CELA Early Childhood Aide

Boys & Girls Club of Clifton, Inc.•Clifton, NJ

8h•Onsite

About The Position

The Teacher Aide assists in providing a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for preschool-aged children in the before and after school care program. Under the supervision of the Site Supervisor, the Teacher Aide supports the implementation of developmentally appropriate activities, assists with behavior management, and ensures the well-being of all children during their time in the program. This role provides valuable support to both children and staff, helping create a positive and enriching experience. About the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton: Clifton, New Jersey is the third most diverse city in America by languages spoken and has a proud history of being a first stop city for generations of immigrants. Since 1947 the Boys & Girls Club (BGCC) has supported the Clifton community in providing quality youth development programs for youth aged 3-18. The BGCC serves over 6,000 youth annually, and continues to grow, remaining dedicated to the community’s ever-changing needs. We are committed to ensuring every child has access to our exceptional programs and services, aiming to enrich their lives and shape their futures. We are seeking individuals who will listen to the children, respect, and honor their diversity, while helping us maintain a safe environment where they can have fun and be themselves. We are looking for passionate people who are excited to support our mission: to empower and inspire all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as responsible, caring, and productive citizens. If you're ready to make a difference and help inspire our children, join us today!

Requirements

High School Diploma not required
Previous experience working with children in a childcare or preschool setting is preferred but not required.
Ability to work effectively with preschool-aged children and staff.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to follow instructions and work as part of a team.
Patience, flexibility, and a positive attitude.
CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
Background check required
Fingerprinting Required

Nice To Haves

College coursework in Early Childhood Education or Child Development is a plus.
Knowledge of basic child development principles is a plus.

Responsibilities

Help supervise children during activities such as free play, outdoor play, snack time, and structured games.
Assist the Site Supervisor in implementing lesson plans and age-appropriate activities.
Ensure children are safe and accounted for at all times, both indoors and outdoors.
Assist in maintaining a clean, organized, and safe environment for the children.
Report any safety concerns or incidents to the Site Supervisor immediately.
Assist in setting up, leading, and guiding children through age-appropriate activities such as arts and crafts, group games, reading, and outdoor play.
Support children with basic care needs such as toileting, feeding, and hygiene.
Build positive and respectful relationships with children, parents, and staff.
Help redirect children to appropriate activities or behaviors when necessary.
Build positive relationships with children by engaging with them in a friendly, caring, and respectful manner.
Support children in forming friendships and encourage inclusive play.
Assist with informal communication to parents, such as relaying important updates about their child’s day.
Help maintain an environment where children feel comfortable expressing their needs.
Work collaboratively with the Site Supervisor and other staff members to ensure smooth operations of the before and after care program.
Participate in staff meetings and training sessions as required.
Help with other administrative tasks such as organizing supplies, preparing materials, and cleaning up after activities.
Experience / or knowledge in developing and implementing programs that nurture the potential of youth.
Foster a positive, inclusive, and respectful environment that encourages youth voice and participation.
Monitor youth behavior and ensure safety protocols are followed at all times.
Serve as a role model, mentor, and advocate for young people.
Participate in staff meetings, training, and professional development activities.
Must be able to pass a background check. Consisting of two NJDCF required checks and two organizational checks.
Must be able to pass a drug/alcohol test at the employer’s request and comply with a “Drug Free” policy.
Must be able to provide a valid (acceptable) identification for the completion of the employment eligibility verification information in accordance with the I-9.
Flexible and able to adapt to changes in the work environment.
Have access to reliable transportation to commute, to and from work, to program locations, and for activities (such as meetings, classes, and workshops in and out of the immediate area.)
An understanding of the Club’s mission and values.
Ability to critically assess situations, solve problems, work effectively under stressful situations.
Ability to understand and carry out varied instruction and procedures with minimal supervision.
Ability to communicate effectively and exhibit excellent relationship building skills with all levels of employees, management, and students (families).
Develop a lesson plan that is implemented with/for groups of students.
Attend all required staff meetings and trainings.
Complete 12 hours of training annually, as required by NJDCF.
Able to manage groups of students in the out of school time environment.
Approach to work is one of that is supportive, nurturing, and inclusive for all.
Arrive daily for scheduled workday on time and prepared for work shift.
Must clock in, or complete time sheet daily upon arrive and at the end of the work shift.
Does not use personal electronic devices during work shift (i.e. cellphone, earphones, etc.)
Maintains a professional appearance and conducts business using a customer centered approach.
Participate in staff meetings, surveys, questionnaires as needed by the program or organization.
Assist senior staff as necessary to ensure successful outcome of the Club’s operations and mission.
Contribute in implementing and carrying out programs and activities daily.
Contribute to creating a positive Club environment that facilitates the achievement of youth development outcomes. A. Academic Success B. Good Character & Citizenship C. Health Lifestyles.
Manage student conflict, problems and emergencies, analyze situations, comprehend problems and draw reliable conclusion taking appropriate action without waiting for direction.
Acts as a role model by their actions in both their professional and private life.
As a role model, provide members guidance and mentoring to help them make appropriate choices regarding their educational, personal, physical, social, emotional, and career decisions.
Contributes to ensuring a healthy and safe environment for members.
Contributes to ensuring that facilities, equipment and supplies are maintained.
Maintain confidentiality of members, employees, and Club information.
Oversee proper record keeping and reporting including: Daily attendance incident reports, etc.
Reports any suspected abuse to the Program Director and Site Supervisor, to ensure that the proper steps in reporting and documentation are completed.
Adheres to all policies and procedures.
Assume other duties as assigned.