Infant/Toddler Teacher Assistant

Youth & Family Services•Rapid City, SD

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Youth & Family Services (YFS) is seeking a full-time Infant/Toddler Teacher Assistant for its Child Development Center in Rapid City, SD. This position reports to the Child Development Center Director and works a Monday through Friday schedule, 40 hours per week, in a non-smoking environment. Depending on qualifications, candidates may also be considered for Lead Infant/Toddler Teacher or Infant/Toddler Classroom Assistant roles. The role involves creating and maintaining a healthy, safe, and stimulating learning environment, actively engaging with children in teaching and play, and establishing positive relationships with children and their families. Responsibilities include implementing lesson plans, supporting curriculum involvement, maintaining accurate records, ensuring child safety, and assisting with program activities and grant requirements.

Requirements

High School diploma or GED required.
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.
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 staff, persons of all socio-economic levels, and diverse populations 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.

Nice To Haves

Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) or associate's degree in early childhood education or equivalency.

Responsibilities

Comply with and implement all applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
Maintain a working relationship with other classroom and/or support staff.
Participate 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 participate 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.
Invite and support parents to become integrally involved in the development of the program's curriculum and approach to child development and education.
Encourage the involvement of families and support the development of relationships between children and their families.
Maintain accurate records for each child, date 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.
Attend and participate in staff meetings and trainings as requested by supervisor.
Work with children and their families to support development toward school readiness.
Learn and execute emergency preparedness plan and be responsive to emergencies that may arise.
Assist in recruitment of children and families 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.