Early Childhood Aide

About The Boys & Girls Club Of Clifton

Clifton, New Jersey is the third most diverse city in America by languages spoken and has a proud history of being a first stop city for generations of immigrants. Since 1947 the Boys & Girls Club (BGCC) has supported the Clifton community in providing quality youth development programs for youth aged 3-18. The BGCC serves over 6,000 youth annually, and continues to grow, remaining dedicated to the community’s ever-changing needs. We are committed to ensuring every child has access to our exceptional programs and services, aiming to enrich their lives and shape their futures.

We are seeking individuals who will listen to the children, respect, and honor their diversity, while helping us maintain a safe environment where they can have fun and be themselves. We are looking for passionate people who are excited to support our mission: to empower and inspire all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as responsible, caring, and productive citizens.

About the Role

The Early Childhood Aide supports lead teachers in providing a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for young children. This role assists with daily classroom activities, supervision, and basic care needs to promote the physical, emotional, and cognitive development of children in the early learning setting.

Responsibilities

• Assist the lead teacher in implementing lesson plans and age-appropriate activities.
• Supervise children during indoor and outdoor play, meals, and rest periods.
• Support children with basic care needs such as toileting, feeding, and hygiene.
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment.
• Build positive and respectful relationships with children, parents, and staff.
• Observe children’s behavior and development, and report concerns to the lead teacher.
• Assist with setting up materials, preparing snacks, and cleaning up after activities.
• Follow all center policies and licensing regulations, including safety and health protocols.
• Experience/knowledge in implementing enrichment programs that nurture the potential of youth.
• Provide leadership and support to staff with diverse experience and education levels.
• Meet individually with staff on a periodic basis to provide support and feedback.
• Hold regular staff meetings with the team.
• Responsible for attendance, accident/incident reports, etc.
• Communicate directly with parents/guardians in discussing and addressing students’ issues/concerns.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Teen Coordinator and Administration.
• Able to manage groups of students in the out-of-school time environment with a supportive, nurturing, and inclusive approach.
• Arrive daily for scheduled workday on time and prepared for work shift; notify leadership by 10am if absent.
• Clock in or complete timesheet daily upon arrival and at the end of the work shift.
• Refrain from using personal electronic devices during work shift (e.g., cellphone, earphones).
• Maintain a professional appearance and customer-centered approach.
• Participate in staff meetings, surveys, and questionnaires as needed.
• Assist Teen Coordinator to ensure successful outcome of the Club’s operations, mission, and grant requirements.
• Contribute to creating a positive Club environment that facilitates youth development outcomes: Academic Success, Good Character & Citizenship, and Healthy Lifestyles.
• Manage student and staff conflict, problems, and emergencies; analyze situations and take appropriate action.
• Act as a role model in both professional and private life, providing guidance and mentoring to help youth make appropriate choices.
• Contribute to ensuring a healthy and safe environment for members.
• Maintain confidentiality of members, employees, and Club information.
• Oversee proper record keeping and reporting, including daily attendance and incident reports.
• Report any suspected abuse to proper authorities and ensure proper reporting and documentation steps are completed.
• Adhere to all policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Must be able to pass a background check consisting of two NJDCF required checks and one organizational check.
• Must be able to pass a drug/alcohol test at the employer’s request and comply with a “Drug Free” policy.
• Must be able to provide valid identification for employment eligibility verification (I-9).
• Flexible and able to adapt to changes in the work environment.
• Access to reliable transportation for commuting and program-related activities.
• Understanding of the Club’s mission and values.
• Ability to critically assess situations, solve problems, and work effectively in stressful situations.
• Ability to understand and carry out varied instructions and procedures with minimal supervision.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with employees, management, and families.
• Attend all required staff meetings and trainings.
• Complete 20 hours of training annually, as required by NJDCF.
• Must be knowledgeable of (or willing to learn) NJDCF childcare licensing.
• Adhere to Club Personnel Policies and Practices and implement Club Discipline Policies and Guidelines.

Physical Demands

• Standing, walking, running/jogging (occasionally during program).
• Leaning, bending, sitting.
• Must be able to lift 30 lbs.

Qualifications

• Previous experience working with children preferred.
• Must attain CPR/First Aid and Child Abuse certifications within 90 days of hire.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with children, parents, and staff.
• Ability to supervise and manage staff.
• Ability to perform basic administrative duties.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to establish clear boundaries and maintain discipline while earning respect through a firm yet fair approach.
• Patience, flexibility, and a positive attitude.
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).

Schedule

• Monday through Friday:
• Morning: 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM
• Afternoon: 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
• Afternoon: 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM

Pay

$15.49 hourly