Childcare Center Teacher Assistant

Department:  Cynthia White Children’s Center (CWCC)

FLSA:               Non-Exempt/Hourly

Job Status:     Per-diem, Academic Year Staff

Start date:     Immediate

Schedule:      Flexible scheduling options Monday - Friday, with preferred availability to work 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm.

                         Note: CWCC program schedule aligns with The Hotchkiss School academic calendar. Possibility of occasional Saturdays.  

Reports to:    Director of The Cynthia White Children’s Center

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Cynthia White Children’s Center (CWCC) is an onsite, full-day childcare center, that provides a safe and nurturing environment while promoting the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of young children and infants. Responsibilities of this position include implementing a curriculum based on developmentally appropriate practices and maintaining caring, cooperative relationships with children, parents, and co-workers. This position requires demonstrated professionalism, interest in supporting children, and effective communication skills to teach in a daycare setting. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Care for children ages 6 weeks through 5 years of age. 
• Plan and implement a weekly theme curriculum, which includes stories, educational activities, art projects, music, songs that are developmentally engaging.
• Observe and monitor children’s play activities, record observations and information for child assessments.
• Provide individual and group instruction to meet the needs of the children.
• Organize and participate in recreational activities, such as indoor and outdoor games, reading, painting, and cooking,
•  Assist with toileting and/or changing diapers. Infant care includes bottle feeding; preparing and feeding of solid foods.
• Organize, clean and store toys/materials to ensure order in activity areas.
• Support children's emotional and social development, encouraging understanding of others and positive self-concepts for children age newborn through preschool age.
• Ensure safe play conditions.
• Observe and follow established safety procedures and perform duties in compliance with child care licensing requirements and the procedural guidelines of the daycare center.
• Potential to care for children in other classrooms (Toddler and/or Preschool)  as assigned in weekly schedules.
• Perform other duties as needed and assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education and/or work experience in early childhood development preferred.
• A minimum of 1-2 years of experience caring for young children.
• Possess strong ability to work independently, while guided by operational procedures and support from Program Director.
• Certification in Medication Administration and First Aid and CPR required, or the ability to acquire and maintain active certification through Hotchkiss School professional development support.
• Possess a growth mindset, and willingness to successfully complete additional training and educational requirements to meet State of CT Office of Early Childhood requirements. 
• Possess patience, and a pleasant and positive demeanor in working with children, families and colleagues.
• Possess knowledge and competence with safety practices, health and safety regulations.
• Must possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and work effectively as a member of a team of daycare professionals.

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS:

• Patience and physical stamina are required.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, run (when needed to supervise children), stand, sit (in small chairs), squat, reach, talk and hear.
• Must be able to occasionally climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, walk, run, speak and hear.
• Must be able to frequently lift and/or move 20-25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move 35-50 pounds carrying children.
• Must be able to communicate and converse as well as distinguish and observe.
• Must be able to push a stroller and take long walks.
• Must be able to remain patient and effective with frequent interruptions.
• The Hotchkiss School is a tobacco-free environment.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The essential functions and basic skills have been included.  It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities.  Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.

The Hotchkiss School is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to basing judgments concerning the employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities. The School is firmly committed to equal employment and advancement opportunities for all employees and applicants in all phases of the employment process (including recruitment, hiring, assignment, terms, and conditions of employment, compensation, benefits, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, and termination).

In accordance with applicable law, the School does not discriminate against any individual based on age, ancestry, color, genetic information, learning disability, marital status, past or present history of mental disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religious creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.