CYS Preschool Classroom Assistant- Ramsey

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

Additional Information:

For More information, please contact Angie Browning at [email removed].

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