Teacher Aide

References provided at the time of application for staff positions will not be contacted until the applicant has been offered the position.

About the Role

A Teacher Aide at the Berea College Child Development Lab works with the Lead Teacher and Assistant Teacher to maintain a safe and stimulating learning environment for young children. Teacher Aides are responsible for working in collaboration with other teachers, families, labor students, and college students to accomplish tasks in the absence of the Lead and Assistant Teachers. Teacher Aides are expected to adhere to CDL program philosophy, policies and procedures, and Kentucky childcare regulations.

Responsibilities

• Organize and maintain a safe, clutter-free, and stimulating learning environment appropriate for children of diverse ages and ability levels with the assistance of and in collaboration with teachers and students.
• Work collaboratively with families, teachers, labor students, and college students.
• Practice open, respectful communication with children, families, co-workers, labor students, college students, and supervisors at all times.
• Utilize positive guidance strategies and best practices.
• Record attendance, accidents, incidents, etc., in accordance with licensing regulations and CDL policies.
• Maintain a standard of behavior and confidentiality in all matters in accordance with NAEYC code of ethics.
• Perform housekeeping tasks as necessary, as assigned, and in a timely manner (classroom and indoor and outdoor shared play spaces).
• Attend conferences, in-services, and workshops to continue professional development.
• Attend scheduled staff meetings and required college training and orientation meetings.
• Other roles/duties will be assigned as necessary to assist the College in the attainment of the goals set forth and the enhancement of a positive, respectful learning environment for all staff, faculty, and students.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, preferred.
• At least one year of related experience (paid and/or supervised experience in childcare or early childhood education classroom, preferred).
• Knowledge of child development.
• Knowledge of Kentucky childcare regulations.
• Good communication skills.
• Ability to receive and follow instructions.
• Ability to work collaboratively with co-workers, families, labor students, and college students.
• Ability to make sound decisions and remain calm during a crisis.

Qualifications

• Ability to meet state licensing requirements.
• Complete orientation I & II training and a minimum of 15 hours professional development annually.
• Clear criminal background check.
• Clear child abuse and neglect check.
• Clear TB skin test.
• Clear Drug Screen.
• Obtain Adult/Infant/Child CPR & First Aid.
• Obtain Food Handler Certification.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift 35 pounds and move swiftly.
• Ability to be aware of all children in your care at all times.

Environmental Conditions

• Work in well-lighted, temperature-controlled building with reasonable space and equipment.
• Work with children outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Ability to operate the following vehicles or equipment: Personal Vehicle, Laptop Computer, Printer.

About Berea College

Founded in 1855, Berea College is nationally recognized as the first coeducational and interracial college in the South. Berea has a longstanding commitment to interracial education and is one of the most racially diverse private liberal arts colleges in the United States. With an emphasis on service to Appalachia and beyond, Berea enrolls more than 1,500 students from 46 states and U.S. territories and more than 70 countries. Berea College admits students who are unable to afford tuition and provides all of them with a no-tuition promise. Berea’s students excel in the College’s supportive yet demanding academic environment, and most are the first in their families to attend college. As one of only ten federally recognized Work Colleges, all Berea students are expected to work 10-12 hours weekly in various positions across campus.

Benefits

Berea College offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees and their families including:

• Health care, dental, vision, retirement, health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts.
• Life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Access to the Child Development Laboratory for children of College Staff, ages 6 weeks to 6 years.
• Seabury Center Membership.
• Staff Development Funds and Tuition Reimbursement.
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

Part-time employees who work an average of twenty-four hours per week over the course of a year receive benefits on a pro-rated basis.

Labor Supervision

In support of Berea College’s great commitments, staff and faculty serve as labor supervisors. The fourth great commitment, The Dignity of Labor, promotes learning and serving in community through the student Labor Program, honoring the dignity and utility of all work, mental and manual, and taking pride in work well done. Student Labor Supervision includes scheduling, assigning, and approving student work, developing students' workplace acumen, and providing tangible work experience.