WW: Preschool Program Assistant, 7.5 hrs/day, Mon-Fri

Traverse City Area Public Schools•Traverse City, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Preschool Program Assistant (caregiver) provides age-appropriate activities and services to children enrolled in the Preschool program. This is a school-year position at Westwoods Elementary School in the Early Childhood Department. The position reports directly to the Preschool Program Lead Caregiver and works under the direction of the Tuition Preschool Program Lead Teacher. The schedule is listed as 7.5 hours per day, Monday through Friday, and follows the district’s school-year calendar. The assistant supports children in a traditional preschool classroom, helps maintain student records and a clean, safe classroom and playground, and communicates with children, families, staff, administrators, and community members. The role also includes implementing district and building safety standards and behavior-management techniques, administering medication and first aid as needed, completing required documentation, maintaining confidentiality, and participating in meetings and professional development. The selected candidate must pass a criminal history background check.

Requirements

High school graduate and at least 18 years of age.
Prior experience working with or interacting with children.
Current first aid and infant, child, and adult CPR training, or willingness to obtain it at the next available offering.
Willingness to complete up to 16 clock hours of professional-development training, in addition to new-hire requirements required by MiLEAP Child Care Licensing regulations.
Ability to report regularly and consistently and maintain punctual attendance.
Ability to listen and communicate information and ideas orally to a diverse population.
Ability to communicate and work effectively with children, parents, colleagues, administrative staff, and community members.
Ability to discern information and formulate appropriate actions, think critically, provide appropriate solutions, and work effectively and efficiently.
Ability to perform frequent walking and physical activity; use hands and arms for signaling; and lift or carry up to 40 pounds.
Ability to move around the classroom, building, and school property, including sitting on the floor, bending, pushing, pulling, lifting, twisting, climbing, stooping, and crouching, with and without students.
Availability during the school year consistent with the district’s school-year calendar; irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, may be required for school events or professional development.
Pass a criminal history background check.

Nice To Haves

Early Childhood or Child Development college coursework is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist students with all aspects of attending school in a traditional preschool classroom setting.
Develop positive relationships with children, parents, staff members, administration, and community members through effective written, verbal, and nonverbal communication.
Assist the Lead Teacher with maintaining student classroom records, including attendance, behavior documentation, anecdotal notes, and lunch counts, as requested.
Help maintain a clean and safe facility and playground at all times.
Maintain discipline and bring behavior or discipline concerns to the Preschool Program Lead Teacher or building Principal.
Participate in planned meetings as requested.
Implement and enforce TCAPS District and building-level safety standards and behavior-management techniques.
Participate in staff-development and professional-development activities, up to 16 clock hours per calendar year.
Administer children’s medication and first aid as needed, and complete required State of Michigan and District documentation.
Maintain confidentiality regarding student and family records and information.
Perform other duties as assigned.