Teacher Assistant 0-3: Iola Classroom B

Classification:  Full-time                                                   Status:  Non- Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Teacher Aide partners with classroom staff to support the delivery of high-quality early childhood education and consistent supervision of infants and toddlers. This position helps create a safe, positive, and engaging environment where children are encouraged to explore, play, and learn. Teacher Aide facilitates learning through the implementation of curriculum, modeling classroom expectations, supporting social-emotional development, and engaging in indoor/outdoor play and daily routines.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Child Interaction & Supervision

• Engage with children in ways that support their language development, learning, and overall growth.
• Demonstrate patience and understanding based on each child's developmental level.
• Ensure active supervision of children using indoor/outdoor zoning and by assisting in multiple classrooms as needed.
• Participate in and guide children through mealtime routines, including family style meals and cafeteria transitions.
• Follow all emergency procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of children and staff during drills or real incidents.

Learning Environment & Curriculum Support

• Collaborate with classroom staff to maintain a safe, welcoming, and engaging learning environment.
• Support the daily schedule and encourage child choice in learning experiences.
• Assist in implementing the agency’s curriculum and social-emotional strategies to prevent and address challenging behaviors.
• Conduct child observations and accurately document findings in the data system.
• Remain flexible to perform other duties as needed to meet the educational and care needs of children.

Collaboration & Adaptability

• Communicate effectively and respectfully with children, families, staff, and community partners, both verbally and in writing.
• Foster positive, professional relationships with co-workers, families, and volunteers.
• Maintain flexibility throughout the workday and adjust to changes in tasks or routines as needed.
• Demonstrate self-regulation and composure in high-stress or fast-paced situations.
• Effectively manage multiple responsibilities and prioritize tasks during busy periods.

Attendance, Professionalism & Teamwork

• Maintain regular, reliable attendance to ensure consistency and safety for children.
• Demonstrate professionalism by actively advocating for SEK-CAP, Inc. within the community and serving as a strong advocate for Head Start children and families.
• Respect and support cultural differences and diverse family structures while maintaining strict confidentiality and privacy of all those involved with SEK-CAP. Through these actions, the Teacher Aide upholds the agency’s mission and fosters trust, inclusivity, and positive relationships with families and the community.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with co-workers, community partners, and customers.
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic by adhering to schedules, following supervision directives, and complying with all agency policies and procedures.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• Basic computer skills, must have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, data entry, email and digital calendars.
• Basic operation skills of general office equipment such as photocopiers, faxes, and phone systems.
• Superior interpersonal skills. Ability to get along with diverse personalities. Tactful, mature, and flexible.
• Ability to meet and deal tactfully with the public and to communicate effectively and clearly both orally and in writing.
• Resourceful and well organized.
• Ability to learn and adapt.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent, and/or
• Enrollment in a program leading to a degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field, or
• A state-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds CDA requirements, or
• Infant/Toddler CDA credential, or the ability to obtain the Infant/Toddler CDA within one year of hire and keep current.

Additional requirements:

• 3-5 years of experience working with young children in a classroom setting preferred.
• Eligible to obtain KDHE program approval.
• Obtain and uphold current First Aid and CPR certification.
• Submit to and pass standard criminal history check.
• Possess curren