Teacher Aide/Floater

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Opportunity for advancement
• Training & development

The Part-Time Floater Aide provides flexible classroom and program support throughout the center, working with infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children as needed. This position is designed to support teachers, Lead Teachers, and Administration by helping maintain safe, consistent, engaging, and well-functioning classrooms.

The Floater Aide must be comfortable working in all classrooms and adaptable to the changing needs of the program. The ideal candidate is able to follow directions well while also being self-sufficient, observant, and capable of recognizing and completing routine classroom tasks without constant direction.

Schedule & Flexibility

This is a part-time position with a flexible schedule based on the needs of the program and staff each week. Hours and classroom assignments may vary.

The Floater Aide may be scheduled to:

• Cover staff breaks and lunches.
• Provide coverage for vacations, appointments, and planned absences.
• Assist with coverage when employees call out.
• Provide additional support in classrooms as needed.
• Move between Infant, Toddler, and Preschool classrooms throughout the day.
• Assist with transitions, opening or closing duties, and other program needs.

Flexibility and willingness to work where needed are essential functions of this position.

Primary Responsibilities

The Part-Time Floater Aide is expected to:

• Assist Teachers, Lead Teachers, and Administration with assigned classroom and program tasks.
• Provide attentive and appropriate care to infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children.
• Follow directions, classroom routines, program policies, and Lead Teacher expectations.
• Work independently on routine responsibilities without requiring continuous direction.
• Maintain active supervision of children at all times.
• Build positive, caring, and appropriate relationships with children.
• Demonstrate patience, understanding, and consistency when working with children of different ages, personalities, abilities, and developmental needs.
• Support established classroom expectations and routines to provide consistency for children.
• Assist with diapering, toileting, potty training, handwashing, meals, bottles, naps, and other caregiving routines as appropriate for each classroom.
• Hold, rock, comfort, and engage infants as needed.
• Participate actively in play, learning activities, outdoor time, and classroom interactions.
• Assist teachers in carrying out planned lessons, art projects, sensory activities, group activities, and other curriculum experiences.
• Help prepare, organize, and clean up classroom materials and activities.
• Complete routine classroom cleaning and sanitizing throughout the day.
• Assist with bathroom cleaning and maintaining sanitary classroom environments.
• Help maintain organized, safe, and developmentally appropriate classroom spaces.
• Communicate respectfully and professionally with coworkers and Administration.
• Complete other reasonable duties as assigned based on the needs of the children, classroom, or program.

Physical Requirements

This position requires frequent physical activity associated with caring for young children. Employees must be able to:

• Frequently bend, kneel, squat, sit on the floor, stand, and move between sitting and standing.
• Sit and play with children at their level for extended periods.
• Hold, carry, rock, and care for infants and young children.
• Assist children with diapering, toileting, dressing, and other personal care needs.
• Move throughout classrooms and outdoor play areas while actively supervising children.
• Perform routine classroom and bathroom cleaning and sanitizing tasks.
• Safely lift and carry children and classroom materials as required by the position.

Position Expectations

A successful Floater Aide is dependable, flexible, patient, and team-oriented. Because this position works throughout the program, the employee must be willing and able to adapt to different classrooms, age groups, teaching styles, routines, and daily needs.

While Lead Teachers and Administration will provide direction, the Floater Aide is also expected to take appropriate initiative by recognizing routine classroom needs, assisting children and teachers without unnecessary prompting, and remaining actively engaged throughout their shift.

The primary focus of this position should always remain on the safety, supervision, care, development, and well-being of the children and supporting the teachers responsible for their classrooms.