Messiah Early Childhood Development Center is a community of people, redeemed by God through Jesus Christ, in which all are affirmed because of their forgiveness through Him. Christ’s love motivates each staff member to develop a warm and loving environment where each child is nurtured to develop positive relationships with others and reach his / her full potential. Teaching staff members recognize and provide opportunities for young children to develop an understanding of self and others. These interactions are characterized by warmth, Christ-centered relationships, respect, positive support and responsiveness.

The Teacher Assistant/Aide supports the Lead Teacher, the Assistant Director and the Director by helping to create a caring and safe environment for the children and assisting in activities to improve the overall care and quality of education. S/he must be able to communicate, listen and work well with others in a team environment. Assisting the staff in implementing a quality educational program and in developing positive relationships with the children and their parents, the Teacher Assistant observes and documents children’s interest and progress, and relays that information back to parents and staff. Teacher Assistants are responsible for implementing developmentally appropriate activities based on children’s interests and needs under the direction of the Lead Teacher and the Assistant Director and the Center Director.
This position reports to the Toddler Lead and the Director of Early Childhood Ministries Key Responsibilities
· Assist in the implementation of school age program activities and encourage participation by children.

· Actively engage in activities; manage cleanliness, order, and availability of classroom materials.

· Maintain frequent communications with parents through informal discussions and daily reports.

· Encourage self-help and good hygiene through behavior modeling.

· Help ensures smooth, daily transitions for children.

· Follow all program policies and state regulations.

· Maintain personal professional development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement.

· Promote emotional support and guidance

o Staff members treat adults and children with dignity and respect through speech and actions

o Assistants initiate activities and discussions that build a positive, Christ-centered self-identity and respect for and acceptance of others

o Assistants provide empathy, comfort, kindness, patience and care to distressed, sad and crying children.

o Assistants support and help parents / guardians and children with separation anxiety

o Assistants model and promote positive social interaction in the classroom

o Integrate children with special needs in a positive and respectful manner

o Staff members provide a safe and nurturing environment free from negative verbal interaction, physical punishment, psychological abuse, coercion and threats.

o Implement positive discipline when required

· Ensure a healthy classroom environment – including maintaining appropriate hygiene and cleanliness standards and safety and security of children.

o Maintain a current CPR and First Aid Certificate

o Remain up to date on required safety trainings: Health and Safety, Safe with You/Power to Protect, Prepare to Care

o Be familiar with Emergency Procedures

o Ensure that children are supervised at all times and ratios are maintained

o Promote Health and Nutrition in the classroom.

· Maintain accurate records, forms and files.

o Maintain an accurate time sheet

o Document accidents and injuries and illnesses

o Other paperwork, as required

· Maintain personal professional development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement.

· Assistants intentionally share their faith in Jesus with young children.

· Center Responsibilities

o Attend Monthly Staff Meetings

o Maintain confidentiality

o Attend parent involvement activities

o Maintain in-service requirements

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Additional Knowledge, Skills and Experience Required
· Minimum of 1-2 years of professional education experience.

· High energy.

· Ability to work well with others.

· Strong oral and written communication skills and basic computer skills.

· An understanding of child development.

· Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

· Infant/child CPR and First Aid certification.

· Must clear full background check.

· Must pass health screening.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $13.50 - $15.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

School type:

• Religious school

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Work Location: In person