Preschool Teacher

Classroom Aide

This position is responsible for providing developmentally appropriate educational programming aligned with state and national early childhood standards. Teachers supervise children, develop lesson plans, prepare instructional materials, and maintain a safe, organized classroom environment. This role serves children ages 6 weeks through 11 years and may include directing and supervising support staff.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Teach and follow a daily routine while actively supervising children for safety at all times.
• Adapt curriculum and care to meet individual physical, social, emotional, and developmental needs.
• Plan and implement engaging, age-appropriate activities.
• Maintain accurate head counts throughout the day.
• Oversee feeding procedures and allergy prevention protocols.
• Respond appropriately to medical emergencies.
• Promote learning through play-based and hands-on experiences.
• Support the social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development of each child.
• Complete detailed daily reports and communicate effectively with parents.
• Participate in semi-annual parent-teacher conferences, which may require overtime.
• Initiate and participate in behavioral meetings with parents when necessary.
• Maintain a clean, organized classroom, including preparation before Fall and Spring sessions.
• Meet regularly with the Department Head and Director.
• Comply with all DHS, Department of Education, and state regulations.
• Attend staff meetings, school programs, and required in-service training.
• Serve as a Mandated Reporter.
• Plan and participate in classroom holiday and special celebrations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by management.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Delegate cleaning and supervisory tasks within the classroom.
• Monitor and quality-check the work of Teachers' Aides.
• Ensure appropriate staff supervision at all times.
• Maintain required classroom supply inventory.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree from a four-year college or university OR one to two years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience OR CDA credential OR Track 2 Certification.
• Must be at least 18 years of age and meet one of the state-approved education/experience pathways (e.g., high school diploma with 4,160 hours as an assistant teacher and 24 quarter credits in a childcare-related field).
• Required certifications:
  • Adult & Pediatric CPR and First Aid (within 90 days of hire and kept current)
  • All annually required DHS trainings, including but not limited to: AHT, SUIDS, Risk Reduction, Supervision for Safety, Child Development, OSHA, and other mandated training.
• Computer and technology skills:
  • Ability to download and use required mobile and computer applications for onboarding, scheduling, timekeeping, and communication.
  • Proficient use of parent communication apps via phone or tablet.
  • Microsoft Office Suite knowledge preferred.

Other Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrates patience and professionalism when working with children.
• Caring, approachable, and supportive demeanor.
• Ability to work occasional evenings or outside normal hours as needed.

Competencies

• Diversity: Respects cultural differences and promotes an inclusive, harassment-free environment.
• Ethics: Acts with integrity, maintains confidentiality, and upholds organizational values.
• Adaptability: Responds effectively to change, delays, and unexpected situations.
• Attendance & Punctuality: Consistently reliable and timely.
• Change Management: Communicates and implements changes effectively.
• Cost Consciousness: Uses resources responsibly and supports cost-saving efforts.
• Delegation: Assigns tasks appropriately and monitors outcomes.
• Dependability: Takes responsibility for actions and meets deadlines.
• Initiative: Demonstrates motivation and willingness to take on additional responsibilities.
• Written Communication: Writes clearly, accurately, and professionally.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, and use hands and fingers.
• Occasionally required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel, or crawl.
• Must regularly communicate verbally and audibly.
• Occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions and outdoor weather.
• Frequently exposed to infectious materials and pathogens.
• Moderate to loud noise levels.
• Must be able to lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• Vision requirements include close, distance, and peripheral vision.