Chandler Early Learning Center Teacher Aide

South Central Community Action Program•Bloomington, IN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Teacher Aide provides responsive, developmentally appropriate support for infants and toddlers through relationship-based, whole-child practices. The role assists Lead Teachers and classroom teams with daily routines, curriculum, and maintaining the classroom environment, including coverage during staff absences, breaks, and planning time. The Teacher Aide partners with families to reinforce children’s learning and development, supports compliance with State Child Care Licensing requirements and NAEYC accreditation efforts, and models SCCAP’s commitment to empowering people to reach their potential in all interactions. The position supports child safety and supervision, respectful care during daily routines, curriculum implementation, child observation and documentation, classroom upkeep, and required records. It follows applicable policies, licensing regulations, and SCCAP procedures. The role is part-time and located at Chandler Early Learning Center in Bloomington, Indiana.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency.
At least 21 years of age.
Maintain the integrity of confidential employment, client, and business information.
Philosophical alignment with SCCAP’s mission and Chandler Early Learning Center’s approach to early learning, child development, and viewing children as whole, capable individuals.
Ability to apply professional judgment, discretion, and problem-solving skills to support safe, respectful, and intentional classroom practices.
Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with Lead Teachers, teaching teams, families, and colleagues.
Strong reading, writing, and basic math skills.
Ability to use computers and mobile devices for communication, documentation, and learning new software used in early childhood programs.
Commitment to learning and implementing evidence-based, relationship-focused, whole-child practices through professional development, trainings, and modeling.
Successfully complete all state and federal background checks required for employment in licensed early childhood programs, including child abuse and neglect clearances.
Obtain a physical examination from a licensed healthcare provider, as required by Indiana childcare licensing regulations.
Complete a pre-employment drug screening.
Obtain CPR and First Aid certification within 60 days of hire; training is provided.
Ability to lift, carry, and safely support infants and toddlers up to 50 pounds, and lift, carry, push, or pull classroom equipment, materials, and supplies.
Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, and balance.
Normal range of hearing and vision to observe and respond to children’s activities and needs.
Ability to move efficiently between classrooms and respond promptly to the needs of children and staff.
Ability to set priorities and adjust quickly to changing circumstances or last-minute demands while maintaining safety and quality of care.
Personal maturity, a pleasant and professional demeanor, and the ability to interact respectfully with children, families, and staff in a culturally diverse environment.
Ability to maintain focus, attention, and patience for safe, intentional, and responsive interactions with children and colleagues.

Nice To Haves

Completion of a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education may be strongly encouraged or required at a later point.
Bilingual skills are an asset and may enhance communication with families, but are not required.

Responsibilities

Ensure children are never left unattended and actively monitor the classroom to maintain a safe, secure environment.
Provide responsive, respectful care during diapering, toileting, feeding, and comforting, honoring each child’s autonomy and developmental needs.
Implement individualized feeding plans and support children in developing healthy attitudes toward food and eating.
Report suspected child abuse or neglect immediately in accordance with state law and SCCAP policy.
Support the Lead Teacher in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with children’s emerging interests, individuality, and whole-person growth.
Help set up and maintain a developmentally appropriate classroom environment with materials and activities that support the curriculum and respond to children’s goals, needs, and interests.
Observe and document children’s development to inform intentional, relationship-based teaching practices.
Support individual and group learning activities, responding to children’s skills, interests, and temperament.
Maintain classroom cleanliness by tidying, organizing materials, and performing light housekeeping such as laundry and sanitizing surfaces.
Maintain accurate records of attendance, incidents, meals, and other required documentation.
Assist the Lead Teacher in documenting children’s observations and assessments to support individualized care and inform teaching practices.
Follow local, state, and federal policies, licensing regulations, and SCCAP procedures.
Assist the Lead Teacher in maintaining classroom practices aligned with SCCAP policies, Indiana Childcare Licensing requirements, and NAEYC accreditation standards.
Partner with families to reinforce children’s learning and development.
Provide classroom coverage during staff absences, breaks, and planning time.