Early Childhood Education: Classroom Aid

The Pumpkin Patch is currently looking to hire a classroom aide and after school program assistant.

The ideal candidate will come with a positive attitude, a strong desire to learn and be part of a team, and genuine love of working with children. They will exhibit kindness and patience when working with students and fellow staff members, and work to establish deep, meaningful relationships within this learning community. This candidate should also hold values that align to our own (see the Pumpkin Patch’s program philosophy and mission statement below).

This is a full-time/ year-round position, Monday through Friday 9:00AM-5:00PM. We offer a competitive salary, as well as 15 days paid vacation and sick-time after the first 30 days, paid holidays and one additional week paid professional development during the summer for school closure during our transition to the new school year.

Employees must successfully complete a full background check and must meet the criteria set forth by the CDD to qualify as a teacher assistant (either through a career ladder or through transferable credits), OR must be willing to so the necessary coursework to qualify them as a teaching assistant. Candidates must be at least eighteen years of age, and have 1-3 years of experience working with young children.

The Pumpkin Patch: Program Philosophy

At the Pumpkin Patch our philosophy is rooted in play, curiosity, and creative expression. We believe that each child is unique, and comes to school every day with their own special talents, skills, and challenges. It is our goal to help them learn and grow in a supportive, nurturing environment that celebrates the whole child.

Our coop model program provides a unique, multi-generational approach to learning. While students will be guided by highly qualified teachers everyday, they will also have the opportunity to learn from young adults, parents, and aging community members. We believe that it truly does “take a village to raise a child” and strive to bring the village to our ‘patch.’ By sharing in the rich knowledge and vast perspectives that can only truly be seen when all voices are brought to the table, your child will experience an education whose foundation is built on diversity.

The Pumpkin Patch: Mission Statement

At the Pumpkin Patch we strive to grow curious, creative, learners while nurturing the whole child. We celebrate diversity and learning through developing deep, meaningful relationships with one another. At the ‘patch’ we believe:

Play is the foundation for the work of children and the cornerstone for learning

Attending to each child’s unique needs is how we can help them to feel supported and cared for

Teamwork is as important as time to explore individually

Curiosity is the spark of learning while creativity is the outcome

Helping one another to work through ‘big feelings’ is a necessary piece of our social-emotional growth

Responsibilities:
-Support lead classroom teachers durning aftercare, transitions and rest time
- Provide a safe and nurturing environment for children to learn and grow
- Foster social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development in young children
- Monitor and assess children's progress and provide feedback to parents/guardians
- Collaborate with other teachers and staff to ensure a cohesive learning environment
- Follow direction, and be flexible from day to day about classroom assignments

Skills:
- Strong understanding of child development principles and practices
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Patience, compassion, and the ability to connect with young children
- Knowledge of early childhood education curriculum and best practices
- Ability to adapt teaching methods to meet the needs of individual children

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.00 - $19.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17 - $19