Aides are primarily assistants to teachers in child care centers and are always under the direction of a teacher or director. They assist teachers in the care, supervision and learning activities of children. Aides participate in individual and group activities with the children, such as art, story telling, music and outdoor play. They assist children in learning health, eating and cleanliness habits. Encouragement and support of the children is a major duty, as is maintaining discipline.
Aides help children to be tolerant, patient and understanding of others.
Many responsibilities of the aide are centered around the maintenance of a well-organized and neat classroom. Aides make sure that the appropriate equipment and materials are ready for scheduled activities and that toys and other materials are put away. They also assist with snacks, wash dishes, clean toilet areas, change sheets on cribs or cots and wash and sanitize toys and play equipment. Child development facilities are also located in public parks, playgrounds or public school grounds. Working with children involves extensive physical activity and mental alertness.