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.