intente descubrir sus sentimientos y preocupaciones, y hágales saber que comprende y aprecia lo que sienten. Luego, puede conversar sobre la situación de una manera que pueda ayudar a reducir su ansiedad.

5. Fomente el Apoyo de Pares

Los niños, especialmente los adolescentes y adultos jóvenes con ansiedad situacional, a menudo quieren hablar con sus amigos sobre sus preocupaciones. Se ha demostrado que el apoyo de pares es muy útil para controlar la ansiedad, y a menudo se logra mejor bajo la supervisión de un adulto de confianza, para que la conversación no se intensifique y aumente la ansiedad. Pregúntele a su hijo si le gustaría hablar con sus amigos y un adulto de confianza. Luego, considere qué adulto podría brindar mejor orientación. Puede ser usted o su esposo/a, un maestro preferido, entrenador, líder comunitario o miembro de su comunidad espiritual.

6. Ayude a Identificar Actividades de Autocuidado

Tanto los niños como los adultos se benefician de actividades que promueven la resiliencia y el bienestar. Esto incluye dormir bien y hacer ejercicio. Para todos nosotros, una variedad de actividades pueden ser útiles, como las mencionadas anteriormente para los padres. El Centro Clay tiene videos sobre el autocuidado para la escuela intermedia, la escuela secundaria y la universidad junto con una colección de herramientas que se puede usar en casa o en la escuela para facilitar la conversación.

7. Proporcione Perspectiva y Tranquilidad

Todos los niños/as necesitan saber que no importa la situación, hay formas de enfrentar el desafío. Para cualquier situación particular, una estrategia puede ser naturalmente mejor que otra, pero en general queremos ayudarlos a sentirse seguros de que se puede hacer algo. A menudo es útil pensar en una historia familiar en la que se superaron dificultades significativas: “¿Recuerdas cuando murió la abuela?” o “¿Recuerdas cuando el huracán nos golpeó y un árbol cayó sobre la casa?” “Todos nos mantuvimos unidos, y con la ayuda y el apoyo de nuestra familia y amigos, lo superamos.” Narrativas como estas proporcionan una base para la resiliencia y la esperanza.

8. Busque Ayuda Profesional

Hay momentos en que muchas de las medidas anteriores son insuficientes para calmar la ansiedad situacional. Puede ser que su hijo/a esté luchando con otros problemas de salud mental como la depresión, un trastorno de ansiedad o un trastorno del desarrollo que hace que sea muy difícil recuperarse. O puede ser que su hijo/a sea el tipo de niño/a que es naturalmente ansioso/a, propenso al mal humor o rígido en el pensamiento y que se “atora” emocionalmente o en ciertas formas de pensar.

En estos casos, la ayuda profesional es invaluable. Hable con su pediatra y pídale que lo refiera a un profesional de salud mental que pueda hacer una evaluación exhaustiva y que pueda sugerir un plan de tratamiento. Existen muchos tratamientos efectivos para la ansiedad, entre ellos la terapia cognitivo-conductual, otros tipos de psicoterapia individual, terapia familiar, terapia grupal y medicamentos.

La conclusión es esta: en algún momento u otro, todos enfrentamos situaciones difíciles en nuestras comunidades y en todo el mundo. Con atención cuidadosa y sensible a las preocupaciones específicas de nuestros hijos/as, podemos ayudar a aliviar sus ansiedades situacionales actuales y sentar una base importante que los ayude a enfrentar la ansiedad situacional en el futuro.