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POSITION SUMMARY

The Teacher Aide provides responsive, developmentally appropriate support for infants and toddlers through relationship-based, whole-child practices. This role assists Lead Teachers and classroom teams with daily routines, curriculum, and environment maintenance, including coverage during staff absences, breaks, and planning time. The Teacher Aide partners with families to reinforce learning and development, ensures compliance with State Child Care Licensing requirements, contributes to NAEYC accreditation efforts, and models SCCAP’s commitment to empowering people to reach their potential in all interactions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are normal for this position. The following should not be construed as a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Safety & Supervision

• Ensures children are never left unattended and actively monitors the classroom to maintain a safe, secure environment.
• Provides responsive, respectful care during routines such as diapering, toileting, feeding, and comforting, honoring each child’s autonomy and developmental needs.
• Implements individualized feeding plans and supports children in developing healthy attitudes toward food and eating.
• Reports suspected child abuse or neglect immediately in accordance with state law and SCCAP policy.

Teaching & Child Development

• Supports the Lead Teacher in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum that aligns with children’s emerging interests, individuality, and whole-person growth.
• Assists in setting up and maintaining a developmentally appropriate classroom environment with materials and activities that support the curriculum and respond to children’s goals, needs, and interests.
• Observes and documents children’s development to inform intentional, relationship-based teaching practices.
• Supports individual and group learning activities, responding to children’s skills, interests, and temperament.
• Assists with maintaining classroom cleanliness, including tidying, organizing materials, and performing light housekeeping tasks such as laundry and sanitizing surfaces.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintains accurate records of attendance, incidents, meals, and other required documentation.
• Assists the Lead Teacher in documenting observations and assessments of children to support individualized care and inform teaching practices.
• Follows all local, state, and federal policies, licensing regulations, and SCCAP procedures.
• Assists the Lead Teacher in maintaining classroom practices that align with SCCAP policies, Indiana Childcare Licensing requirements, and NAEYC accreditation standards.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalency.
• Completion of a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education may be strongly encouraged or required at a later point.
•  Bilingual skills are an asset and may enhance communication with families, though not required.

REQUIRED SKILLS / ABILITIES

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must maintain the integrity of confidential employment, client, and business information.
• Must be philosophically aligned with SCCAP’s mission and the Chandler Early Learning Center’s approach to early learning, child development, and viewing children as whole, capable individuals.
• Ability to apply professional judgment, discretion, and problem-solving skills to support safe, respectful, and intentional classroom practices.
• Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with Lead Teachers, teaching teams, families, and colleagues
• Strong reading, writing, and basic math skills; able to use computers and mobile devices for communication, documentation, and learning new software used in early childhood programs.
• Commitment to learning and implementing evidence-based, relationship-focused, whole-child practices as guided by professional development, trainings, and modeling to support responsive caregiving and early learning.

Childcare Requirements

• Must successfully complete all state and federal background checks required for employment in licensed early childhood programs, including child abuse and neglect clearances.
• Must obtain a physical examination from a licensed healthcare provider, as required by Indiana childcare licensing regulations.
• Must complete a pre-employment drug screening.
• Must obtain CPR and First Aid certification within 60 days of hire (training provided).

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS

• Ability to lift, carry, and safely support infants and toddlers (up to 50 pounds), as well as lift, carry, push, or pull classroom equipment, materials, and supplies. Other required physical tasks include stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing, and balancing.
• Requires normal range of hearing and vision to observe and respond to children’s activities and needs.
• Must be able to move efficiently between classrooms and respond promptly to the needs of children and staff.
• Ability to set priorities and adjust quickly to changing circumstances or last-minute demands while maintaining safety and quality of care.
• Requires personal maturity, a pleasant and professional demeanor, and the ability to relate and interact respectfully with children, families, and staff in a culturally diverse environment.
• Must maintain focus, attention, and patience to ensure safe, intentional, and responsive interactions with children and colleagues.

SCCAP is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs. Contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations.