Job description

Organization: Youth & Family Services (YFS)
Department: Child Development Center (CDC)

Position: Preschool Classroom Assistant *$6000 Sign-on Bonus*
Reports to: Site Coordinator
Location: Rapid City, SD

Work Schedule:
Work Days: Monday through Friday; split shift
Hours/Week: 35
No nights or weekends

Non-smoking work environment. Wage DOEQ. E.O.E.

“Join our team today and receive a $6000 sign-on bonus!”

Benefits: YFS strives to provide its employees with top-quality benefits. YFS employees are offered medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance as well as multiple paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, 401K and retirement/pension options, and discounted child care. Click here to view a copy of our Benefit Synopsis. YFS believes in investing in its employees and encourages them to consider furthering their professional education! YFS will help employees obtain their Child Development Associate (CDA) credential when applicable.

Minimum Qualifications: High School diploma or GED required. Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) preferred or willing to obtain after hire or associate's degree in early childhood education or equivalency. Maintain current credentials and certifications. Punctuality, dependability, and flexibility. Experience working with children. Ability to work with people of all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Ability to communicate and cooperate with children, other staff, and parents effectively and tactfully. Maintain a working knowledge of the needs of the family child care providers and children and the ability to be responsive to those needs. May be required, now or in the future, to submit to a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical and acquire a Commercial Driver License (CDL) with passenger and school bus endorsement. Must meet SD Child Care Licensing Regulations and YFS driving record criteria. Current liability insurance and a valid driver’s license desirable.

Essential Functions:

• Comply with and implement all applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
• Maintain a working relationship with other classroom and/or support staff and with the public.
• Assist teacher in all aspects of the classroom operation including carrying out lesson plans, field trips, and daily activities.
• Create, support, and maintain a healthy, safe, learning environment conducive to each child's intellectual, physical, social, emotional, and aesthetic development.
• Actively teach, model, and engage children in play and learning in classroom.
• Establish and maintain a positive and trusting relationship with children and their families.
• Maintain accurate records for each child, data entry, and completion of appropriate documents and referrals as needed in a timely manner.
• Actively supervise and engage children at all times to ensure child safety.
• Follow YFS’ Discipline Policy and Behavior Management Guidelines.
• Maintain confidentiality as it relates to information about children, families, and other staff members.
• Assist in all assigned grant activities including, but not limited to, in-kind and United Way.
• Direct substitutes and volunteers to carry out daily operations.
• Assist in the process of classroom coverage.
• Punctuality is critical.
• Must learn and execute emergency preparedness plan and be responsive to emergencies that may arise.
• Work with children and their families to support development toward school readiness.

Additional Functions: Attend and participate in staff meetings and trainings as requested by supervisor. Assist in recruitment of children, families, and volunteers for program services. Model appropriate behavior while working with other staff, children, and families. Support all program activities and services of YFS, including Kids Fair, Parent Association and Policy Council, evening child care, and other event nights. Act in accordance with YFS' purpose, philosophy, values, goals, policies, and procedures. Perform additional duties as requested by supervisor.

Environmental Functions: Perform duties in a controlled office or classroom environment; participate in activities with children as appropriate. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Ability to carry children with both arms. Ability to move within the classroom and playground and on the bus. Ability to move from sitting or kneeling on floor to standing. Ability to kneel and bend.

How to Apply: For consideration, an application for employment must be submitted to the YFS Human Resource Department. Application may be downloaded at: http://www.youthandfamilyservices.org/careers/.
Please note that resume only will not be accepted.

How to Submit Application:
By email
In person or by mail: Youth & Family Services, 1920 N. Plaza Blvd., Rapid City, SD 57702

Any questions? Call our HR Team today at 605-342-4195 to learn more about the opportunities available at Youth & Family Services!