Teacher Assistant at THE LILY PAD DAY CARE CENTER in Kingman, Arizona

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Confer with parents on a regular basis to discuss the development of their enrolled children.
Assist with the presentation of early childhood programs and activities; when applicable assist with the organization and follow-up of special activities such as off-campus field trips.
Assist with the completion of scheduled activities to meet the physical, emotional, intellectual and social needs of the enrolled children.
Assist with the completion of scheduled activities to stimulate the children's cognitive skills, abilities and development.
Assist with the distribution of nutritious snacks and lunches.
Assist with providing adequate equipment and activities.
Ensure equipment and facility is clean, well maintained and safe at all times.
Ensure children are supervised at all times.
Provide various experiences and activities for children including songs, games and storytelling.
Assist with providing opportunities for sleep and rest time.
Build children's esteem.
Demonstrate genuine care for children through compassion, kindness and gentleness.
Establish routines and provide positive guidance.
Provide a safe and secure environment for children to feel comfortable.
Initiate positive discipline when required under the supervision and direction of the Daycare Teacher.
Clearly and effectively communicate in a manner that children understand.
Keep parents informed of program expectations, program activities and their child's progress.
Assist with daily activity plans.
Assist with transporting and escorting children as necessary.
All other assigned duties.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:

Early childhood development theories and practices.
Safe and appropriate activities for children.
Federal, State and County rules that are applicable to a daycare facility.
Facility emergency/disaster response and evacuation procedures.
Safety rules, policies and procedures, infection prevention and control procedures.
Abuse reporting procedures.

Skill in:

Effective leadership.
Use and care of equipment, tools and materials used in childcare activities.
Following and maintaining safety standards.
Following and effectively communicating verbal and written instructions.
Communicating respectfully to the enrolled children and parents.

Ability to:

Interact positively with children.
Act as an appropriate adult role model.
Give and follow written and oral instructions.
Monitor for and recognize signs of child abuse.
Demonstrate sensitivity to, and respect for a diverse population.
Identify when a situation cannot be handled and know when to ask for help.
Be sensitive to children and their families and respond in a professional manner.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with associate personnel, residents and children's family members.
Communicate orally; speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations.
Read and write clearly.
Understand and follow, quickly and accurately, oral and written instructions.
Maintain confidentiality and work under pressure in a dynamic environment with changing demands and priorities.
Adapt to changes in the work environment, manage competing demands and deal with frequent change, delays or unexpected events.
Comply with facility policies and procedures.

WORK CONTACTS
Regular contacts with associate personnel, children, children's family members, residents and visitors.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to work with chemicals and cleaning agents

Must be able to bear weight and lift 50 pounds or more unassisted.
Must be able to work safely in an environment containing biological conditions which may be unhealthful or hazardous (such as bodily fluids and waste, germs, childhood diseases).
Exposure to smells associated with toileting and children who are ill.
Exposure to loud noises on a regular basis.
Exposure to a variety of childhood conditions and elements common with a childcare facility.
Must be able to wear protective equipment such as gloves.
Requires constant physical activities including standing, walking, lifting, and bending, stooping, pulling, stretching, turning, grasping and reaching.
Visual acuity to determine the accuracy, thoroughness and quality of work assigned.
Aural acuity to receive detailed information through oral communication, often from small children with undeveloped pronunciation skills.
Requires the ability to work with frequent interruptions with a workload that may be unpredictable and difficult to manage at times.
Safety-sensitive position pursuant to A.R.S. 23-493.

REQUIRED MINIMUM EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND TRANING

16 years of age or older
High school or high school equivalency diploma or current and continuous enrollment in high school or a high school equivalency class; or
Enrollment in a vocational rehabilitation, as defined in A.R.S. 23-501; or
Employment as a teacher-caregiver aide for 12 months; or
Service as a volunteer in a child care facility for 12 months

SPECIAL JOB REQUIREMENT(S)

Attend mandatory meetings and continuing education classes.
Obtain/maintain Arizona Department of Public Safety Fingerprint Card at employee's expense.
Obtain/maintain CPR certification specific to infants and children.
Obtain/maintain first aid certification specific to infants and children.
Complete annual Tuberculosis Testing.
Complete required 18 hours of annual training.
Obtain/maintain valid Food Handlers Card.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age or disability. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.