DISTRICT: Early Childhood Assistant Alternate, 30+ hrs/wk chez Traverse City Area Public Schools

Non-Affiliated Support Staff (NA) - School Year

Non-Affiliated Support - Position Information (school year)

Non-Affiliated Support Benefits Summary (school year)

30+ hrs/wk

Licensed Programs District Alternate

(Meets MiLEAP Child Care Licensing requirements for Early Childhood Center Staff)

Non-Affiliated Support Staff

Early Childhood Department. School year position

General Summary:

The District Alternate provides age-appropriate activities and services to children enrolled in the various Licensed Programs throughout TCAPS.  Placement in this position varies throughout the district daily.  This position reports directly to the Licensed Child Care Director. 

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the direction of the Tuition Preschool Program Lead Teacher, Extended Day Manager, or GSRP Lead:

1. Assists students with all aspects of the program they are supporting.
2. Develop positive relationships with children, parents, staff members, administration, and community members through effective written communication as well as verbal and nonverbal interactions
3. Assists with maintenance of classroom records for all students (attendance, behavior documentation, anecdotal notes, lunch count) when needed.
4. Assists in maintaining a clean and safe facility / playground at all times
5. Maintains discipline and brings behavior and/or discipline concerns to the Lead Teacher, program manager, or building Principal.
6. Takes part in planned meetings as requested.
7. Implements and enforces TCAPS District and building-level safety standards and behavior management techniques.
8. Participates in staff-development and professional development activities as offered (up to 16.0 clock hours per calendar year).
9. Administer children’s medication and First Aid as needed, and complete necessary State of Michigan and District-level documentation.
10. Maintains confidentiality with regard to student and family records and information.
11. Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

1. High school graduate (18+ years of age) with prior experience working/interacting with children.
2. Some Early Childhood or Child Development college coursework highly preferred.
3. Must have current First Aid and infant, child, and adult CPR training or be willing to obtain at next available offering.
4. Willing to complete up to 16 clock hours of professional development training, in addition to new hire requirements as required by MiLEAP Child Care Licensing regulations. 

Physical and Mental Requirements:

1. Must be able to report on a regular and consistent basis. 
2. Maintain consistent and punctual attendance.
3. Duties include frequent walking and physical activity, as well as use of hands and arms for signaling and light lifting/carrying up to 40 pounds. Must have the ability to move about the classroom/building and school property, including sitting on the floor, bending, pushing/pulling, lifting, twisting, climbing, stooping, or crouching to complete work-related tasks with and without students. 
4. The ability to listen and effectively orally communicate information and ideas to a diverse population.
5. Ability to communicate and work effectively with children, parents colleagues, administrative staff and community members
6. Ability to effectively discern information and formulate appropriate action(s).
7. Ability to critically think and provide appropriate solutions. 
8. Ability to work effectively and efficiently.

Environmental Conditions:

Incumbents work in indoor and outdoor school environments with moderate to loud noise levels, crowds and allergens. Duties may be completed in cold and hot temperatures, including work on slippery and/or uneven surfaces. Work environment includes working around students, school equipment, and office equipment. 

Work Schedules:

Must be available to report during the school year consistent with the district’s school year calendar. May require irregular hours, including evenings and weekends for school events or professional development activities. Ability to work various hours as needed by program demand, at any district location as needed.

Background Checks:

The individual selected for this position will be required to pass a criminal history background check.