Description JOB TITLE: Child & Youth Services Preschool/Child Care Instructor DEPARTMENT: Child & Youth Services SUPERVISOR’S TITLE: Preschool/Child Care Manager or Child & Youth Services Assistant Director POSITIONS SUPERVISED: None JOB STATUS: 2 Full-time, Non-Exempt SCHEDULE: Monday–Friday (7:30am-4pm) Positions: Preschool Childcare Instructor over 3yr classroom, Preschool Childcare Instructor Floater (used in all ages) classrooms Summary: Provide nurturing, developmentally appropriate care and instruction for preschool and child care participants in a safe, engaging, and inclusive classroom environment. This position supports children’s cognitive, social-emotional, language, physical, and self-help development through structured activities, play, daily routines, and implementation of The Creative Curriculum. Key Responsibilities: · Greet children and parents upon arrival and departure and maintain positive, professional communication with families. · Create and maintain a safe, orderly, nurturing, and stimulating classroom environment that meets all applicable licensing and regulatory requirements. · Supervise assigned children at all times in the classroom, on the playground, during meals, and on field trips. · Interact with children at their developmental level during indoor and outdoor activities, including floor play, group activities, and transitions. · Use positive classroom-management techniques, including calm redirection, clear expectations, and developmentally appropriate guidance. · Plan and implement daily classroom schedules, activities, and lesson plans using The Creative Curriculum. · Lead group and individual activities that support cognitive, language, pre-writing, fine-motor, gross-motor, social-emotional, and self-help skill development. · Balance teacher-directed and child-initiated activities while providing developmentally appropriate choices for children. · Encourage positive nutrition, dental hygiene, health habits, and social skills during snacks and meals. · Assist children with meals and model appropriate behavior; food may not be used as punishment or reward. · Maintain classroom organization, including labeling materials, preparing learning areas, creating bulletin boards, and ensuring materials are ready for daily activities. · Clean and sanitize classroom equipment and designated areas daily and assist with additional cleaning as assigned. · Maintain the classroom, playground, supplies, and equipment; promptly report repair needs, safety concerns, and licensing violations to the supervisor. · Maintain current classroom inventory and communicate supply and equipment needs to the supervisor. · Work collaboratively with therapists to support implementation of Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals for children with special needs. · Complete and maintain required daily documentation, including attendance, medication records, food-program records, incident and accident reports, and other center charting. · Report suspected child abuse through appropriate channels in accordance with agency policy and regulatory requirements. · Participate in special events, staff meetings, trainings, and other assigned center activities. · Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, staff, the center, and Blue River Services, Inc. · Follow all agency personnel policies, standard operating procedures, center rules, and applicable regulations. · Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor. Qualifications & Skills: · High school diploma or equivalent required. · Must be actively enrolled in coursework toward a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or higher degree in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education. · Previous experience working with children is helpful but not required. · Strong written and verbal communication skills. · Ability to work cooperatively as part of a team with shared responsibilities and outcomes. · Ability to build positive, respectful relationships with children, families, coworkers, and community partners. · Strong classroom-management, organization, and time-management skills. · Ability to plan engaging, age-appropriate activities and respond to individual children’s needs. · Must be at least 21 years old to be the staff person in charge of an infant/toddler group. · Must be at least 18 years old to be the staff person in charge when all children in the group are at least 24 months of age. Physical & Work Requirements: · Ability to lift and carry 40 pounds or more. · Ability to sit on the floor, use child-sized chairs, kneel, crawl, bend, twist, turn, and otherwise position yourself at a child’s eye level. · Adequate vision and hearing to supervise children visually and auditorily in classrooms, on playgrounds, and during field trips. · Ability to actively participate in indoor and outdoor play and safely respond to children’s needs throughout the day. Blue River Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug-Free Workplace. Requirements Education Requirements: · High school diploma or equivalent required. · Must be actively enrolled in coursework toward a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or a higher degree in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education. · Must obtain a CDA certification or higher credential within one year of employment, or within the timeframe required by state regulations.