RCHS Teacher Assistant Preschool

Youth & Family Services•Rapid City, SD

17d•Onsite

About The Position

The Teacher Assistant Preschool will assist the teacher in all aspects of classroom operation, including carrying out lesson plans, field trips, and daily activities. This role involves creating, supporting, and maintaining a healthy, safe, learning environment conducive to each child's intellectual, physical, social, emotional, and aesthetic development. The assistant will actively engage children in play and learning, establish positive relationships with children and families, and maintain accurate records. Responsibilities also include supervising children to ensure safety, following program policies, maintaining confidentiality, assisting with grant activities, and directing other assistants, substitutes, and volunteers. The role may also involve home visits, conferences, staff meetings, and supporting program activities and services of Youth & Family Services (YFS).

Requirements

High School diploma or GED required.
Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) preferred or willing to obtain after hire or associate's degree in early childhood education or equivalency.
Must meet Head Start Program Performance Standards.
Maintain current credentials and certifications.
May be required, now or in the future, to submit to a DOT physical and acquire a CDL with passenger and school bus endorsement and be willing to submit to random drug testing as required by the DOT.
Minimum of 21 years of age (BFOQ) and have a good driving record.
Must receive Department of Transportation (DOT) physical to acquire a CDL (if needed).
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 children, other staff, and parents effectively and tactfully.
Ability to work with people of all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
Commitment to continue education in the field of early childhood.
Punctuality, dependability and flexibility.
Experience working with children.

Nice To Haves

Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) preferred or willing to obtain after hire 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.
Assist teacher 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 assist 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.
Maintain accurate records for each child, data 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.
Direct other teacher assistants, substitutes, and volunteers to carry out daily operations.
Assist with home visits or conferences and staffings throughout the year when appropriate.
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, families, and volunteers 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 assigned by supervisor.