Classroom Assistant

***salary is commensurate with experience***

Overview: supports teachers by assisting with various classroom tasks and providing individualized attention to students. Their role is crucial in creating a positive learning environment and enabling teachers to focus on instruction.

Essential Functions

• Supervise and ensure the safety and well-being of the children at all times, being alert for the needs of the children as individuals and as a group
• Function as the primary caregiver for a group of children
• Assist teacher in any way possible which may include, but is not limited to the following:
  1. Plan and implement curriculum
  2. Implement the daily program
  3. Decorate the room and/or bulletin boards
  4. Serve meals and snacks
  5. Keep classroom and storage areas neat and orderly
  6. Where applicable, assist children with toilet needs
  7. Launder classroom materials and wash/disinfect toys
  8. Assist in all personal care aspects of the children
• Follow directions of teachers regarding staffing needs of the program
• Attend and participate in team meetings, staff meetings, and staffing as requested to offer suggestions, observations, and ideas regarding program or individual child needs
• Attend scheduled on-site in-services and complete annual continuing education
• Temporarily assume responsibilities of the teacher in the absence of the teacher
• Be familiar with and follow all center policies, procedures, state regulations and accreditation standards
• Report to teacher any cases of suspected child abuse and neglect
• Attend and assist with field trips
• Assist teacher in supervising and directing subs and volunteers
• All other duties as assigned

Physical Demands of the Position

• Stand and walk repetitively
• Bend, twist and reach repetitively
• Far vision at 20 feet or further, near vision at 20 inches or less
• Speak and hear
• Kneel, crouch, climb, feel and stoop repetitively
• Lift and carry objects weighing up to thirty lbs. repetitively
• Push/pull objects at a medium intensity level of effort
• Handle or manipulate objects at a medium intensity level of effort

Mental Requirements

• Must have ability to cope with changes in routine to accommodate needs of the school
• Must be able to handle multiple tasks at a time
• Must be able to continually interact with co-workers, parents and children in a positive manner

Environmental/Working Conditions

• Inside work environment 80% of the time
• Exposure at times to cold or warm conditions when outside with the children

Required Education/License/Certifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 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 equivalents

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Strong nurturing skills
• Understand and follow written and verbal directions
• Read, write, basic math skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Positive and friendly attitude
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to function effectively in a team setting
• Ability to adjust to various work changes that occur throughout the day

Behavior and Attitude

The mission and philosophy of St. Francis Children's Center requires this position to perform in both a professional and personable manner. The manner in which the employee relates to fellow employees, clients, and visitors is considered parallel in importance to technical knowledge and ability. Respect and consideration given to the dignity of each client, visitor and fellow employee is a requisite of successful job performance. In addition, strict client confidentiality must be maintained.

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 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 accommodations 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.