Teacher Aide

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: The Teacher Aide is responsible for providing care for a group of children as part of a teaching team. They will work with any age group as needed, ranging from infant to Pre-K classrooms. 

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Maintains a Safe and Healthy Environment 

1. Promote healthy eating practices by eating with children. 

1. Share routine duties with other staff (supervision on playground, toileting, cleanup, classroom maintenance, etc.). 

1. Assist in keeping room and other areas neat and clean. 

1. Interact with children in activities they are supervising. 

1. Perform appropriate hand washing and sanitizing procedures. 

1. Participate in child/teacher‐initiated activities. 

1. Use equipment/materials to promote physical development. 

1. Implement planned activities. 

1. Engage children in learning activities outdoors. 

1. Ensure that materials are prepared in advance of implementing activities. 

1. Ensure that Active Supervision policies are followed at all times to ensure safety of children while under our care.  

Supports Social and Emotional Development and Provides Positive Guidance 

1. Facilitate hands‐on activities that develop self‐esteem and social skills as identified on the lesson plan. 

1. Demonstrate awareness of cultural diversity while interacting with children. 

1. Use positive guidance techniques and strategies. 

1. Provide access to a wide variety of creative/expressive activities. 

1. Follow classroom routines and provide smooth transitions. 

1. Encourage children to be independent in decision making and self‐care (dressing, toileting, etc.) 

1. Greet children upon arrival and departure. 

1. Show each child affection and attention daily. 

1. Encourage children to problem solve and discover. 

1. Help children work out problems by encouraging them to talk about their feelings (anger, 

sadness, fear, etc.) and express them appropriately. 

1. Be willing to work with children who have special needs and their families. 

Establishes Positive and Productive Relationships with Families 

1. Greet parents and other visitors with a smile and friendly manner. 

1. Encourage parents to participate in the program. 

Maintains a Commitment to Professionalism 

1. Attend staff meetings. 

1. Attend conference and in‐service training. 

1. Make observable use of knowledge gained from training. 

1. Share new ideas and skills with other staff members. 

1. Promote the Agency's philosophy and educational objectives. 

1. Report to the Center Director before the workday begins when planning to be absent. 

1. Maintain a good attendance record. 

1. Report to classroom according to schedule. 

1. Follow center rules regarding breaks, telephones, clocking in and out, etc. 

1. Demonstrate proficiency in required job skills and knowledge. 

1. Exhibit ability to learn and apply new skills. 

1. Maintain current knowledge of trends and best practices in ECE. 

1. Ability to work independently with minimal guidance. 

1. Use resources effectively. 

1. Display understanding of State Licensing Regulations. 

1. Display understanding of NAEYC standards. 

1. Display understanding of Quality Rated standards. 

1. Display knowledge and understanding of Head Start Performance Standards. 

1. Display a positive outlook and pleasant demeanor. 

1. Assists Lead Teacher and Teacher in the assessment of children’s progress. 

Teamwork: 

1. Display the ability to work as a team member. 

1. Establish and maintain effective relationships with center staff. 

1. Actively work to resolve conflict. 

1. Maintain flexibility with center changes as needed.  

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS:  

The Teacher Aide must have proficient knowledge in the following areas: 

1. Child development and early education theories and practices. 

1. Safe and appropriate activities for children. 

1. Relevant policies and procedures to ensure that children are supervised and safe at all times. 

1. An understanding of the early education and family center cultural environment.   

1. Demonstrate team building skills, supervisory skills, analytical and problem-solving skills, decision making skills, effective verbal and listening communications skills, stress management skills, time management skills, and teaching skills.   

1. Maintain strict confidentiality in performing the duties of early learning professional.    

1. Demonstrates the ability to be respectful, possess cultural awareness and sensitivity, be flexible, demonstrate sound work ethics, be consistent and fair, be compassionate and understanding, be able to build esteem while ensuring a safe and secure environment. 

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:   

High school diploma/GED with 2 or more years of Early Childhood Education experience preferred.  

OR  

HS diploma/GED AND one of the following: 

CDA enroll within 12 mos. of hire 

HS diploma plus course credits        

Child Development Associate (CDA)              

Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC)             

Technical College Diploma (TCD)                    

Associate degree                                                                         

60 or more total hours toward Bachelor’s 

Completed BA/BS  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  

The Teacher Aide is expected to: 

1. Lift and carry children and equipment, 30lbs unassisted and 50lbs with assistance.  

1. Capability to sit on the floor and stand up independently to interact with children. 

1. Clean and maintain equipment and the center.  

1. Take precautions to ensure the health and safety of all children, parents, and staff due to the potential exposure to anyone who may be ill and/or contagious. 

1. Work in a busy and occasionally noisy environment where there may be a number of activities and situations happening at once. 

1. Ability to use arms and legs and moving their whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials. 

1. Ability to learn/use technology. 

1. Ability to pass a hearing test. 

1. Visually observe children from all areas of the classroom and playground from a distance of at least 20 feet. 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:      

Background check, fingerprinting, and drug test are required prior to hire date.  Caring for children can be stressful. The Teacher Aide must ensure that children are supervised at all times, and that children are involved in safe and appropriate activities. There may be a number of situations happening at once, and the Teacher Aide must be prepared to handle accidents and emergencies at any time. 

EVALUATION:  

Performance of this job will be evaluated consistent with Sheltering Arms evaluation policy. 

PAY: 

In accordance with Sheltering Arms Salary Schedules. 

Date Established:         
Date(s) Revised:  08/04/2025        

This description may be changed at any time. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee. The employee will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other related duties as assigned by leadership.  Sheltering Arms reserves the right to update, revise or change this job description and related duties at any time