Early Childhood Classroom Assistant at Rainbow Fleet

We're so excited to meet you. Rainbow Fleet has immediate openings in our Early Education Center for qualified classroom assistants and we'd love to share more about our mission and ideal partners.

Job Summary

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Classroom Assistant to support a nurturing and engaging learning environment for young children.

The ideal candidate supports the daily operation of a Montessori-inspired classroom serving infants through preschool-aged children. This role assists lead and senior teachers in implementing curriculum, maintaining a nurturing environment, and ensuring the health, safety, and developmental progress of each child.

Classroom Assistant positions are non-exempt, hourly employees who work under close supervision, contributing to classroom consistency and child-centered care.

Vision, Mission, and Values of the Organization

Vision: Every child deserves the best.

Mission: Rainbow Fleet provides innovative child development programs and services that enhance the quality of life in Oklahoma.

Values in Practice

Holistic: Support the whole child: physical, social, emotional, and cognitive: by nurturing curiosity, play, and belonging in every moment of care.

Expect Excellence: Maintain a safe, organized, and engaging classroom that meets or exceeds health, licensing, and quality standards.

Stewardship: Protect the wellbeing of every child and family through diligence, accountability, and respect.

Innovative: Bring creativity to problem-solving and adapt activities to meet each child's developmental stage and interests.

Committed: Show up fully: reliable, prepared, and compassionate: because consistency builds the trust young children depend on.

Essential Functions for Classroom Assistants at Rainbow Fleet

Classroom Instruction & Child Development

• Support the implementation of lesson plans and daily routines designed by the Teacher in accordance with Montessori-inspired and NAEYC developmental practices.
• Engage with children individually and in small groups to promote cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development.
• Encourage self-help skills, independence, and problem-solving through guided play and modeling.
• Observe and document children's growth, milestones, and areas of need for teacher review.

Team Collaboration

• Follow direction from Teachers and Program Directors to maintain a consistent, predictable learning environment
• Assist with classroom setup, cleaning, and organization to ensure safety and accessibility of materials.
• Model positive communication and behavior-guidance techniques aligned with program philosophy.
• Support volunteers, student teachers, and observation lab participants as directed.

Family Engagement

• Share daily updates and informal observations with families in alignment with confidentiality policies.
• Participate in family events, classroom activities, and center-wide celebrations that promote inclusion and connection.

Compliance and Safety

• Maintain awareness of and adherence to all licensing, health, and safety regulations.
• Ensure appropriate child-to-staff ratios and continuous supervision of children.
• Follow established procedures for emergencies, injuries, and illness, including documentation and reporting.
• Maintain accurate attendance and meal-count records as required by federal and state regulations.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Zero to two years of professional or practicum experience in early childhood education.
• Infant/Child CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days).
• Ability to pass required background check, drug screen, and health screening.

Preferred

• Enrollment in or completion of a Child Development Associate (CDA) or Certificate of Mastery program.
• Coursework in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• Prior experience in a Montessori or NAEYC-accredited program.
• Bilingual proficiency (English/Spanish).

Environmental & Physical Requirements (ADA Standards)

• Ability to move throughout the classroom and center frequently, and for extended periods, engaging actively with children at their level (standing, sitting on floor, kneeling, bending, or squatting).
• Ability to lift, carry, and position children and materials up to 30 pounds frequently and occasionally up to 50 pounds with assistance.
• Ability to supervise and participate in outdoor learning activities in various weather conditions.
• Frequent exposure to childhood illnesses and moderate occupational risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens or other potentially infectious materials (PPE provided).
• Visual, auditory, and verbal acuity sufficient to ensure children's safety, recognize hazards, and respond quickly in emergencies.
• Frequent use of hands, fingers, and wrists for writing, typing, and managing classroom materials and documentation tasks.
• Frequent administrative tasks include sitting at a computer, filing, and completing documentation.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Rainbow Fleet is an equal opportunity employer and federal grantee and subrecipient. Rainbow Fleet is committed to full compliance with these federal, state, and programmatic standards and to maintaining transparent, ethical, and equitable operations across all areas of employment and service delivery.

Rainbow Fleet requires all employees to follow mandated reporter laws and immediately report suspected child abuse or neglect in accordance with Oklahoma statute and agency policy. All employment practices, programs, and services are administered in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $ $16.50 per hour

Expected hours: 40 – 45 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have a high school diploma or GED? Yes, No.
• Can you meet the physical requirements of this job as posted (lifting 30 pounds, sitting on the floor, playing and moving with children) with or without accommodation? Yes, No.
• Are you willing to participate in, and successfully complete, pre-employment fingerprint backgrounds, drug screening, and health screening as required by childcare licensing or policy? Yes, No
• Are you currently certified in Infant/Child CPR and First Aid, or willing to earn it within 30 days of hire? Yes - I am certified, No - But willing to obtain within 30 days, No - unwilling to obtain.
• How many months, or years, of paid or practicum style (student teacher, internship type roles) do you have working directly with children under the age of 5?
• What do you enjoy about being around young children?
• Rainbow Fleet's values include Committed and Expect Excellence. What does being dependable at work look like for you?

Work Location: In person