Description

Teacher Assistant

Department: Children's Services
Reports To: Classroom Teacher
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly)

Position Summary

The Teacher Assistant supports the implementation of all components of the Children's Services curriculum within the assigned classroom. Working under the direction of the Classroom Teacher, this position helps create a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment that promotes the growth, well-being, and success of every child. The Teacher Assistant demonstrates KCARC's commitment to providing opportunities in a dignified, respectful, and inclusive manner for children and families.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Classroom Support & Child Development

• Support KCARC's Quality Policy by continuously striving to improve services and outcomes for children, families, and stakeholders.
• Assist the Classroom Teacher in maintaining a developmentally appropriate, language-rich learning environment that encourages exploration, socialization, creativity, and age-appropriate skill development.
• Help organize and maintain classroom materials, equipment, and learning spaces to support educational activities and child engagement.
• Assist with implementing curriculum activities and educational experiences designed to promote cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.

Child Care & Supervision

• Provide direct support to children while ensuring their safety, well-being, and developmental needs are met throughout the day.
• Maintain active supervision by keeping children within sight and sound at all times and ensuring attendance records are accurate and up to date.
• Assist children with personal care and hygiene needs, including handwashing, face washing, diapering, toileting, dressing, and other age-appropriate self-care activities.
• Support children in developing independence and positive social behaviors through guidance, encouragement, and positive reinforcement.
• Provide leadership and classroom management support during the Classroom Teacher's absence.

Meal & Nutrition Support

• Assist with meal and snack service in accordance with program requirements and health standards.
• Sanitize tables and eating areas before and after meals and snacks.
• Assist children with serving food and provide feeding assistance when necessary.
• Model appropriate table manners and encourage positive mealtime behaviors.
• Ensure children have access to beverages throughout the day and assist with cleanup following meals and snacks.

Communication & Documentation

• Communicate effectively with the Classroom Teacher, Director of Children's Services, and other staff members regarding concerns, observations, incidents, and classroom needs.
• Complete required documentation and records as directed by the Classroom Teacher.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and program operations.

Program Operations & Compliance

• Complete classroom cleaning, sanitization, and organizational tasks as assigned.
• Follow all KCARC policies, procedures, work instructions, licensing requirements, and safety standards.
• Contribute to quality management system goals and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Serve on committees and participate in special projects as assigned by the Classroom Teacher or Director of Children's Services.
• Attend and actively participate in required staff meetings, professional development opportunities, and in-service training sessions.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental and organizational objectives.
• Work additional hours, including overtime, as needed to meet program and operational requirements.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Frequently lift and carry up to 75 pounds independently.
• Lift and move more than 75 pounds with assistance when necessary.
• Regularly bend, stoop, kneel, sit on the floor, stand, reach, and engage in physical activities associated with caring for and supervising young children.

Disclaimer

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

KCARC reserves the right to modify, interpret, or apply this job description as necessary to meet organizational and operational needs. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Employees may be required to perform additional duties as assigned by management.

Nothing contained in this job description shall be construed as creating an employment contract, express or implied. Employment with KCARC remains at-will and may be terminated by either the employee or KCARC at any time, with or without cause or notice.

Improvements Made

Professional Tone: Enhanced the language to reflect modern early childhood education and childcare standards.

Child-Centered Focus: Emphasized child development, safety, supervision, and developmental appropriateness throughout the position description.

Improved Organization: Grouped responsibilities into logical categories for clarity and ease of review.

Recruitment-Friendly Language: Highlighted the role's impact on children's growth, classroom success, and family support while maintaining compliance with HR best practices.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to maintain a flexible work schedule to meet departmental and operational needs.
• Maintains a professional appearance and high standards of personal hygiene.
• Strong research, documentation, and written communication skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities, with the capacity to communicate effectively with children, families, coworkers, and community partners.
• Ability to interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds with professionalism, tact, empathy, and respect.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team-oriented environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and related computer applications.
• Demonstrates accountability, initiative, leadership, and sound decision-making skills.
• Ability to effectively prioritize tasks, manage multiple responsibilities, and adapt to a fast-paced work environment.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential required, or the ability to begin working toward obtaining a CDA after the first year of employment; an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education may be substituted.
• Experience and knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices in an early childhood education setting preferred.
• Demonstrated sensitivity, flexibility, patience, and a genuine passion for supporting the growth and development of young children.

Certifications, Licenses, and Registrations

• Current CPR and First Aid certification, or the ability to obtain certification within an established timeframe.
• Ability to successfully complete and maintain all state-required health screenings and physical examinations.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Ability to frequently alternate between sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching, and engaging in activities with children.
• Repetitive movement of the hands, wrists, and arms may be required.
• Ability to lift, carry, bend, twist, stoop, and perform other physical activities associated with providing care and supervision in an early childhood setting.
• Must be able to respond quickly and appropriately to the needs of children in a classroom or outdoor environment.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this position.

• Occasional exposure to fumes, airborne particles, and outdoor weather conditions during outdoor activities and field experiences.
• Work is typically performed in a childcare or classroom environment where noise levels are generally moderate but may occasionally be loud.
• Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including vinyl or latex gloves, may be required when performing certain job-related duties.
• Frequent interaction with children, families, staff, and visitors in a dynamic and active environment.

Disclaimer

KCARC reserves the right to modify, interpret, or apply this job description as necessary to meet organizational and operational needs.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Employees may be required to perform additional duties as assigned by management.

Nothing contained in this job description shall be construed as creating an employment contract, express or implied. Employment with KCARC remains at-will and may be terminated by either the employee or KCARC at any time, with or without cause or notice.

Improvements Made

Professional Tone: Enhanced language to align with early childhood education and childcare industry standards.

Child-Focused Language: Emphasized child development, classroom engagement, and developmentally appropriate practices.

Clarity and Readability: Organized qualifications into clear sections that are easy for candidates to review.

HR and Compliance Alignment: Strengthened certification, physical requirements, and employment disclaimer language while maintaining compliance with industry and employment standards.