Administrative Assistant / Teacher Assistant

Educare Lincoln is a collaborative partnership between the Lincoln Public Schools (LPS), University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL), Early Head Start (EHS), and the Buffett Early Childhood Fund. The mission of Educare Lincoln is to help young children thrive socially, emotionally, and academically through high\-quality early childhood education, and in partnership with their families and the community. The EHS program (ages 6 weeks to 3 years) and the preschool program (ages 3 years to 5 years) promote school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children through the provision of evidence\-based education, health, nutritional, social, and other services to enrolled children and their families. The combined Administrative Assistant/Teacher Assistant role supports both administrative functions and classroom operations within the center. The Administrative Assistant/Teacher Assistant works cooperatively with teachers, families, and administrative staff to ensure a safe, organized, welcoming, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for children. They provide office support including clerical, data entry, attendance, and communication duties as well as classroom support such as child supervision and classroom instruction. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND KEY TASKS: Office Support Answer incoming phone calls and direct inquiries as appropriate. Greet families, visitors, and staff in a professional and welcoming manner. Maintain meeting schedules, room reservations, and communication postings. Enter and maintain data in the Child Plus database, including attendance and family contact information. Scan, upload, organize, and maintain records and documentation. Assist with copy requests, mail distribution, informational packets, and office correspondence. Document child attendance. Assist with technology support, printer/copier maintenance, and coordination of Help Desk requests. Assist with event preparation, parent communication, and facility coordination. Classroom Support Assist Lead Teachers in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate classroom activities that support children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. Observe, assess, and document children’s growth, behavior, health, and developmental progress. Foster positive relationships with children and provide opportunities that support positive self\-image and success. Maintain a clean, safe, healthy, and stimulating classroom environment. Ensure that children are supervised appropriately at all times. Assist with lesson planning, classroom organization, and educational activities. Support family engagement through regular communication and participation in home visits and program activities. Assist with required documentation including developmental assessments, incident reports, and CACFP paperwork. Other Participate in reflective supervision and ongoing professional development. Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries at all times. Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment. Perform other duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS: High school diploma or equivalent required. Child Development Associate (CDA) required within the first year of hire. Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) preferred. Two or more years of experience in administrative office support, or receptionist duties preferred. Two or more years of experience working with children and families from various backgrounds preferred. Must be able to pass background checks that meet compliance standards. ESSENTIAL SKILLS / ABILITIES REQUIRED: Ability to answer phones and greet families, visitors, and staff members with courtesy and professionalism. Ability to manage competing priorities effectively. Knowledge of early childhood education principles and child development. Strong organizational and data entry skills with a high attention to detail. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to collaborate effectively with staff, families, and community partners. Ability to use Microsoft Office products with a willingness to learn new software systems. Ability to maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical standards. Ability to work independently and as part of a cooperative team. Ability to physically interact with children including the ability to walk or run quickly, kneel or sit on floor, bend and lift, walk over rough or uneven ground, while inside or outside of the facility. Ability to lift, carry, and move center/classroom equipment and supplies and/or bulky objects or children weighing up to 50 lbs. Ability to obtain First Aid and CPR certification. If you’d like to be part of something special, please apply! Educare Lincoln provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discriminatory hiring practices. We are committed to the equal treatment of all employees and applicants and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity/expression, and sexual orientation), age, disability, veteran status, parental status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.* Equal Opportunity Employer**