CYS Preschool Classroom Assistant- Palmyra

JOB TITLE: Preschool Classroom Assistant
DEPARTMENT: Child & Youth Services
SUPERVISOR’S TITLE: Child & Youth Services Assistant Director and/or Preschool/Child Care Manager
POSITIONS SUPERVISED: None
JOB STATUS: Level II, Non-Exempt
SCHEDULE: Preschool program activities are scheduled from 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM; specific work schedule to be determined by supervisor.

Summary:

Assist the Preschool Teacher in providing a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for young children. The Preschool Classroom Assistant supports daily classroom activities, child supervision, lesson-plan implementation, documentation, family communication, and program events while promoting each child’s physical, emotional, intellectual, and social development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist the Preschool Teacher with implementing developmentally appropriate activities that meet children’s physical, emotional, intellectual, and social needs
• Maintain a safe, orderly, nurturing, and stimulating classroom environment that meets all applicable regulations
• Supervise assigned children at all times in the classroom, on the playground, during meals, and on field trips
• Use calm, positive guidance and help minimize waiting times during classroom transitions
• Lead group activities as directed by the Preschool Teacher using a variety of materials and teaching methods
• Encourage children’s social, self-help, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Support classroom setup, organization, labeling, bulletin boards, and preparation of daily materials
• Assist with implementing themed lesson plans that promote cognitive, language, pre-writing, fine motor, gross motor, social-emotional, dental, and health development
• Help maintain classroom cleanliness by cleaning and sanitizing classrooms, equipment, and activity areas as required
• Report safety concerns, needed repairs, and suspected child abuse through appropriate channels
• Assist with maintaining inventory of classroom supplies and equipment and communicate needs to the supervisor
• Assist with administering student assessments during the fall, winter, and spring
• Maintain accurate daily documentation, including attendance, medication records, food-program records, and incident/accident reports
• Assist with student enrollment and collection of demographic information
• Participate in special events, staff meetings, required trainings, and preschool graduation activities
• Follow all Blue River Services, Inc. personnel policies, procedures, and program regulations
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, staff, the school, and the agency
• Participate in and follow emergency procedures
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications & Skills:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, related degree, or other early childhood credential preferred
• Previous experience in an elementary or early childhood program required
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team with shared responsibilities and outcomes
• Strong time-management, stress-management, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to adapt teaching approaches to meet individual child and classroom needs
• Ability to clearly and effectively communicate with young children
• Positive, patient, and professional demeanor with children, families, and coworkers

Physical & Work Requirements:

• Ability to lift and carry 40 pounds or more
• Ability to visually and auditorily supervise children in the classroom, on the playground, and during field trips
• Ability to sit on the floor, use child-sized chairs, kneel, crawl, bend, twist, and move at a child’s level
• Ability to actively participate in indoor and outdoor play and daily classroom activities

Certifications & Training Requirements:

• Maintain certification in CPR, First Aid, and Preventing Disease Transmission
• Complete a minimum of 12 hours of in-service training annually
• Understand and teach ISTAR-KR standards
• Participate in all staff development required by the supervisor, grantee agencies, and funding sources
• Submit required training evaluation forms and certificates of completion

Blue River Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Drug-Free Workplace.

 Education Requirements:

• High School Diploma from an accredited school or equivalent required
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, related degree, or other early childhood credential highly preferred
• Previous experience working in an elementary or early childhood program required