Childcare Assistant

The Blake School seeks to hire a part-time assistant for its employee childcare center (the Cub House). The Blake School has strong pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs and seeks to align its employee childcare center philosophically with its established Reggio-inspired programs. The Cub House staff strive to meet the physical, cognitive, social and emotional needs of children in a cozy, nurturing and responsive setting. Respect for children manifested in keen observation and attentive listening is the cornerstone of the program. Communication with parents and caregivers is of utmost importance within this position.

• The Cub House serves up to 10 children (aged three months to four years) of Blake employees.
• The Cub House is open during the academic year from mid-August to early June from 7am-5:45pm.
• The hours for this position are Monday-Friday from 2:45-5:45pm.
• Summer hours may be available to interested candidates.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Assist director and teachers in implementing a progressive Reggio-inspired emergent curriculum designed for children ages three months to four years old
• Monitor and support the physical, cognitive, social and emotional well-being of the children
• Support each child’s individual needs, interests and growth as well as the collaborative, creative process of the group experience
• Help maintain an organized, clean, safe and aesthetically pleasing environment
• Maintain vigilant attention to and resolve any safety concerns that arise from the facility or the children
• Communicate effectively with families and staff
• Attend monthly staff meetings

Essential Physical Requirements:

• Position involves much lifting, bending, squatting, reaching and pushing  
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds
• Must be able to get up and down from the floor numerous times throughout the day
• Must be able to react quickly to certain situations

Working Conditions:

• Work environment will be active, loud and messy throughout the day. Part of each day will also be spent outside.

• Respect for children and their potential
• Knowledge of children’s social, emotional, cognitive and physical developmental stages
• Experience working with children aged three months to four years
• Ability to work with children, parents and colleagues from diverse backgrounds, interests and experiences along with a commitment to equity and pluralism
• Collaborative working style
• Flexibility, confidence and a sense of humor
• Creative, joyful approach to learning and teaching
• Ability to complete DHS required courses and background check

Mission:

The mission of The Blake School child care (the Cub House) is to provide high-quality child care for children three months to four years old whose parents/guardians work at Blake. Our core values -  respect, love of learning, integrity, courage and a commitment to pluralism - are fostered through thoughtful and respectful care, a play-based, emergent curriculum  and a child-centered learning environment.

Please send resume to Elodie Metro, director of Blake employee childcare, The Blake School, 110 Blake Road S, Hopkins, MN 55343 or via email to emetro@blakeschool.org. Letter(s) of recommendation are welcome but not required at the initial stage of the hiring process. 

The Blake School is a pre-kindergarten through grade 12, co-educational, nonsectarian, independent day school enrolling 1,331 bright, talented students from nearly 56 Twin Cities-area communities. Founded in 1900, The Blake School has the advantage of facilities and campuses designed for specific developmental ages. Blake’s mission is to engage students with a dynamic, academically challenging education in a diverse and supportive community committed to pluralism and a common set of values. Students pursue an integrated program of academic, artistic and athletic activities, preparing for college, lifelong learning and purposeful lives as community and global citizens. The school community is also guided by its Commitment to Pluralism and core values.

The Blake School believes that a diverse society enriches all individuals and communities. Diversity of race, ethnicity, national origin, geography, religion, gender, affectional or sexual orientation, age, physical ability, and marital, parental or economic status forms the fabric of our society. As a result of these beliefs, The Blake School actively seeks students, families and employees who value and contribute to the fullness of a diverse community within the context of its mission. In doing so, we recognize our responsibility to help make each person's experience a success. EOE