Full Time- Instructional Aide

Rising Stars Early Learning Center

Job Description

Instructional Aide

Summary Description

The Instructional Aide plays an essential role in supporting high-quality early childhood education by assisting Lead Teachers in creating a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for children from birth through age six.

Under the direction of the Lead Teacher, the Instructional Aide provides classroom support, reinforces learning experiences, assists with daily routines, and promotes positive social-emotional development. This position works collaboratively with classroom staff to ensure children receive individualized support while maintaining compliance with Indiana Child Care Licensing Regulations and Rising Stars Early Learning Center policies.

Instructional Aides support learning by reinforcing skills and activities already introduced by the Lead Teacher. They do not independently introduce new curriculum or instructional content unless directed by the Lead Teacher or administration.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Building Instructional Capacity

• Support the Lead Teacher in implementing developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
• Reinforce classroom activities, lessons, and routines that have been planned by the Lead Teacher.
• Assist with classroom management by preparing, organizing, and maintaining instructional materials and learning centers.
• Support individual children and small groups during learning activities under the supervision of the Lead Teacher.
• Assist with transitions throughout the day, including arrival, meals, outdoor play, rest time, and dismissal.
• Observe children's participation and communicate observations to the Lead Teacher.
• Assist in maintaining accurate documentation when requested.
• Help prepare classroom materials, bulletin boards, displays, and learning environments.
• Ensure classroom materials are clean, organized, and readily available.
• Support inclusion by providing individualized assistance when appropriate.
• Promote positive behavior through relationship-based interactions and consistent classroom expectations.
• Follow all Indiana Child Care Licensing Regulations, CACFP requirements, health and safety standards, and Rising Stars Early Learning Center policies.
  
  

Classroom Environment & Child Support

• Build positive, caring relationships with children and families.
• Encourage children's independence, confidence, and problem-solving skills.
• Support children's social-emotional development using positive guidance techniques.
• Model respectful interactions and positive communication.
• Help children develop self-help skills appropriate for their age.
• Maintain active supervision of children at all times.
• Ensure children's health, safety, and well-being remain the highest priority.
• Assist with diapering, toileting, handwashing, meals, and other daily care routines while maintaining proper sanitation procedures.
• Support children with varying developmental needs through individualized accommodations directed by the Lead Teacher.
  
  

Teamwork & Professional Responsibilities

• Collaborate effectively with Lead Teachers, administration, and other staff members.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
• Communicate professionally with children, families, coworkers, and visitors.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff.
• Demonstrate flexibility by assisting in other classrooms as needed to maintain licensing ratios and program operations.
• Participate in the Accountability Partner Program and complete weekly reflection forms.
• Model professionalism, dependability, and teamwork at all times.
• Support center-wide initiatives, events, and family engagement activities.
  
  

Planning & Professional Growth

• Participate in ongoing coaching and mentoring opportunities.
• Seek feedback and actively work toward professional growth goals.
• Complete all required state licensing and annual professional development requirements.
• Participate in classroom observations and reflective practice.
• Remain knowledgeable about child development and best practices in early childhood education.
  
  

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Must be at least 18 years of age for full-time employment.
• Valid Driver's License preferred.
• Successfully pass all required background screenings.
• Complete all required new hire paperwork and onboarding requirements.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• CDA (Child Development Associate) Credential preferred or willingness to obtain.
• Experience working with children from birth through six years of age.
• CPR, First Aid, and Universal Precautions certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire).
• Knowledge of Indiana Child Care Licensing Regulations is preferred.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to:

• Build positive relationships with children and families.
• Work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Follow directions from the Lead Teacher and administration.
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Support children's learning through play-based experiences.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized classroom environment.
• Adapt to changing classroom needs and schedules.
• Use positive behavior guidance strategies.
• Demonstrate patience, flexibility, and a nurturing attitude.
  
  

Physical Requirements

This Position Requires The Ability To

• Frequently lift and carry children up to 50 pounds.
• Sit on the floor, kneel, bend, squat, and reach throughout the day.
• Move quickly to respond to children's needs and emergencies.
• Spend extended periods standing and walking.
• Work both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Maintain active supervision during all classroom activities.
  
  

Working Conditions

Instructional Aides work in a fast-paced early childhood environment requiring frequent interaction with young children, families, and staff. Flexibility, teamwork, and a commitment to providing high-quality care and education are essential to success in this role.

Reports To: Director and Classroom Lead Teacher

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly)