Upside Preschool Elementary Afterschool Assistant

Position: Upside Preschool Elementary After School Assistant

Reports to: Upside Preschool Director

Status: part time, 15-20 hours, non-exempt

Overview/Purpose:

The Upside Preschool (UP) is a non-profit associate of Park Collective, where we believe that good things can flourish. The Upside Preschool Elementary After School Program is dedicated to providing excellent quality after school care for local elementary students at a reasonable cost. The program is a branch of Upside Preschool which is a Christian Preschool and as such will reflect those Christian beliefs through Biblical instruction, activities, and the actions and behavior of the Staff. It is a place where children of all socioeconomic statuses and faiths are welcome.

The Upside Preschool Elementary After School Assistant’s responsibilities include: creating a safe, structured, loving and fun environment for elementary children. The Assistant will be expected to follow the policies and procedures of Upside Preschool Elementary After School Program and enforce the rules of their class/group of children. The Lead will be expected to collaborate with their assistant and other Upside staff to guide the children in their class/group with the goal to keep the elementary children safe.

The Upside Preschool Elementary After School Assistant will be responsible for the following:

• Classroom Responsibilities
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    Interacts appropriately and positively with children and parents.
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    Follows the policies and procedures of Upside Preschool Elementary After School Program which includes following state and licensing guidelines.
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    Model positive behavior while working with the children.
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    Work alongside the Coordinator and Lead(s) to achieve program goals and ensure safety of the children in their care.
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    Keep the structure of the classroom/group by following the schedule and curriculum.
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    Assist the Coordinator in emergency drills in a calm and professional manner.
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    Assistant will be responsible for keeping the classroom clean and safe which will include toy washing, wiping down surfaces of tables, chairs, shelves, and high touch areas, and sanitizing the bathroom and sinks.
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    Assistant may be responsible for sweeping and mopping and/or vacuuming the floors in the activity areas and cleaning the bathrooms.
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    May serve snack.
• Licensing and Compliance
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    Assistant should have proper experience and education as required for state licensing which should include ONE or more of the following:
    1. Current enrollment in high school or high school equivalency class
    2. HS diploma or GED
    3. Currently and continuously enrolled in HS or a vocational rehab
    4. Worked or Volunteered in a childcare facility for 12+ months
    5. Associates or Bachelors in ECE 
    6. NAC/CDA/CCP certificate
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    Assistant will be required to attend 24 hours of training per year
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    Assistant is suggested to have a current first aid and CPR training card/certificate

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    Assistant will be required to pass a background check and have a level one fingerprint clearance card if 18 years +. 
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    Assistant will be updated on their vaccinations and complete a Tuberculosis Symptom & Risk Factor Screening Tool.
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    Assistant is required to have a food handling card to ensure proper food handling safety before starting the position.
• Program Development
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    Assistant will work alongside the Coordinator to prepare the activities and prep the materials.

Parent and Community Relationships

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    Maintain open communication and personal interaction with parents/guardians and co-workers.
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    Attend planned Upside events to promote positive relationships with community and Upside families.
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    Help promote and keep parents informed of activities, events, etc. at Upside

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

• Available Monday - Friday during the school year (August - May). This position loosely follows the area school district calendars. Hours are 1:30-5:30 PM.
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  Demonstrates a heart and passion for children
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  Working knowledge of childcare regulations and safety practices
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  Must be versatile and collaborative team player with the ability to work independently
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  Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks. Be able to prioritize effectively.
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  Proven ability to use good judgement and ability to maintain confidentiality
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  Ability to handle emergency situations with a professional and confident demeanor
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  A personal relationship with Jesus Christ
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  Theologically and doctrinally aligned with Heights Church on important matters
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  Demonstrates evidence of a Christ-like attitude in words and actions, with humility
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  Must meet AZ State requirements for "an assistant child educator" 
  
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  An understanding of children and their developmentally appropriate needs
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  A clear background check, fingerprint and safety check is required
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  Previous experience working with children is preferred
  
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  Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit both in a chair and on the floor. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The job requires being inside and outside of the building. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and color vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.