Child Care Teacher Assistant
Location & Schedule
Wichita, KS | Ascension Via Christi Hospitals, Child Development Center | Must be available for year-round shifts 6am - 6pm, PRN
About the Role
Lead engaging classroom activities that spark curiosity and support developmental milestones, ensuring each child's unique learning journey is celebrated. Create a vibrant, safe, and high-quality learning environment by maintaining classroom resources and advocating for materials that enhance the student experience. Support healthcare-hero families by building empathetic partnerships with parents, ensuring their specific routines and preferences are integrated into their child's daily care. Document child development milestones and daily care journeys to provide parents with clear, professional, and high-quality records of their child's progress.
Requirements
- Licensure / Certification / Registration (must obtain within 1 month of hire or job transfer):
- Food Service Professional credential from ServSafe National Restaurant Association or Food Handler Card through Food Handler Essentials Course (State Food Safety)
- Heart Saver AED credential from American Heart Association (AHA) or Pediatric CPR and First Aid through ASHI, AHA, or LifeSaver Learning, Inc.
- Certification in Health and Safety Training (KCCTO or equivalent) covering: recognizing signs of child abuse/neglect, basic child development, safe sleep and SIDS, recognizing sick children and infection control, prevention/response to food/allergic emergencies, building/premises safety, emergency preparedness, hazardous materials handling, transport precautions, and medication administration
- Education: High School diploma equivalency or 1 year of applicable cumulative job-specific experience. (Professional licensure/certification can substitute for education/experience if applicable.)
- Kansas State Regulations for Child Care Assistants left alone with children: Must meet Teacher minimum education requirements or have completed: 3 college credits in Early Childhood, Child Development, or related discipline, AND 3 months of practicum providing direct care to/supervision of children of the same age range, PLUS 6 months experience providing direct care to/supervision of children of the same age range.
Preferred Qualifications
- Minimum of 6 months providing direct care to children within a licensed and/or KDHE-licensed facility
- CDA or related degree strongly preferred
Benefits & Perks
- Tuition discounts and priority placement in select healthcare programs through academic partnership with Wichita State University (for Via Christi associates)
- 403(b) retirement plan
- Employee Assistance Program, counseling and peer support, spiritual care, and stress management resources