Preschool Teacher's Aide

The Salvation Army Mission Statement:

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love for God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

A. BASIC PURPOSE

The purpose of this position is to function as a multi-tasking staff member by providing coverage and support to the staff of the Early Care and Education Program (ECEP), the School Age Program, and the kitchen. The Preschool Teacher's Aide receives daily assignments from the Director and takes all direction in the classroom from the teaching staff (Lead Teacher, Teacher, and Associate Teacher). This position also provides coverage to the kitchen staff as needed, taking direction from the Cook.

B. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provide classroom coverage for teaching and kitchen staff breaks, lunches, and absences.

2. Assist the teaching staff in maintaining a safe classroom/outdoor environment consistent with Title 5 and Title 22 regulations, The Salvation Army Mission, and Developmentally Appropriate Practice.

3. Support and take direction from the teaching staff. Provide supervision to children inside and outside, assist in transition of activities, work in small and large groups, and follow all daily classroom activities.

4. Assist in set-up and clean-up for activities and meals.

5. Share responsibility for the classroom as a learning environment by maintaining neatness and cleanliness.

6. Collaborate and maintain on-going positive communication with all staff, volunteers, and substitutes. Work cooperatively and supportively as a team member.

7. Maintain confidentiality concerning children and families, as well as maintain confidentiality concerning all staff members.

8. Actively participate in on-going professional development, staff meetings, and trainings to keep current on trends and research relating to early childhood education.

9. Foster a positive, non-punitive learning environment by treating each child with dignity and respect.

10. Assist in food preparation and serving in compliance with CACFP regulations, and maintain records as needed under guidance of the Cook.

11. Available to work an 8-hour shift, between 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, with adequate notice depending on the needs of the program.

12. Maintain a positive and professional image at all times.

13. Perform other job duties as assigned.

C. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS

1. Must submit a Health Screening Report as required.

2. Must be able to communicate effectively in the English language, both verbal and written, while providing a positive model for English development.

3. Must be positive, flexible, creative, and organized.

4. Must possess good people skills and the ability to interact positively with children and adults.

5. Must have knowledge of the importance of cultural awareness and sensitivity towards working with diverse child and family populations.

6. Have knowledge of CACFP rules and requirements concerning preparing and serving food, and kitchen sanitization practices.

D. CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

1. Must possess a valid California Class C Driver License, and ability to drive a Standard Salvation Army vehicle or to drive a DOT Regulated vehicle (non-CDL).

2. Must be 21 years or older.

3. Must be able to successfully pass a criminal background check to include a DOJ Livescan Fingerprint check.

4. Complete The Salvation Army vehicle course training.

E. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Ability to physically interact with children, including but not limited to sitting, walking, standing, bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, and twisting on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis

2. Ability to grasp, push, and/or pull objects

3. Ability to reach overhead

4. Ability to operate a telephone

5. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs

6. Ability to operate a computer

7. Ability to process written, visual, and/or verbal information

8. Ability to operate basic office equipment and tools PC, Fax Machine, Telephone, Calculator, Copier, Printer.

Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. A qualified person with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment in order to meet the physical requirements of the position. The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodation needed would not result in undue hardship.