Early Childhood Aide - Cyert Center for Early Education

The Cyert Center at Carnegie Mellon University is a full-day early care and education program serving the children of our faculty, staff and students. Founded in 1971, we have grown from a program of 13 children to our current enrollment of 290 children across two centers.

We are currently hiring an Early Childhood Aides to join the Cyert Center. The Early Childhood Aide has a passion for early childhood education, demonstrates commitment to Developmentally Appropriate Practice, and upholds the NAEYC code of ethics. The position is responsible for supporting the classroom educators to provide a nurturing, consistent, developmentally appropriate environment that meets the cognitive, emotional, social, and physical needs of children. The Early Childhood Aide supports the work of the educational team. This position reports to the Educational Coordinator of the assigned classroom.

Core responsibilities include:

• Supporting the children and educators during the normal flow-of-the-day routines (snack/lunch prep, diapering, bathroom, clean-up, playground supervision, nap)

• Helping maintain the Center’s safety and sanitation standards, adhering to the Department of Human Services licensing regulations and NAEYC accreditation guidelines

• Helping to maintain the Center environment (e.g. sweeping up after meals, reorganizing toys, cleaning up the changing area, etc.)

• Demonstrating awareness of Developmentally Appropriate Practice, and supports a cohesive program that communicates the Center’s philosophy

• Accountability for the safety of children while at the Center, on the playground, and on walks and field trips; Informing Educational Coordinator when an incident occurs pertaining to the welfare of the staff and children

• Supporting and assisting the educators during their daily work with children and families, demonstrating engagement and enthusiasm in their work

• Speaking with children in a friendly, positive, and respectful manner; helping children during times of transition and basic need; providing one-on-one time with children/infants

• Other duties as assigned.

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

You should demonstrate:

• Full range of body motion needed and change positions/ have the mobility to interact with young children

• Must be able to provide supervision and monitor safety through both sight and sound in the classroom and on the playground, without breaks in consciousness

• Must be able to lift and carry children up to 40 pounds, as well as, move light furniture and play materials, and push a group stroller carrying 4-6 infants and toddlers

• Must be able to stand for long periods and sit on the floor

• Must pass a pre-employment physical exam (including TB test) for clearance to meet the physical requirements listed above

Qualifications:

• Education/Training: High School diploma or GED required. Candidates with or actively pursuing a bachelor’s degree early childhood education, elementary education, special education or psychology preferred

Requirements:

• Successful Background Checks

• Child Protective Clearances for PA and all states lived in prior five years

Additional Information:

• Sponsorship : Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity.  Carnegie Mellon is not a qualifying employer for the STEM OPT benefit: only the 12-month OPT may be used to work at Carnegie Mellon.