Early Childhood (Preschool) Classroom Assistant

TITLE: Early Childhood Classroom Assistant
REPORTS TO: Early Childhood Assistant Center Director
CLASSIFIED: Part Time, Non-Exempt
LOCATION: Vermillion, SD
HOURS: Morning shift and an afternoon shift. 

MISSION: To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.

JOB SUMMARY: The Classroom Assistant supports the Teacher in delivering high-quality early childhood programming. This role assists with daily classroom operations, child care routines, and documentation under the day-to-day direction of the Teacher. Administrative and HR matters are managed by the Assistant Director and Center Director. Classroom Assistants are encouraged to pursue credentialing, with compensation adjustments tied to relevant milestones.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supports the Teacher in implementing daily lessons, routines, and classroom activities.
• Assists with meal preparation, feeding, diapering, toileting, and personal care routines as needed.
• Maintains active supervision of children at all times in accordance with BGCNP policies.
• Assists with classroom setup, cleanup, and environmental maintenance.
• Supports transitions between activities, meals, outdoor play, and rest time.
• Assists with CACFP meal count tracking and food service documentation as directed by the Teacher.
• Implements guidance and direction from the Teacher during all programming activities.
• Participates in required trainings, team meetings, and professional development.
• Maintains a safe, clean, and organized classroom environment.
• Supports children with identified needs under the direction of the Teacher and Early Childhood Specialist.
• Floats to support ratio coverage in other classrooms as directed by the Assistant Director.

EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Knowledge of NAEYC Program Standards preferred.
• Interest in early childhood education and willingness to pursue CDA credential.
• Experience working with young children preferred.
• Ability to follow directions and work as part of a team.
• Patience, warmth, and genuine care for the wellbeing of young children.
• CPR/First Aid certification required or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.
• Satisfactory background check per SD DSS requirements.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work actively in a classroom environment for the full shift.
• Ability to sit on the floor, kneel, crouch, bend, and move at a child's level.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to assist with diapering, lifting, and physical care of young children.
• Ability to supervise children outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Must be able to respond quickly in emergency situations.
• This position is considered to be safety-sensitive.

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain nor be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace!

All qualified applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, non-job-related disability, or any other protected class.

The Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees in compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application/hiring process should contact Human Resources to communicate their request for accommodation at 605-692-3333.