Classroom Aide - Head Start

Description

The Classroom Aide is accountable for assisting the Teacher(s) and Teacher Assistant(s) in creating and implementing a safe, healthy, supervised, and developmentally appropriate early childhood program in accordance with all relevant accreditation, licensing, policies and procedures to promote the intellectual, social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of all children in the program. Classroom Aides, depending on qualifications and staffing needs may operate or assist in operating the extended care program. Classroom Aides, depending upon qualifications, enrollment, and staffing, may serve as Teacher Assistants in Head Start. Classroom Aides are required to obtain the credentials needed to become a Teacher Assistant and/or Teacher by enrolling in coursework leading to a National Child Development Credential, or Florida Child Care Professional Credential, or ECE degree.  

Requirements

Education:

• (Full-Time Aides): Enroll and attend a program that will lead to a CDA, FCCPC, or degree in ECE; FCCPC must be successfully obtained within 2 years of hire;
• State mandated 45-hour coursework completion or ability to complete within established timeframes;
• One (1) year experience working in an early childhood setting with a diverse population of children ages Birth to Five; preferred.

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

Demonstrate/Knowledge to:

• Provide effective and nurturing teacher-child interactions
• Plan and implement learning experiences that ensure effective curriculum implementation
• Use results of assessment to promote children’s progress described in the early learning and development standards, including for children with disabilities and dual language learners, as appropriate
• Set and maintain professional boundaries with families
• Use technology to plan, record, report and monitor education and child development services

Skill/Ability to:

• Speak, read and write English; bilingual language(s) is helpful
• Collect, analyze and utilize data to plan and monitor growth in child outcomes and school readiness
• Solve problems and make appropriate decisions
• Manage time, solve problems and make appropriate decisions in varying situations
• Work collaboratively and cooperatively with fellow staff, parents, and community representatives

Physical/Mental Demands

• Lifts and/or moves up to 50 lbs.
• Kneels, stoops, bends, reaches and sits on floor to attend to children’s needs
• Sitting, for working at keyboard and desk, standing, driving for home and site visits
• Moves quickly in response to active children in need of redirection to protect their and others safety
• Uses manual dexterity, reaches with hands and arms, stretches, and talks or hears
• Responds both physically and mentally to emergency or crisis situations

Environmental Conditions

• Variability in temperature, environment and noise
• Potential sensory response associated with toileting and/or children who are ill
• Contact with children who are ill and/or possibly contagious
• Contact with chemicals to clean and sanitize equipment and facility

Children First is an equal opportunity employer and offers a competitive salary and benefits package.