Educational Assistant

Seniority level: Entry level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Education and Training

The Educational Assistant is responsible for assisting in the physical, mental, emotional, and social well‑being and the supervision of his/her assigned group of children.

• Supervises and implements the childcare program in accordance with policies and the philosophy of the center.
• Treats each child with dignity and respect.
• Helps children become aware of their roles as integral members of a group.
• Physically supervises all activities of children in their care; maintains supervision standards inside and outside the center.
• Provides consistent care of children’s needs throughout the day, including feeding, diapering, toilet training, comforting, guidance, nap, play, and learning.
• Maintains confidentiality with parents, children, and families.
• Tailors the program to the needs of individual children, considering their interests, abilities, special talents, cultural and socioeconomic background.
• Leads developmentally appropriate activities and lessons (dramatic play, block/manipulative, gross/fine motor, arts/crafts, music/movement, language, math/science, indoor/outdoor).
• Communicates daily with parents regarding the child’s day and activities.
• Assists the Lead Educator in identifying behavioral problems and ensuring development plans are followed.
  
  Performs Lead Educator responsibilities in their absence: lesson planning, daily paperwork, documentation, parent communications, etc.
• Assists the Lead Educator in carrying out all scheduled activities and lesson plans for the assigned group.
• Collaborates with Lead Educator on classroom arrangement, appearance, decor, and learning environment.
• Ensures classroom cleanliness and reports maintenance/repair needs.
• Assumes housekeeping responsibilities (indoor and outdoor).
• Ensures classroom is stocked with necessary forms or supplies each day.
• Maintains accurate records of attendance, accidents, activity sheets, medications.
• Applies Virginia Department of Education licensure rules; reads, reviews, and understands all regulations.
• Reports timely any noncompliance with UVA Wise policies and VDOE rules, and state/federal regulations.
• Attends required staff meetings and participates in training programs (CPR, First Aid, professional development, minimum 16 hours per year).
• Represents the Educational Assistant position, YWCA, and UVA Wise hospitably to guests and external contacts.
• Maintains a positive, flexible, and cooperative relationship with all staff and volunteers.

• Work in a safety‑conscious manner and report any safety violations or hazards.
• Comply with UVA Wise policies, procedures, and all state and federal regulations.
• Adhere to a drug‑free workplace.
• Interact professionally, compassionately with children, families, visitors, volunteers, and co‑workers, ensuring a safe environment.
• Maintain dependable attendance and adhere to cleanliness, grooming, hygiene, and dress code standards.
• Ensure equal opportunity without regard to protected categories.

• Walking, standing, talking, hearing; able to listen and respond immediately to children.
• Routine lifting of children and moving furniture; sustain long hours of active work for 8+ hours.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Agility to move quickly and keep pace with young children.

• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Maintain emotional control under stress.
• Remain alert and energetic for 8+ hours.

• Minimal travel required; some travel may be required for trainings.

Discounted child care, Medical, Dental, and PTO available to full‑time staff.

Part‑time staff may acquire vacation hours based on hours averaged.

Discounted room rentals plus 1 free rental per year.

Meals provided at no charge (center provided, childcare only).

Paid training.