Preschool Teacher Aide Part-time, $14-$15/hr, 26 hrs/wk Monday-Thursday, separate morning and afternoon classes, 16 student cap per classroom

PURPOSE OF POSITION: To provide a safe and nurturing environment for children in Kids First Preschool that encourages their social, emotional, physical, intellectual, and spiritual development in a Christian environment with a United Methodist spirituality. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Interact frequently, affectionately, appropriately, and respectfully. Respect and observe children’s interests responding appropriately to the child’s needs, questions, and requests. Acknowledge feelings with sensitivity and demonstrate appropriate expressions of emotions. Practice positive discipline techniques according to Kids First Preschool Guidelines as well as Safe Gathering policy. Foster positive self-concept by supporting individuality, independence, creative expression, and the ability to make choices. Be attentive, flexible, and supportive of children and their families at all times. Respond to parent’s comments and concerns with sensitivity, interest, and respect. Participate in promotional activities to enhance the preschool’s image, enrollment, and scholarship fund. Maintain a high quality, sanitary, and safe environment. Assist the Teacher in implementing lesson plans, supervising children, and maintaining cleanliness in the classroom. Attend all required staff meetings, training, and in-service as directed. Responsible for supervision and care of children under the direct supervision of the Teacher. Maintain professional attitude with parents, visitors, and other personnel while assuring confidentiality of client and other information. Supports the evangelism strategy of the church by actively engaging in inviting students and their families to attend worship and participate in the ministry of First United Methodist Church. Regular, dependable, and in-person attendance. MARGINAL FUNCTIONS: Perform other duties as directed. ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE ABILITIES AND SKILLS: Knowledge of minimum standards for preschool education and child care. Ability to follow instructions and implement lesson plans as requested. Ability to adapt to changing situations. Ability to work with direct supervision. Excellent human relations skills. Ability to conduct oneself in a Christian manner in performing the tasks of this position. Ability to maintain a professional image at all times. Skill in working with individuals to achieve a “teamwork” work environment. ESSENTIAL EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES: Associates Degree preferred; at least one year of verifiable experience in organized group activities for young children. Continuing Education or In-Service credits in appropriate field 12 hours/year, including: First Aid/CPR. Must pass Safe Gatherings Certification and a background check. ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS : The incumbent in this position will be required to occasionally lift or move an average weight of 10-50 lbs. The position requires frequent standing (85% of the day), stooping, and bending to interact on a child’s level and the ability to physically/mentally react to unexpected circumstances, at times in an immediate nature. WEBSITE: https://www.firstchurchnp.com/kids -preschool

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