ECFE Classroom Assistant

Reports to:
Program Director

Banyan Community is seeking people who support the mission of the organization to develop youth, strengthen families, and create community in the Phillips neighborhood. We have been a community anchor in the neighborhood for nearly twenty-five years. We work together as an inclusive, asset-based community that celebrates diversity and builds trusting relationships to realize our mission. Banyan is a values-based organization comprising a multicultural, multiracial, multi-faith community, and we invite all persons to join and contribute to our transformative work.

The Classroom Assistant plays a vital role in supporting overall programming and providing a nurturing and stimulating environment for children and caregivers. This position involves assisting in the organization of the classroom, supervising children during activities, serving as a positive role model for parents, and contributing to the overall educational and emotional collaboration in the classroom.

• Assisting the Early Childhood Coordinator and Classroom Lead: Provide support in implementing and assessing developmentally appropriate activities and lessons for children and caregivers.
• Curriculum Implementation: Assist the Classroom Lead in implementing age-appropriate lesson plans and educational activities.
• Supervision and Safety: Help maintain a safe and secure environment, which fosters a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, ensuring that both children and parents feel valued, supported, and safe.
• Classroom Setup: Assist with setting up the classroom environment, arranging furniture, preparing materials, and organizing learning areas to promote a conducive learning atmosphere.
• Behavior Management: Help manage children's behavior using positive reinforcement, redirection, and other appropriate techniques as guided by the coordinator. Foster a positive and respectful classroom atmosphere.
• Individualized Support: Provide individualized attention and support to children with special needs or specific challenges, as directed by the coordinator.
• Communication: Maintain open and effective communication with parents/caregivers, sharing information about their child's class activities, progress, and any concerns.
• Cleanliness and Organization: Assist in maintaining a clean and organized classroom environment. Help with cleaning, sanitizing, and storing classroom materials and equipment.
• Professional Development: Participate in training sessions, workshops, and team meetings as required to enhance your knowledge of early childhood education practices and improve your skills.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Demonstrate respect and sensitivity towards diverse cultures, backgrounds, and individual needs within the classroom.
• Team
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Collaborate with other classroom assistants, teachers, and support staff to ensure a cohesive and effective learning environment.
• Confidentiality: Create a climate of trust and safety, which includes the importance of privacy and confidentiality.
• Overall Support: Performs other duties of a comparable level or type as requested or required.

• Passion for early childhood education.
• An ability to work effectively with children and parents.
• Able to communicate effectively and interact respectfully with diverse groups of people. Bilingual in Spanish preferred.
• Ability to adapt to a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Experience with racial equity, inclusion, and engagement with diverse community members.
• Able to lift and carry 20lbs, comfortable running or participating in physical activity as part of youth activities.
• Organized and detail oriented; able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Cultural competency and the ability to adapt teaching methods to accommodate various parenting styles amongst a variety of cultures.

This is an hourly, part-time position. Approximately 9 hrs. per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3:30pm-6:30pm). Position may require occasional evening and/or weekend hours. Salary range $20 per hour.

• Benefits include paid holidays and sick time.