CYS Preschool Classroom Assistant- Palmyra

Blue-River-Services,-Inc.; Palmyra (IN); On-site; USD 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue River Services, Inc. is seeking a Preschool Classroom Assistant to support the Preschool Teacher in providing a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for young children.

The role involves classroom activities, supervision, lesson-plan implementation, documentation, family communication, and events. The ideal candidate will have a High School Diploma or equivalent, CDA credential or related degree preferred, and experience in early childhood programs.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• CDA credential or related degree preferred.
• Experience in an elementary or early childhood program required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Preschool Teacher with developmentally appropriate activities.
• Maintain a safe, orderly, nurturing, and stimulating classroom environment.
• Supervise assigned children at all times in the classroom, on the playground, during meals, and on field trips.
• Use calm, positive guidance and help minimize waiting times during classroom transitions.
• Lead group activities as directed by the Preschool Teacher using a variety of materials and teaching methods.
• Encourage children’s social, self-help, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Support classroom setup, organization, labeling, bulletin boards, and preparation of daily materials.
• Assist with implementing themed lesson plans that promote cognitive, language, pre-writing, fine motor, gross motor, social-emotional, dental, and health development.
• Help maintain classroom cleanliness by cleaning and sanitizing classrooms, equipment, and activity areas as required.
• Report safety concerns, needed repairs, and suspected child abuse through appropriate channels.
• Assist with maintaining inventory of classroom supplies and equipment and communicate needs to the supervisor.
• Assist with administering student assessments during the fall, winter, and spring.
• Maintain accurate daily documentation, including attendance, medication records, food-program records, and incident/accident reports.
• Assist with student enrollment and collection of demographic information.
• Participate in special events, staff meetings, required trainings, and preschool graduation activities.
• Follow all Blue River Services, Inc. personnel policies, procedures, and program regulations.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, staff, the school, and the agency
• Participate in and follow emergency procedures
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Time management

Problem solving

Patience and professionalism

Adaptability in teaching

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

CDA credential or related early childhood credential

Experience in elementary/early childhood program

Job description

Description

JOB TITLE: Preschool Classroom Assistant
DEPARTMENT: Child & Youth Services
SUPERVISOR’S TITLE: Child & Youth Services Assistant Director and/or Preschool/Child Care Manager
POSITIONS SUPERVISED: None
JOB STATUS: Level II, Non-Exempt
SCHEDULE: Preschool program activities are scheduled from 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM; specific work schedule to be determined by supervisor.

Summary:

Assist the Preschool Teacher in providing a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for young children. The Preschool Classroom Assistant supports daily classroom activities, child supervision, lesson-plan implementation, documentation, family communication, and program events while promoting each child’s physical, emotional, intellectual, and social development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist the Preschool Teacher with implementing developmentally appropriate activities that meet children’s physical, emotional, intellectual, and social needs
• Maintain a safe, orderly, nurturing, and stimulating classroom environment that meets all applicable regulations
• Supervise assigned children at all times in the classroom, on the playground, during meals, and on field trips
• Use calm, positive guidance and help minimize waiting times during classroom transitions
• Lead group activities as directed by the Preschool Teacher using a variety of materials and teaching methods
• Encourage children’s social, self-help, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Support classroom setup, organization, labeling, bulletin boards, and preparation of daily materials
• Assist with implementing themed lesson plans that promote cognitive, language, pre-writing, fine motor, gross motor, social-emotional, dental, and health development
• Help maintain classroom cleanliness by cleaning and sanitizing classrooms, equipment, and activity areas as required
• Report safety concerns, needed repairs, and suspected child abuse through appropriate channels
• Assist with maintaining inventory of classroom supplies and equipment and communicate needs to the supervisor
• Assist with administering student assessments during the fall, winter, and spring
• Maintain accurate daily documentation, including attendance, medication records, food-program records, and incident/accident reports
• Assist with student enrollment and collection of demographic information
• Participate in special events, staff meetings, required trainings, and preschool graduation activities
• Follow all Blue River Services, Inc. personnel policies, procedures, and program regulations
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, staff, the school, and the agency
• Participate in and follow emergency procedures
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications & Skills:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, related degree, or other early childhood credential preferred
• Previous experience in an elementary or early childhood program required
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team with shared responsibilities and outcomes
• Strong time-management, stress-management, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to adapt teaching approaches to meet individual child and classroom needs
• Ability to clearly and effectively communicate with young children
• Positive, patient, and professional demeanor with children, families, and coworkers

Physical & Work Requirements:

• Ability to lift and carry 40 pounds or more
• Ability to visually and auditorily supervise children in the classroom, on the playground, and during field trips
• Ability to sit on the floor, use child-sized chairs, kneel, crawl, bend, twist, and move at a child’s level
• Ability to actively participate in indoor and outdoor play and daily classroom activities

Certifications & Training Requirements:

• Maintain certification in CPR, First Aid, and Preventing Disease Transmission
• Complete a minimum of 12 hours of in-service training annually
• Understand and teach ISTAR-KR standards
• Participate in all staff development required by the supervisor, grantee agencies, and funding sources
• Submit required training evaluation forms and certificates of completion

Blue River Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Drug-Free Workplace.

Requirements

Education Requirements:

• High School Diploma from an accredited school or equivalent required
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, related degree, or other early childhood credential highly preferred
• Previous experience working in an elementary or early childhood program required