PreK Teacher's Aide - Early Learning Campus

Position Summary:  To assist classroom teachers in the instructional process, reinforcing instruction to individual or small groups of students in a classroom environment. Assist in the preparation of instructional materials and implementation of lesson plans and provide routine support. Assist students with academic and/or physical needs in order for students to access the educational environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the following satisfactorily; other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Assist the Early Education department in implementing classroom instruction based on predefined curriculum.
• Maintain a safe and organized classroom environment for children
• Assist the lead teacher in ensuring the physical, social, cognitive, spiritual, and educational excellence of the children
• Ensure that the classroom is aesthetically attractive so that students enjoy their surroundings while learning
• Provide support to the lead teacher in planning lessons, preparing materials, and daily activities based on the principles of child development
• Ensure development of positive relationships with children which promotes self esteem and self discipline
• Provide comfort to distressed children through compassion and tact
• Provide children with support during lunchtime and ensure that their nutritional needs are fulfilled
• Escort children to the restroom and assist them when necessary
• Oversee children to make sure that they are safe during outdoor activities
• Assume the lead teachers role in the absence thereof if necessary
• Ensure positive relationships with lead teachers and other Early Education staff
• Provide support to the lead teacher with clean up at the end of the day
• Provide assistance and/or instruction for special classes as directed by the Early Education Principal (example – music, Spanish, PE, chapel, etc.)
• Maintain a positive attitude and desire to be flexible for the good of the Early Education program
• Ensure the confidentiality of each child’s records, academic progress, and behavior
• Attend faculty meetings, professional development training, and other events as required by the Early Education Principal
• Assist children with exiting and entering vehicles during morning and afternoon carlines
• Assist in other areas as deemed necessary by the Early Education Principal and lead teacher

Competencies:  To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following:

Communications - Exhibits good listening and comprehension. Expresses ideas and thoughts in written form. Expresses ideas and thoughts verbally. Keeps others adequately informed. Selects and uses appropriate communication methods.

Student/Staff Support - Displays courtesy and sensitivity. Manages difficult or emotional situations. Meets commitments. Responds promptly to student needs. Establishes a high degree of approachability through healthy, appropriate relationships.

Dependability - Commits to doing the best job possible. Follows instruction. Keeps commitments. Meets attendance and punctuality guidelines. Responds to requests for service and assistance. Takes responsibility for own actions.

Planning & Organization - Integrates changes smoothly. Plans for additional resources. Prioritizes and plans work activities. Sets goals and objectives. Uses time efficiently. Works in an organized manner.

Use of Technology -. Demonstrates required skills.

Qualifications:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Must have a warm and friendly personality, be sensitive to the feelings and needs of others, be able to relate well to children and parents/guardians, and be willing to fulfill responsibilities in accordance with the school’s program and philosophy.

Language Ability:

Read and interpret documents such as safety rules, handbooks, and procedure manuals. Write routine reports and correspondence. Speak effectively before groups of students and staff.

Reasoning Ability:

Apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate a reasonable level of computer literacy.  Basic proficiency is needed in word processing, e-mailing, accessing the Internet, school management software.

Spiritually, it is expected that the employee will

• acknowledge Christ as Savior and support the school’s Statement of Faith and Philosophy Statement;
• demonstrate a desire for spiritual growth, as evidenced by his/her prayer life, Bible study, and spiritual outreach to others;
• be a Christian role model in attitude, speech, and actions towards others.  This includes being committed to God’s Biblical standards for sexual conduct (Luke 6:40);
• have a Christ-centered home and actively participate in a local Bible-believing church.

Professionally, it is expected that the employee will

• possess evidence of competence in area of instruction, or other adequate preparation, background, or experience as determined by the school administrator;
• have a working knowledge of and follow LCA’s Employee Handbook, Parent & Student Handbook and Academy Preparedness Plan of Action.

Personally, it is expected that the employee will

• sign and live by the school’s Lifestyle Statement and Moral Integrity Statement as a condition for employment and continued employment in this ministry.
• be a team player, enthusiastic visionary, problem solver, creative thinker, encourager, and self-starter with a high energy level.
• meet everyday stress with emotional stability, objectivity, and optimism;
• understand the importance of discernment, discretion, and confidentiality in the operation of the classroom and the school.
• develop and maintain rapport with students, parents, and staff by treating others with courtesy, patience, friendliness, dignity, respect, and a good sense of humor.
• recognize his/her own mistakes and take measures to correct them.
• use acceptable English in written and oral communication, and speak with clear articulation.
• refrain from unwholesome talk, including profanity, slang (language widely used and accepted, but not appropriate for godliness) or jokes that may be offensive;
• respectfully submit and be loyal to constituted authority;
• make an effort to appreciate and understand the uniqueness of the community;
• place his/her school ministry ahead of other jobs or volunteer activities; and
• maintain a personal appearance that models cleanliness, modesty, and good taste consistent with school policy.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Employee is responsible for the safe supervision of students both inside and outside the classroom including, but not limited to the lunchroom, hallways, playground, and carline.

Work Environment:  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Duties are normally performed in a school/classroom environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Demands:  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Employee must have the ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time; must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Exhibit manual dexterity to enter data into a computer; specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision, Distance vision and Depth perception. Ability to see and read a computer screen and printed material with or without vision aids While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk; sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. Employee must have the ability to hear and understand speech at normal classroom levels, outdoors and on the telephone; speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly in normal classrooms, outdoors and on the telephone; physical agility to bend, stoop, climb stairs, and reach overhead.

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.

This Job Description does not alter the “at-will” nature of employment. All employees of LCA are employed by LCA on an “at will” basis, which means that Employees have the right to terminate their employment at any time, with or without cause and with or without notice, and LCA has the same rights. Nothing contained in this job description or in any other materials or information distributed by LCA alters that at-will relationship. An employee’s status as an “at-will” employee may not be changed, except specifically in writing, signed by the Head of School.

I fully support the Statement of Faith, Lifestyle Statement, and Moral Integrity Statement as written without mental reservations.