Early Head Start Caregiver Aide Antlers

JOB SUMMARY:The Early Head Start/Early Head Start-Child Care Caregiver Aide (EHS/EHS-CC) assists in creating and managing an attractive, warm, and challenging learning environment for infants and toddlers, incorporating appropriate early intervention, learning and care activities which meet the needs of the group as well as those of individual children and families. Must have the ability to read, speak and write with proficiency in the English Language. Provide and maintain a safe environment. Maintain regular attendance.The Caregiver Aide will assume responsibility for continuing pre-planned classroom activities in the absence of the Teacher/Caregiver; administer planning instructional activities and evaluate children as directed by the Early Head Start Teacher. This is a Safety Sensitive position.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

•  Adhere to NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) standards.

• Assists in implementing EHS/EHS-CC curriculum and Early Head Start Performance Standards for Early Head Start and Early Head Start— Child Care classrooms. Provide input into preparation of appropriate daily lesson plans in advance that include both indoor and outdoor activities; are individualized and based on the infants/toddler's own needs, interest and schedules; and, include multicultural educational materials and activities, family-style meals and other elements, as appropriate.
• Assist in organizing the classroom according to developmental levels and individual needs of the infant or toddler, ensuring; the development of trust and emotional security; opportunities to explore a variety of sensory and motor experiences; opportunities for the development of self-awareness, autonomy, and self-expression; and opportunities for gross and fine motor development.
• Assist in ensuring infant and toddler classrooms are homelike, safe, sanitary, and free of clutter. Assist in organizing the classroom in rudimentary learning centers that are well defined, rotating materials routinely to create a stimulating environment. Provide for diaper changing and toilet training functions in the classroom in a safe, sanitary and developmentally appropriate manner.
• Promote the development of secure relationships with infant/toddlers assigned by assuring primary and continuity of care. Relate to infants and toddlers in a calm, caring, nurturing, soothing manner, responding to all cries, babbles and talks, using appropriate child guidance techniques at all times. Stay involved with the children at all times during the day. of4
• Assist Teacher/Caregiver with training parents and volunteers in planning and implementing appropriate activities.
• Substitute in classrooms as needed.
• Assist in maintaining a clean, safe learning environment at all times.
• Provide meals and snacks to the children according to their age, development and needs. Feed infants according to their home schedule, hold them every time they are fed, and share information about their eating with their parents daily. Assist with family style dining with toddlers when they are ready and implement according to program policy and procedures, CACFP (Child and Adult Food Program) and Early Head Start Performance Standards.
• Greet parents and children pleasantly and appropriately, ensuring a smooth transition into the center, a positive home-center connection and a family partnership. Maintain ongoing professional and appropriate communication with parents through a variety of methods and sends activities home that parents can do with their children to support the curriculum and the child's learning. Encourage parents to become involved in workshops, training and other Head Start activities. 
• Maintain and assist in maintaining accurate attendance records, food reports, in-kind reports and other record keeping and reports, as required. Keep all records and family information confidential. Participate in program training, weekly staff meetings, and case management meetings. Assist with maintaining supplies. 
• Smoking is not allowed on LIFT Community Action Agency, Inc. property. Additionally, no vulgar language is allowed. Cell phone use will be limited to emergency use only. 
• Must be able to sit and eat with children at mealtimes sharing the same menu. A physician's statement must be obtained for special dietary needs. Pleasant child-oriented conversation should take place during mealtimes. No sodas, tea or other drinks other than water is allowed to be consumed while children are present. 
• Maintain an environment that is tolerant and respectful of child and family cultures, values and differences. Assist Non-English-speaking families. 
• Provide all information requested for program documentation in a timely manner. 
• Assist other staff with projects as requested. Perform other duties as