CDC Preschool Teacher Assistant

Organization:
Youth & Family Services (YFS)

Department:
CDC

Position:
Preschool Teacher Assistant

Status:
Full-Time

Reports to:

Teacher Preschool

Location:

Rapid City

Work Schedule:

Work Days:
Monday through Friday

Hours/Week:
40

Non-smoking work environment. Wage DOEQ. E.O.E.

Benefits: YFS strives to provide its employees with top-quality benefits. YFS employees are offered medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance as well as multiple paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, 401K and retirement/pension options, and more!

High School diploma or GED required. Transport children as assigned and be willing to submit to random drug and alcohol testing in accordance with performance standards and the Substance Abuse/Misuse Policy for Safety Sensitive Positions & Employees Driving Children. May require a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) or associate's degree in early childhood education or equivalency. Maintain current credentials and certifications.

Must meet SD Child Care Licensing Regulations if required for position. Minimum of 21 years of age (BFOQ) and have a good driving record. Punctuality, dependability and flexibility. Current vehicle liability insurance and a valid driver's license required. Maintain a working knowledge of the needs of the ages of children assigned to and the ability to be responsive to those needs.

Ability to communicate and cooperate with children, other staff, and parents effectively and tactfully. Ability to work with people of all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Commitment to continue education in the field of early childhood. Experience working with children.

• Comply with and implement all applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
• Maintain a working relationship with other classroom and/or support staff.
• Assist teacher in all aspects of the classroom operation including carrying out lesson plans, field trips and daily activities.
• Create, support, and maintain a healthy, safe, learning environment conducive to each child's intellectual, physical, social, emotional, and aesthetic development.
• Actively assist in teaching, modeling and engaging children in play and learning in classroom.
• Establish and maintain a positive and trusting relationship with children and their families.
• Maintain accurate records for each child, data entry, and completion of appropriate documents and referrals as needed in a timely manner.
• Actively supervise and engage children at all times to ensure child safety.
• Follow Youth & Family Services Discipline Policy and Behavior Management Guidelines.
• Maintain confidentiality as it relates to information about children, families, and other staff members.
• Assist in all assigned grant activities including, but not limited to, in-kind and United Way.
• Direct other teacher assistants, substitutes, and volunteers to carry out daily operations.
• Assist with home visits or conferences and staffing throughout the year when appropriate.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and trainings as requested by supervisor.
• Responsible for providing transportation to children as assigned. Complete the required bus inspections and paperwork that is assigned.
• Work with children and their families to support development toward school readiness.

Responsible for opening/closing center and all related duties if assigned. Monetary increase will accompany this duty if assigned. Punctuality is critical. Must learn and execute emergency preparedness plan and be responsive to emergencies that may arise. Responsible for providing transportation to children as assigned. Complete the required bus inspections and paperwork that is assigned. Assist in recruitment of children, families, and volunteers for program services.

Follow all requirements mandated by Department of Social Services, Fire Marshall, Department of Transportation, and Health Department. Follow all requirements mandated by Head Start/Early Head Start if applicable. Support all program activities and services of YFS, including Kids Fair, Parent Association and Policy Council, evening child care, and other event nights. Act in accordance with purpose, philosophy, values, goals, policies, and procedures of YFS.

Model appropriate behavior while working with other staff, children, and families. Perform additional duties as requested by supervisor. May be required, now or in the future, to submit to a DOT physical and acquire a CDL with passenger and school bus endorsement and be willing to submit to random drug testing as required by the DOT.

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Work schedule may vary dependent upon program needs. Perform duties in a controlled office or classroom environment; participate in activities with children as appropriate. Ability to carry children with both arms. Ability to move within the classroom and playground and on the bus. Ability to move from sitting or kneeling on floor to standing.

Ability to…