Early Childhood Education Asst Teacher/Driver - Mary Ryan

Reports To: Early Childhood Education Program Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Full Time

Position Summary

The Early Childhood Childcare Assistant Teacher/Van Driver supports the Lead Teacher in providing a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment for young children while ensuring the safe transportation of children to and from the childcare center, school, field trips, and other approved activities. This position combines classroom assistance with transportation responsibilities, requiring a commitment to child safety, positive relationships, and compliance with all childcare licensing regulations and transportation safety standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Classroom Support

• Assist the Lead Teacher in implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum and daily lesson plans.
• Support children's cognitive, social-emotional, language, physical, and creative development through engaging activities and play.
• Prepare and organize classroom materials, learning centers, and educational activities.
• Encourage children's independence, curiosity, and positive social interactions.
• Participate in classroom routines, including circle time, learning centers, outdoor play, meals, and rest time.

Child Supervision

• Provide continuous supervision to ensure children's health, safety, and well-being.
• Assist with maintaining appropriate teacher-to-child ratios.
• Use positive guidance and behavior management techniques.
• Respond appropriately to children's individual needs and emergencies.

Transportation Responsibilities

• Safely transport children to and from the childcare center, schools, field trips, and other approved destinations using a center-owned vehicle.
• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections and report maintenance or safety concerns immediately.
• Ensure all children are properly secured using age-appropriate safety restraints.
• Maintain accurate transportation logs, attendance records, mileage logs, and vehicle inspection reports.
• Follow all state licensing requirements, Department of Transportation regulations, and center transportation policies.
• Ensure no child is left unattended in the vehicle by conducting required vehicle sweeps after each trip.
• Maintain cleanliness and readiness of the assigned vehicle.
• Communicate transportation delays, emergencies, or incidents promptly to the Center Director.

Health & Safety

• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary classroom environment.
• Follow all health, safety, sanitation, and licensing regulations.
• Assist with daily health checks and hygiene routines.
• Report accidents, injuries, incidents, or safety concerns according to center procedures.

Family Engagement

• Greet children and families in a warm and professional manner.
• Communicate professionally with families regarding transportation schedules and daily activities as appropriate.
• Support family engagement events and classroom activities.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children and families.

Team Collaboration

• Work cooperatively with the Lead Teacher and other staff members.
• Assist in preparing classrooms before and after daily activities.
• Attend staff meetings, transportation safety meetings, professional development, and required trainings.
• Demonstrate flexibility by assisting in other classrooms or program areas as needed.

Classroom Management

• Assist with attendance, daily reports, meal counts, and classroom documentation.
• Help organize classroom supplies and maintain inventory.
• Support smooth classroom transitions and daily routines.

Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential or coursework in Early Childhood Education preferred.
• Associate's degree in early childhood education or a related field is desirable.
• A minimum of a Level 3 in the Wisconsin State Registry

Experience

• Previous experience working with young children in a childcare, preschool, or educational setting preferred.
• Experience transporting children or driving passenger vans is preferred.

Licenses & Certifications

• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Ability to meet organizational and insurance driving requirements.
• CPR and First Aid Certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).
• Child Abuse and Neglect Mandated Reporter Training.
• Background check clearance.
• Any state-required childcare and transportation training.

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Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Safe driving skills and knowledge of transportation safety procedures.
• Ability to supervise children both in the classroom and during transportation.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Dependable, patient, organized, and flexible.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Willingness to participate in ongoing professional development.

Physical Requirements

• Lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Frequently bend, kneel, squat, and sit on the floor.
• Stand and walk for extended periods.
• Safely enter and exit passenger vehicles multiple times daily.
• Assist children entering and exiting the vehicle.
• Participate in indoor and outdoor activities in varying weather conditions.
• Respond quickly in emergency situations.

Work Environment

The Assistant Teacher/Van Driver works in classrooms, playgrounds, and passenger vehicles. The position requires active supervision of children, safe transportation practices, frequent interaction with families and staff, and flexibility in supporting daily childcare operations.

Core Competencies

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• Child Development & Classroom Management
• Health, Safety & Transportation Compliance
• Family Engagement & Communication
• Child-Centered Service
• Collaboration & Professionalism
• Adaptability & Continuous Improvement

Monday through Friday
7AM - 3:30PM
40 hours/week