Preschool Teacher Aide

Part-time, $15/hr, 17-20 hrs/wk

Monday-Thursday, separate morning and afternoon classes, 16 student cap per classroom

PURPOSE OF POSITION:
To provide a safe and nurturing environment for children in Kids First Preschool that encourages their social, emotional, physical, intellectual, and spiritual development in a Christian environment with a United Methodist spirituality.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Interact frequently, affectionately, appropriately, and respectfully.
• Respect and observe children’s interests responding appropriately to the child’s needs, questions, and requests.
• Acknowledge feelings with sensitivity and demonstrate appropriate expressions of emotions.
• Practice positive discipline techniques according to Kids First Preschool Guidelines as well as Safe Gathering policy.
• Foster positive self-concept by supporting individuality, independence, creative expression, and the ability to make choices.
• Be attentive, flexible, and supportive of children and their families at all times.
• Respond to parent’s comments and concerns with sensitivity, interest, and respect.
• Participate in promotional activities to enhance the preschool’s image, enrollment, and scholarship fund.
• Maintain a high quality, sanitary, and safe environment.
• Assist the Teacher in implementing lesson plans, supervising children, and maintaining cleanliness in the classroom.
• Attend all required staff meetings, training, and in-service as directed.
• Responsible for supervision and care of children under the direct supervision of the Teacher.
• Maintain professional attitude with parents, visitors, and other personnel while assuring confidentiality of client and other information.
• Supports the evangelism strategy of the church by actively engaging in inviting students and their families to attend worship and participate in the ministry of First United Methodist Church.
• Regular, dependable, and in-person attendance.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:
Perform other duties as directed.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE ABILITIES AND SKILLS:

• Knowledge of minimum standards for preschool education and child care.
• Ability to follow instructions and implement lesson plans as requested.
• Ability to adapt to changing situations.
• Ability to work with direct supervision.
• Excellent human relations skills.
• Ability to conduct oneself in a Christian manner in performing the tasks of this position.
• Ability to maintain a professional image at all times.
• Skill in working with individuals to achieve a “teamwork” work environment.

ESSENTIAL EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES:

• Associates Degree preferred; at least one year of verifiable experience in organized group activities for young children.
• Continuing Education or In-Service credits in appropriate field 12 hours/year, including: First Aid/CPR.
• Must pass Safe Gatherings Certification and a background check.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS :

• The incumbent in this position will be required to occasionally lift or move an average weight of 10-50 lbs.
• The position requires frequent standing (85% of the day), stooping, and bending to interact on a child’s level and the ability to physically/mentally react to unexpected circumstances, at times in an immediate nature.

WEBSITE:
https://www.firstchurchnp.com/kids-preschool