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.

Requirements
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