Job Title: Child Care Aide (children 6 weeks to 12 years)
Reports to: Child Care Coordinator | Overseen by: Community Education Director

Flexible hours, no nights, no weekends, no holidays
Hours can range from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm; Monday through Friday

Before and after school hours available

POSITION SUMMARY:
Assist the child care lead teacher in setting up and maintaining the classroom environment, preparing materials, and working directly with children at Kasson-Mantorville Community Education’s Project Beginning/Project Kids program.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Greet and assist children and parents during arrival and departure.
Maintain a safe, clean, and organized classroom that meets DHS safety regulations.
Assist the lead teacher with daily activities and routines, promoting smooth transitions between activities.
Actively supervise children during indoor and outdoor activities to ensure safety, performing name-to-face safety checks during every transition.
Provide comfort and emotional support to distressed children, validating their feelings and helping them express their emotions.
Support student behavior interventions under the lead teacher’s guidance.
Engage with children during class activities, encouraging positive peer interactions and play.
Ensure students’ basic needs are met, including emotional support, food/water, rest, and safety.
Assist children during meal/snack times and bathroom routines, following DHS hygiene standards.
Document and report daily care activities, accidents, or behaviors, ensuring student confidentiality.
Assist in adapting activities and providing support for children with disabilities.
Dress appropriately for both indoor and outdoor activities, maintaining professionalism.
Use appropriate language, maintain a positive tone, and communicate with children at eye level using clear and specific directions.
Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and any required DHS training.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience working with children is preferred.
Must be at least 16 years old.
Completion of CPR, First Aid, AED certifications, and Child Abuse Prevention training within 30 days of hire.
Must pass an enhanced background check as required by DHS upon hire.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Ability to plan, lead, and participate in a wide range of activities, both indoor and outdoor.
Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds, stand for extended periods, and move quickly to ensure children's safety.
Regular bending, stooping, kneeling, and sitting on the floor are required to engage with children.
Ensures continuous visual and auditory supervision of children to maintain a safe and secure environment.
Ability to remain calm, patient, and responsive in a fast-paced, high-energy environment.

Child Care High School Aide