Classroom Assistant

Classroom Assistant

The Classroom Assistant plays an essential role in supporting the Lead Teacher in creating a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environment where every child can learn and thrive. This position assists with the implementation of daily classroom routines, learning experiences, and activities while providing active supervision, individualized support, and responsive care to promote each child's cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and language development.

Working collaboratively with the Lead Teacher and classroom team, the Classroom Assistant helps maintain a clean, organized, and licensing-ready classroom while building positive relationships with children and families. The Classroom Assistant is expected to follow Wisconsin DCF 251 Licensing Rules, NAC standards, and St. Francis Children's Center policies and procedures while supporting the Center's philosophy: "All children can learn if we can learn how to teach them." Through professionalism, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence, the Classroom Assistant contributes to a positive learning environment where children, families, and colleagues feel valued, respected, and supported.

Essential Functions

Daily Operations & Classroom Support

• Support the Lead Teacher in implementing the daily classroom schedule, routines, and learning activities.
• Assist in preparing the classroom, learning materials, and centers before children arrive or leave each day.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and licensing-ready classroom throughout the day.
• Provide active supervision of children at all times using sight and sound supervision in accordance with Wisconsin DCF Licensing Rules.
• Conduct head counts and assist with name-to-face attendance during classroom transitions, outdoor play, and other activities.
• Assist children during arrival, departure, meals, rest time, toileting, diapering, handwashing, and outdoor play.
• Help maintain classroom cleanliness by sanitizing toys, tables, equipment, and learning materials according to health and safety procedures.
• Prepare classroom materials, organize supplies, and communicate supply needs to the Lead Teacher.
• Assist with classroom transitions to ensure routines remain calm, organized, and safe.
• Support substitute teachers, volunteers, and visitors by helping them understand classroom routines and expectations.
• Follow the direction of the Lead Teacher, Assistant Director, and Director while demonstrating flexibility in meeting classroom and program needs.
• End of day tasks?

Family Engagement

• Welcome children and families warmly during arrival and departure.
• Promote an inclusive environment where every family feels respected, valued, and welcomed.
• Maintain positive, professional communication with families while referring classroom-specific concerns or confidential matters to the Lead Teacher or leadership when appropriate.
• Support family engagement activities, classroom events, and center-wide programs.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff at all times.
• Communicate concerns regarding children's health, safety, behavior, or development promptly to the Lead Teacher.
• Respond professionally to family questions while ensuring concerns requiring additional support are directed to the Lead Teacher or administration.
• Updates families through Lineleader on a daily basis, including a picture every day.

Compliance & Documentation

• Assist the Lead Teacher with maintaining accurate attendance records, including name-to-face attendance verification and head counts.
• Support the implementation of lesson plans and classroom activities prepared by the Lead Teacher.
• Assist with documenting children's daily activities, routines, and developmental observations as directed.
• Complete daily child reports and other assigned documentation accurately and on time.
• Maintain accurate accident reports, incident reports, medication documentation, and injury reports when assigned.
• Help maintain organized classroom files, emergency information, allergy lists, and required licensing documentation.
• Ensure classroom schedules, licensing postings, and required documentation remain current and accessible.
• Follow Wisconsin DCF 251 Licensing Rules, NAC standards, CACFP requirements, and all St. Francis Children's Center policies and procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality of all child, family, and program records.
• Complete assigned documentation and required tasks by established deadlines while communicating with the Lead Teacher regarding any concerns or needed support.

• Attend and actively participate in all mandatory meetings, professional development sessions, trainings, and other required events as outlined in the school calendar or assigned by leadership.

• Perform other duties as requested or assigned.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, kneel, crouch, and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to supervise children indoors and outdoors in varying weather.
• Ability to provide classroom support as needed.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment and technology.
• Far vision at 20 feet or further, near vision at 20 inches or less.

Required Education/License/Certifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• CPR, Mandated Reporter, Abusive Head Trauma, Fire Extinguisher and Bloodborne Pathogen Completion
• College degree in Early Childhood and/or experience working with children with special needs, preferred
• Wisconsin state certified classes including Introduction to the Child Care Profession (ECI), Skills and Strategies for the Child Care Teacher (ECII), and Fundamentals of Infants and Toddlers or their equivalent

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and staff.
• Knowledge of child development and early childhood best practices.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, ADP, LineLeader, and related software.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Behavior and Attitude

The mission and philosophy of St. Francis Children's Center require the Classroom Assistant to perform all duties in a professional, respectful, and collaborative manner. The Classroom Assistant is expected to demonstrate integrity, accountability, leadership, and a commitment to providing exceptional care and education for children while fostering positive relationships with families and colleagues. This position serves as a role model by promoting teamwork, maintaining open and respectful communication, embracing continuous learning and creating a positive classroom culture. Respect for confidentiality, professionalism, and adherence to Wisconsin DCF Licensing Rules, accreditation standards, and St. Francis Children's Center policies are essential to successful job performance.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

St. Francis Children's Center is in compliance with the equal opportunity policy and standards of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services and all applicable local, state and federal statutes and regulations relating to nondiscrimination in employment and service delivery. It is our aim to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, we will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities. No otherwise qualified person shall be excluded from employment, be denied the benefits of employment or otherwise be subject to discrimination in employment in any manner on the basis of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin or ancestry, disability or association with a person with a disability, arrest or conviction record, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy, political belief, or affiliation, military participation, or use or non-use of lawful products off the employers premises during working hours. All supervisors and managers are expected to support goals and programmatic activities relating to nondiscrimination in employment.