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Quick overview

The role involves leading and implementing personalized educational activities aligned with developmental milestones while curating a safe, high-quality learning environment by maintaining classroom resources. Responsibilities also include documenting child development progress for parents and building empathetic partnerships with healthcare-hero families to integrate their routines into the curriculum.

Requirements summary

Minimum requirements include obtaining a Child Development Associate credential or possessing an equivalent degree/license, along with obtaining specific credentials in Food Service, AED/CPR, and state-required Health and Safety Training within 30 days of hire. Preferences include prior experience in a KDHE-licensed childcare facility and proficiency in classroom management and lesson planning for various ages.

associate degreebachelor degreeprofessional certificateClassroom ManagementInfant CareChild DevelopmentSafety MaintenanceLesson PlanningResource ManagementParent PartnershipCurriculum IntegrationPlay-Based CurriculumSchool-Age CareChild Development DocumentationEducational Activities ImplementationClassroom Curation

Job description

Your future role at a glance Location

  • Wichita,
  • KS
  • Facility:
  • Ascension
  • Via
  • Christi
  • Hospitals
  • Department:
  • Child
  • Development
  • Center
  • Schedule:
  • Monday -
  • Thursday 7:30am - 6pm l Full-time #NextGenHealthcare Via Christi associates are eligible for tuition discounts and priority placement in select healthcare programs through our academic partnership with Wichita State University.

Life at Ascension

Where purpose meets opportunity Ascension is a leading nonprofit Catholic health system with a culture and associate experience grounded in service, growth, care and connection. We empower our 99,000+ associates to bring their skills and expertise every day to reimagining healthcare, together. Recognized as one of the Best 150+ Places to Work in Healthcare and a Military-Friendly Gold Employer, you’ll find an inclusive and supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.

Benefits

that help you thrive Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage and HSA/FSA options Financial security & retirement: employer-matched 403(b), planning and hardship resources, disability and life insurance Time to recharge: pro-rated paid time off (PTO) and holidays Career growth: Ascension-paid tuition (Vocare), reimbursement, ongoing professional development and online learning Emotional well-being: Employee Assistance Program, counseling and peer support, spiritual care and stress management resources Family support: parental leave, adoption assistance and family benefits Other benefits: optional legal and pet insurance, transportation savings and more Benefit options and eligibility vary by position, scheduled hours and location. Benefits are subject to change at any time. Your recruiter will provide the most up-to-date details during the hiring process.

  • How you’ll make an impact in this role Lead the implementation of personalized educational activities that celebrate each child’s unique milestones and spark a lifelong love of learning.
  • Guide toddlers through critical developmental transitions, including potty training, with a patient and encouraging approach that builds their confidence and independence.
  • Document child development milestones and daily care journeys to provide our healthcare-hero families with high-quality, professional insights into their child’s progress.
  • Create a safe, high-quality learning environment by managing classroom resources and advocating for materials that elevate the student experience.
  • Support parent partnerships by integrating family preferences and routines into the curriculum, ensuring a seamless bridge between home and the center.

What minimum requirements you’ll need Licensure / Certification / Registration

Child Development Associate credentialed from the Council for Professional Recognition obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date. This state required credential is waived for those who possess a teacher’s license, an Associate’s Degree, Technical Certificate or Diploma or a BS Degree in early childhood, child development or related degree from an accredited college or university required. Food Service Professional credentialed from the ServSafe National Restaurant Association obtained within 1 Month (30 days) of hire date or job transfer date. Will accept Food Handler Card through Food Handler Essentials Course through State Food Safety within 1 Month (30 days) of hire or job transfer date required. Heart Saver AED credentialed from the American Heart Association (AHA) obtained within 1 Month (30 days) of hire date or job transfer date. In lieu of Heart Saver, Pediatric CPR and First Aid through ASHI, AHA or LifeSaver Learning, Inc. obtained within 1 Month (30 days) of hire date or job transfer date will be accepted required. Certification specializing in Health and Safety Training obtained within 30 days (1 month) of hire or job transfer date, as required by the State of Kansas. KCCTO (Kansas Child Care Training Opportunities) certification, OR, a certificate of completion that includes the following subject areas: 1) Recognizing signs of child abuse or neglect, 2) Basic child development, 3) Safe sleep and SIDS, 4) Recognizing a sick child and the prevention/control of infectious disease, 5) Prevention of and response to emergencies due to food and allergic reactions, 6) Building and premises safety, 7) Emergency preparedness and response, 8) Handling and storage of hazardous materials, 9) Precautions when transporting children, and 10) Medication administration required. Licensed Teacher preferred.

Education

  • Based on
  • Kansas
  • Regulations, one or more of the following is required: 1) A Child Development Associate (CDA) credential issued by the Council For Professional Recognition, renewable every three (3) years, OR; 2) A Technical Certificate/Diploma in Early Childhood, OR; 3) An Associate’s Degree or higher degree in Early Childhood, Child Development, or related field. The degree must include three (3) relevant college credits AND three (3) months of practicum experience working in a licensed center providing direct care and supervision of children of the same age range that will be served, OR; 4) An Associate’s Degree or higher degree in a related academic discipline, AND, twelve (12) hours of academic study or equivalent training in child development, early childhood education, curriculum resources, nutrition, child guidance, parent education, supervised practicum and administration of early childhood programs, plus six (6) months of teaching experience in a licensed center or preschool.

What additional preferences we're seeking Licensed Center Experience

  • Direct, professional experience working with children aged 2–3 years within a licensed child care facility.
  • State
  • Regulatory
  • Compliance: Demonstrated experience working within a center licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).
  • Classroom
  • Management
  • Mastery: Proven ability to manage classroom dynamics and develop age-appropriate lesson plans for early learners.
  • Equal employment opportunity employer Ascension provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, lactation, breastfeeding, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, all as defined by applicable law, and any other legally protected status or characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.
  • For further information, view the EEO Know Your Rights (English) poster or EEO Know Your Rights (Spanish) poster.
  • Fraud prevention notice Prospective applicants should be vigilant against fraudulent job offers and interview requests.
  • Scammers may use sophisticated tactics to impersonate Ascension employees.
  • To ensure your safety, please remember: Ascension will never ask for payment or to provide banking or financial information as part of the job application or hiring process.
  • Our legitimate email communications will always come from an @ascension.org email address; do not trust other domains, and an official offer will only be extended to candidates who have completed a job application through our authorized applicant tracking system.
  • E-Verify statement Employer participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program.
  • Please click here for more information.

Benefits

  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Holidays
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Professional development
  • Prescription coverage
  • Health coverage
  • Pet insurance
  • Counseling
  • FSA options
  • HSA options
  • Adoption assistance
  • Legal insurance
  • Reimbursement
  • Employer-matched 403(b)
  • Online learning
  • Peer support
  • Spiritual care
  • Stress management resources
  • Transportation savings
  • Family benefits
  • Planning and hardship resources
  • Ascension-paid tuition