Teacher Assistant - KinderFrogs

Job Summary

The Teacher Assistant at KinderFrogs, a laboratory school at TCU's College of Education, supports the development of children ages 18 months to 5 years with Down syndrome by assisting teaching staff in delivering a nurturing, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environment.

Duties & Essential Job Functions

• Guides students' personal, social, and developmental growth by supporting classroom rules and procedures; encouraging student participation; understanding the curriculum and the developmental and educational implications of Down syndrome and related disabilities.
• Provides information by answering questions and requests, referring inquiries to the appropriate staff member; appropriately and professionally interacting with parents, staff, TCU students, and faculty, and visitors.
• Maintains a safe, clean, and organized learning environment by keeping classrooms and supplies in order, completing cleaning and laundry as needed.
• Follows state daycare licensing procedures regarding classroom environment and management
• Aids in childcare responsibilities by organizing and preparing lunches and snacks; feeding and diapering children as needed.
• Supervises and facilitates activities by organizing play, instructing small groups, assisting in childhood development projects, and actively engaging with children during daily activities.
• Supports children's communication needs by utilizing sign language, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) strategies, and other tools as directed by teaching staff.
• Collaborates with TCU College of Education faculty, students, and outside specialists (e.g., speech, occupational, and physical therapists) to support each child's individualized goals.
• Contributes to a positive, respectful, and inclusive workplace culture by demonstrating professionalism, collegiality, and a team-first attitude in all interactions with colleagues, families, and TCU community members.

Required Education & Experience

• Associate’s degree in early childhood education, Child Development, Special Education, or a related field; OR a High School diploma/GED with a minimum of 2 years of experience working with young children with special needs.
• 1–2 years of related experience working with children, preferably in an early childhood or special education setting.

Preferred Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood special education, Child Development, or a related field.
• Experience working with children with Down syndrome or other developmental disabilities.
• Familiarity with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and early intervention strategies.
• Familiarity with Texas Daycare Minimum Standards for Child Care Centers.

Required Licensure/Certification/Specialized Training

• Child Development Associate (CDA) Certification or actively working toward obtaining the certification.
• CPR and Basic First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire).

Preferred Licensure, Certification, And/or Specialized Training

• Training or coursework in special education, early intervention, or applied behavior analysis (ABA).
• American Sign Language (ASL) training or proficiency.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of child development stages, with an understanding of the developmental profile of children with Down syndrome.
• Knowledge of inclusive and adaptive teaching strategies for children with special needs.
• Knowledge of customer service and professional communication techniques.
• Skill in childcare, including feeding, diapering, and personal care for young children.
• Ability to clearly communicate in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to learn and apply sign language, AAC tools, CPR, basic first aid, Heimlich maneuver, and safety and hygiene techniques.
• Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to approach each child with patience, empathy, and a strength-based mindset.
• Ability to model and maintain a positive, professional demeanor that uplifts the work environment and supports the well-being of both children and colleagues.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills that reflect warmth, flexibility, and a genuine commitment to fostering a welcoming and supportive school community.

Physical Requirements (With Or Without Accommodations)

• Visual acuity to read information from computer screens, forms, and other printed materials.
• Ability to speak (enunciate) clearly in conversation and general communication.
• Hearing ability for verbal communication via telephone and face-to-face interactions.
• Manual dexterity for typing, writing, standing, and reaching; flexibility and body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling, crawling and prolonged sitting.
• Lifting and moving objects, equipment, and children up to 40 lbs.

Work Environment

• Indoors in an active early childhood classroom setting.
• Subject to schedule changes and/or variable work hours.
• This role is an on-campus, in-person position.
• The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate to active.
• Staff may encounter bodily fluids as part of routine childcare responsibilities.

Texas Christian University Employment Values

• Integrity
• Engagement
• Community
• Excellence