Development Associate Jobs in Girard, KS (NOW HIRING)

Classification:Full-time Status: Non- Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Teacher Aide partners with classroom staff to support the delivery of high-quality early childhood education and consistent supervision of infants and toddlers. This position helps create a safe, positive, and engaging environment where children are encouraged to explore, play, and learn. Teacher Aide facilitates learning through the implementation of curriculum, modeling classroom expectations, supporting social-emotional development, and engaging in indoor/outdoor play and daily routines. Responsibilities include observing children, documenting developmental progress in the data system, and assisting with the collection and entry of program data to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Child Interaction & Supervision

• Engage with children in ways that support their language development, learning, and overall growth.
• Demonstrate patience and understanding based on each child's developmental level.
• Ensure active supervision of children using indoor/outdoor zoning and by assisting in multiple classrooms as needed.
• Participate in and guide children through mealtime routines, including Family Style Meals and cafeteria transitions.
• Follow all emergency procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of children and staff during drills or real incidents.

Learning Environment & Curriculum Support

• Collaborate with classroom staff to maintain a safe, welcoming, and engaging learning environment.
• Support the daily schedule and encourage child choice in learning experiences.
• Assist in implementing the agency's curriculum and social-emotional strategies to prevent and address challenging behaviors.
• Conduct child observations and accurately document findings in the data system.
• Remain flexible to perform other duties as needed to meet the educational and care needs of children.

Collaboration & Adaptability

• Communicate effectively and respectfully with children, families, staff, and community partners, both verbally and in writing.
• Foster positive, professional relationships with co-workers, families, and volunteers.
• Maintain flexibility throughout the workday and adjust to changes in tasks or routines as needed.
• Demonstrate self-regulation and composure in high-stress or fast-paced situations.
• Effectively manage multiple responsibilities and prioritize tasks during busy periods.

Attendance, Professionalism & Teamwork

• Maintain regular, reliable attendance to ensure consistency and safety for children.
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic by adhering to schedules, following supervision directives, and complying with all agency policies and procedures.
• Attend and actively participate in required trainings and staff meetings.
• Promote and support agency values and mission through positive actions and collaboration.
• Demonstrate professionalism by supporting management decisions and representing the agency positively.

DEMONSTRATES QUALITIES OF:

• Positive attitude with an enthusiasm for working with children and families.
• Be a strong representative of SEK-CAP Early Childhood Education services.
• Desire to engage with vulnerable children and families in a respectful manner which promotes positive relationships.
• Be a positive team player who supports the overall center in meeting children's and co-worker's needs.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Essential:

• Basic computer skills and ability to operate general office equipment.
• Knowledge of Early Childhood development.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Previous work experience with infants and toddlers.
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate materials for preschool aged children.
• Resourceful and well
• Ability to learn and

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential or Associates in ECD or equivalent is preferred.
• Must obtain a CDA or like certification within twelve (12) months of hire.
• Must obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR certification within thirty (30) days of hire.
• A current physical examination and TB skin test are required prior to beginning employment and must be renewed every three (3) years.
• Must pass a standard criminal history background check.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and meet agency insurance underwriting requirements.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This position requires the ability to use hands and fingers to handle or operate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and communicate effectively in person and by telephone.
• Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The employee must be able to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, and crouch as needed throughout the day.
• Regularly, the employee must lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.
• The work environment may include occasional exposure to wet and/or humid conditions, outdoor weather, and temperature extremes such as heat and cold. The noise level is generally quiet to moderate.

Other:

• Layoff is dependent upon agency's need or availability of work.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
  
• Health insurance
• Paid life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Paid training
  
• Vision insurance

Weekly day range:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

SEK-CAP, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.