St. John’s Lutheran Church invites applicants for the full-time position of Teaching Assistant for our Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC).
Serves as a teaching assistant in the 2, 3, or 4-year-old classroom. Assists lead teachers with curriculum implementation and guiding students through daily schedule. Communicates with parents on student activities and general learning milestones. Reports directly to the classroom lead teacher.
We currently use the Creative Curriculum which is an early childhood education curriculum that builds children's confidence, creativity, and critical thinking skills through hands-on, project-based investigations. In addition, we use the Little Lamb Religious Education series for educational materials designed to teach children about faith, character, and true confidence.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Classroom Management
Supervises the classroom, according to the plans of the lead teacher when the lead teacher is out or otherwise occupied.
Helps with daily activities, such as meals, small and large group activities, nap time, music and movement, art, outdoor play, and bathroom needs.
Assists lead teacher in record keeping of daily student activities and observations related to children's development.
Student Interaction
Uses materials, activities, and experiences to encourage children's growth and development.
Helps children regulate their behavior using a Christ-centered positive consistent approach.
Assists the lead teacher in implementing the daily program by treating each child with dignity and respect, recognizing individual needs, helping the children to think creatively, to solve problems independently, and to respect themselves and others.
Communication and relationships with parents
Establishes relationships with each family to ensure that their student's needs are met and maintained daily
Assists lead teacher in assuring classroom bulletin boards are kept up to date with lesson plans, activity calendars, and meal schedules for parents.
Personal annual training and professional development
Complete, annually, a minimum of 16 clock hours of training appropriate to the age of the classroom children.
Participate, annually, in professional development opportunities, including but not limited to college courses, training classes, conferences, membership in professional associations, and/or publications.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required
Previous experience in childcare
Must be able to stand, bend, and sit for long periods of time and must be able to lift up to 50 lbs as it pertains to working in a classroom setting and with young children.
Preferred
College classes with a focus in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, or Early Childhood Special Education and/or Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential.
Active in a Christian congregation or willingness to join.
Additional Requirements
Must provide a negative tuberculosis test (dated within last 21 days) prior to working directly with children.
Be prepared to complete at least 3* criminal background checks within your first 30 days of employment and pass all successfully prior to working directly with children. *Number of background checks is dependent upon number of states applicant has lived in during the last 5 years.
Mandated Reporter Child Abuse and Neglect Recognition and Reporting Training is preferred. Also, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), Shaken Baby Syndrome, and Abusive Head Trauma Training is preferred. Otherwise, must be agreeable to obtaining within 7 days of employment and before the employee can be left alone with students.
Current First Aid/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training and Medication Administration Training (MAT) certification is preferred. Otherwise, must be agreeable to obtaining within the first 30 days of employment.
10-hour Virginia Preservice Training for Child Care Staff plus the 3 hours annual Health and Safety Update is preferred. Otherwise, must be agreeable to obtaining within the first 90 days of employment.
Note
This description reflects the general responsibilities of the role and may be adjusted as needed to support the mission and operations of St. John’s Lutheran Church.
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY:
This is a unique opportunity to participate in a thriving early childhood program where faith, learning, and community come together. At St. John’s Lutheran Church, you will find a supportive environment, meaningful relationships, and the chance to make a lasting impact on children and families.
APPLY NOW!
Please submit your resume outlining your experience and interest in the role to our HR coordinator, Jennifer Smith, at finance@sjlc.com, or our ECEC Director, Amanda Parks, at ecec@sjlc.com, now!