Early Childhood Assistant

Linden Community Schools Job Description

Job Title: Early Childhood Assistant

Department: Argentine Elementary Early Childhood Programs

Reports To: Early Childhood Director

JOB PURPOSE:

The Early Childhood Assistant support the daily operations of the preschool and before/afterschool programs by assisting in the supervision, safety, and care of children in a nurturing and developmentally appropriate environment. The Early Childhood Assistant ensures a clean, organized, and engaging space for learning and play, while also helping implement routines, reinforce positive behavior, and foster meaningful interactions. This role contributes to the overall well-being and development of children, supporting staff and maintaining smooth transitions between program times.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Coursework or degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field; or
• A valid Center-Based Preschool CDA credential; or
• An associate degree in early childhood education or child development or the equivalent.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES:

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Experience working with young children in a structured setting such as a school, daycare, or youth program.
• Ability to supervise and engage children in age-appropriate activities, ensuring safety and promoting positive behavior.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with children, parents, and staff.
• Basic knowledge of child development and age-appropriate practices.
• Ability to assist with light cleaning, organizing, meal/snack preparation as well as classroom preparation.
• Capable of monitoring student transitions, including arrival, dismissal, and movement between program areas.
• Planning and implementing age-appropriate activities for before/after school programs.
• High energy.
• Ability to work well with others.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and basic computer skills.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read and interpret written language.

Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.

Ability to speak effectively before groups of students or employees or organizations.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, proportions and percentages.

REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, communicate and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk, use fingers, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and depth perception.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. The employee is continuously required to interact with the public and other staff.