Toddler Classroom Assistant

About the role

The Early Childhood Educator will be responsible for co-teaching in a therapeutic classroom environment in the Compass Kids Program at the Center for Women and Children. This individual will support children in the infant, walker, toddler and/or preschool age groups and play a crucial role in providing a nurturing and supportive environment for them.

Responsibilities

• Co-teach in a therapeutic classroom environment within the Compass Kids Program at the Center for Women and Children.
• Implement developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed, and Christ-centered approaches.
• Use evidence-based curriculum and sensory tools in educational activities.
• Communicate effectively and clearly with children, parents, coworkers, and volunteers.
• Ensure the program meets the needs of the children in a Christ-centered, strengths-focused, and trauma-informed manner.
• Teach basics of early childhood education in line with the best practice standards through utilization of sensory tools.
• Provide daily communication to parents as well as Compass Kids staff outlining daily events.
• Adhere to all policies and procedures of Wheeler Mission, Center for Women and Children, and Indiana Code.
• Participate in staff meetings and meetings with Compass Kids Program Managers as requested.

Requirements

Physical Requirements

• Lift a 10–30‑pound child, using all safety precautions.
• Stand, sit, walk, bend, kneel, reach, and play with infants, toddlers, or young children for long periods of time.
• Conduct activities both indoors and outdoors, weather permitting.

Other Requirements

• Availability to work 40 hours per week: Monday through Friday, with shift times varying between 7 am to 6 pm.
• Occasional travel may be required for field trips.
• Confidentiality Policy.
• Statement of Faith.
• Adherence to Wheeler Mission’s Code of Conduct and Core Values.
• Background check, fingerprints, physical, and TB test required.
• All employees must sign and adhere to WM Drugs and Alcohol policy and remain free from addiction to drugs or alcohol.
• Candidates must submit to and pass a drug and/or alcohol test; testing may occur any time after a conditional offer of employment.

Qualifications

Education/Experience

• Must have 1+ years of experience working with young children.
• Must have a high school diploma, or equivalent.
• Must have or obtain a Child Development Associate (CDA) Certification during employment.
• Experience working within a school or family recovery setting (preferred).
• Working knowledge of children who have been impacted by trauma, poverty and/or homelessness (preferred).

Technical/Software Knowledge

• Above average knowledge in Microsoft Outlook.
• Ability to learn HRIS software (Paycom) as well as other software necessary.

Mission Alignment

• Belief in the inerrancy of the Holy Bible.
• Adherence to WM Employee Policies.
• Alignment with WM Core Values: Christ‑Centered Purpose, Faithful Stewardship, Excellence, Grace and Truth.

Skills

• Dependability.
• Effective Communication Skills.
• Flexibility and Adaptability.
• Child‑Centered Approach.
• Collaboration.

Schedule

Availability to work 40 hours per week: Monday through Friday, with shift times varying between 7 am to 6 pm.