Teacher Assistant 0-3: Iola Classroom B at SEK-CAP in Iola, KS

Classification: Full-time Status: Non- Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Teacher Aide partners with classroom staff to support the delivery of high-quality early childhood education and consistent supervision of infants and toddlers. This position helps create a safe, positive, and engaging environment where children are encouraged to explore, play, and learn. Teacher Aide facilitates learning through the implementation of curriculum, modeling classroom expectations, supporting social-emotional development, and engaging in indoor/outdoor play and daily routines.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Child Interaction & Supervision

• Engage with children in ways that support their language development, learning, and overall growth.
• Demonstrate patience and understanding based on each child's developmental level.
• Ensure active supervision of children using indoor/outdoor zoning and by assisting in multiple classrooms as needed.
• Participate in and guide children through mealtime routines, including family style meals and cafeteria transitions.
• Follow all emergency procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of children and staff during drills or real incidents.

Learning Environment & Curriculum Support

• Collaborate with classroom staff to maintain a safe, welcoming, and engaging learning environment.
• Support the daily schedule and encourage child choice in learning experiences.
• Assist in implementing the agency’s curriculum and social-emotional strategies to prevent and address challenging behaviors.
• Conduct child observations and accurately document findings in the data system.
• Remain flexible to perform other duties as needed to meet the educational and care needs of children.

Collaboration & Adaptability

• Communicate effectively and respectfully with children, families, staff, and community partners, both verbally and in writing.
• Foster positive, professional relationships with co-workers, families, and volunteers.
• Maintain flexibility throughout the workday and adjust to changes in tasks or routines as needed.
• Demonstrate self-regulation and composure in high-stress or fast-paced situations.
• Effectively manage multiple responsibilities and prioritize tasks during busy periods.

Attendance, Professionalism & Teamwork

• Maintain regular, reliable attendance to ensure consistency and safety for children.
• Demonstrate professionalism by actively advocating for SEK-CAP, Inc. within the community and serving as a strong advocate for Head Start children and families.
• Respect and support cultural differences and diverse family structures while maintaining strict confidentiality and privacy of all those involved with SEK-CAP. Through these actions, the Teacher Aide upholds the agency’s mission and fosters trust, inclusivity, and positive relationships with families and the community.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with co-workers, community partners, and customers.
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic by adhering to schedules, following supervision directives, and complying with all agency policies and procedures.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• Basic computer skills, must have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, data entry, email and digital calendars.
• Basic operation skills of general office equipment such as photocopiers, faxes, and phone systems.
• Superior interpersonal skills. Ability to get along with diverse personalities. Tactful, mature, and flexible.
• Ability to meet and deal tactfully with the public and to communicate effectively and clearly both orally and in writing.
• Resourceful and well organized.
• Ability to learn and adapt.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent, and/or
• Enrollment in a program leading to a degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field, or
• A state-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds CDA requirements, or
• Infant/Toddler CDA credential, or the ability to obtain the Infant/Toddler CDA within one year of hire and keep current.

Additional requirements:

• 3-5 years of experience working with young children in a classroom setting preferred.
• Eligible to obtain KDHE program approval.
• Obtain and uphold current First Aid and CPR certification.
• Submit to and pass standard criminal history check.
• Possess current, valid driver’s license and meet agency insurance underwriting guidelines.
• Successfully complete a physical exam and TB skin test before beginning employment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

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

• Ability to use hands and fingers to handle or operate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and communicate effectively in person and by telephone.
• Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, and crouch as needed throughout the day.
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 40 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds.
• The work environment may include occasional exposure to wet and/or humid conditions, outdoor weather, and temperature extremes such as heat and cold. The noise level is generally quiet to moderate but can be loud.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid Disability Insurance
• Paid Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Life Insurance
• Paid Sick Leave
• Paid Vacation Leave
• Paid Training
• Referral Program
• 401(k)
• 401(k) Matching

Weekly day range:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

SEK-CAP, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.