You have a purpose and so should your job. Our children are the future of our community, and their care and education will directly impact their growth, development, and success. We believe success in the classroom is the foundation for success in life – and that no child should go without the opportunity to reach their full potential.

The Learning Lamp has been lighting the way to a brighter future for nearly 20 years in our region. Initially started with the mission to provide access to high quality tutoring without the high price tag, our organization has grown, minimizing education and care disparities for children through child care, tutoring, and more. We are an integral part of the Richland community, providing much needed support for families, schools, and children.

We are looking for a FULL TIME Preschool Program Assistant to support preschool programs. This is a responsible position that involves working with the Preschool Program Manager to oversee The Learning Lamp’s preschool programs. The Preschool Program Assistant will work alongside the Preschool Program Manager helping with tasks needed to keep the preschool program in compliance with PKC and DHS regulations. This position will require office work as well as filling in as a substitute as needed in the preschool programs. This position is also responsible for management of the Child & Adult Care Food Program.

What’s in it for you?

The chance to make an impact by:

• Being the compassionate, smiling face and vibrant light when interacting with the children on a regular basis;
• Collaborating with other professionals to plan and execute fun, engaging, and age-appropriate activities for the children in the classroom and on the playground;
• Caring for vulnerable young children when preparing snacks/meals, supervising;
• Engaging the parents/guardians through regular communication about the development and well-being of their child(ren); and
• Safeguarding children when cleaning the classroom, adhering to the safety and security regulations you learn through our employee development training, and more.

What are the hours like?

• Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week.
• Apply today to discuss if there’s a schedule that can work for you!

What are the primary duties and responsibilities?

Program Development and Quality

• Oversee preschool locations to ensure cleanliness, professionalism, and delivery of quality services
• Ensure quality of care is excellent and families are well taken care of
• Maintain a professional attitude and loyalty to the organization at all times
• Ensure all PKC guidelines are being met at all times at PKC sites
• Work in partnership with the Preschool Program Manager to keep all DHS and PDE licenses current and to ensure all regulations are being followed at all times
• Work with preschool teachers to implement Keystone STARS and continuously advance
• Look for ways to grow preschool programs in a controlled manner
• Assist to oversee startup of new programs
• Assist with keeping children files current and calling families as needed to maintain communications
• Assist with preschool registrations, orientation and graduation as needed

Management and Supervision

• Assist in the preschool teacher evaluations twice each year and ensure aides are being evaluated twice per year
• Assist in conducting formal performance reviews on teachers and aides annually
• Oversee training/professional development of all preschool staff
• Monitor job performance of all preschool program staff

Program Delivery

• Work with the Recruiter to advertise for teachers when needed and perform interviews with qualified candidates
• Assist with recruitment strategies for preschool program positions, work with HR to onboard candidates in a timely manner as needed
• Conduct new staff orientations for all positions
• Assist with enrollment of preschool programs and work with the Preschool Program Manger to ensure preschool programs are prepared for the school year
• Complete Environmental Rating Scales (ERS) at PKC programs and other Learning Lamp preschool programs as needed
• Assist School Age Program Coordinator with enrollments
• Assist with tracking CCIS attendance for preschool and summer camp locations
• Oversee the maintenance of up-to-date records on all preschool program staff
• Be available to fill in at all locations as needed
• Attend all staff meetings and recommended training programs and conferences
• Assist in keeping PKC binders updated and ready for specialists
• Assist with keeping children’s files updated for all preschool sites and ensure that PKC students are meeting PKC eligibility
• Organize and plan for guest speakers to attend preschool locations

Food Program Management

• Oversee the implementation and compliance of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) in the preschool programs
• Assist with the CACFP grant application, supporting documents, and budget
• Review paperwork and determine enrollment eligibility
• Ensure timeliness, thoroughness and accuracy of paperwork and use of data management system
• Process monthly food claims for reimbursement
• Conduct monitors at each location and complete reports
• Participate in all monitoring from the state

What do we offer?

• A collaborative, supportive environment for your professional growth.
• Training and Development opportunities, including access to a professional development platform where you choose your growth opportunities.
• Career Advancement opportunities through our apprenticeship programs for roles in leadership, administration, operations, and more!
• Holidays we are closed/you are off include: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day After Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
• Substantial Childcare Discounts for most employees, including
  • Infant/Toddler: $12 per day or less if eligible for Child Care Works (CCW)
  • Preschool – School Age: $9 per day
  • 50% Off Before and After Care
  • 50% Off Tutoring Services
• Pay Range: $14-16 per hour
• Our Full-Time positions also include:
  • Benefits, including
    • PTO (up to 18 days after 6 months of employment)
    • Health
    • Dental
    • Vision
    • Life
    • Long-Term Disability
    • Short-Term Disability
    • Retirement savings (403(b))
    • 529 Savings Plan
    • Tuition reimbursement

What do you bring?

• Requirements are at least an associate degree and 2 years of experience with children.
• Willingness to go through (and pass!) the required clearances and training to ensure the safety and security of our children, including: four clearances, mandated reporter training, a physical, and TB test. This can typically be accomplished within a week to get you started.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds on a regular basis. The children grow!
• Capacity for sitting, standing, walking, bending and stopping for long periods of time, as these happen throughout the eight-hour day.

Our opportunities are a great way to get a start in your career that offers a lot of room to grow within our organization. We need supportive and committed people to positively impact the next generation. Apply Now!

EOE