09/13/2021
About First Steps 4K
The Child Early Reading Development and Education Program (CERDEP), also known as, First Steps 4K, was created as a pilot program in 2006 and codified alongside the state’s Read to Succeed legislation (Act 284) in June 2014. Children who qualify for free- or reduced-price lunch, those receiving Medicaid, or those with a documented developmental delay are eligible to participate in First Steps 4K at no cost to the family. First Steps 4K is co-administered in private preschool settings by South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness (First Steps), the state’s school readiness initiative.
Job Purpose
The 4-Year-Old Kindergarten (4K) Instructional Assistant provides a safe and nurturing environment for children that encourage their social, emotional, physical and cognitive development. The Instructional Assistant works directly with the First Steps 4K Lead Teacher to implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum for enrolled children to prepare students for five-year-old kindergarten.
Minimum Requirements
• Possess, at minimum, a high school diploma or its equivalent.
• Have at least two years of documented experience working with children under the age of five
• Completion of the Early Childhood Education Credential (ECD 101) or enroll and complete this course within twelve months of hire date
• Provide a minimum of two references familiar with your work history
• Able to pass a Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry background check
• Preferred: Two year degree with experience and pre-service training in early childhood education
Job Duties
• Assist the First Steps 4K Lead teacher with the development and ex*****on of weekly lesson plans.
• Engage constructively with individual children during actives and routines.
• Adhere to the First Steps 4K guidelines.
• Attend all required First Steps and Department of Social Services trainings and obtain required continuing education hours.
• Demonstrate effective listening, oral and written communication skills
• Maintain a positive work atmosphere by displaying professional behavior to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all students, coworkers, parents, supervisors and the public
• Follow all employer policies and procedures at all times