Building Floater

About the Role

CDA Specialists work under the direction of an assigned Lead Teacher, assisting several classrooms in planning and implementing classroom routines, curriculum, meals, and related activities for preschool and/or infant/toddler children (ages 6 months–5 years). This position serves as an assistant in a classroom of 14 to 20 Head Start/Preschool children or 7–8 Infant/Toddler children, aiding in the core functions of the Head Start program.

This is a standard full-time (1.0 FTE) or part-time (hourly) non-exempt position.

Responsibilities

• Works under the supervision of a licensed teacher or assistant teacher to enforce learning for individual students or small groups.
• Administers and records achievement and diagnostic tests under the direction of the teacher or assistant teacher.
• Assists in devising special strategies for reinforcing material or skills based on individual student needs, interests, and abilities.
• Handles, operates, and cares for equipment, including media and instructional materials.
• Supervises students during emergency drills, assemblies, play periods, field trips, and other non-classroom activities.
• Assists with non-instructional duties such as snack, lunch, toilet, and clothing routines.
• Serves as a source of information and help to substitute teachers in the absence of the regular teacher.
• Assists with drill work, large group reading, or storytelling.
• Alerts the regular teacher or assistant teacher to any problems or special information about individual students.
• Performs clerical duties as assigned by the teacher or assistant teacher.
• Maintains high ethical standards and confidentiality regarding student information.
• Participates in professional development training programs as assigned.
• Implements Head Start Performance Standards and CIFC Early Learning Programs policies.
• Uses program software and computers for data entry.

Requirements

• Minimum High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) Certificate or a commitment to obtain one within 1 year of employment (paid by the employer).
• Early Childhood Education credits, Associate, or Bachelor’s degrees preferred.
• Previous babysitting or childcare experience preferred.
• Basic computer experience (e.g., email, word processing, internet navigation).
• Recent documentation free of communicable diseases (e.g., TB and COVID).
• Recent fit-for-duty examination.
• Ability to lift 40 lbs.
• Reliable transportation to and from Head Start sites and other program locations; valid Driver’s license and minimum state-required automobile insurance preferred.

Skills

• Ability to communicate ideas and instructions orally and in writing.
• Proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing English at a level sufficient to understand and be understood.
• Ability to hear and understand emergency announcements in English.
• Ability to read, retain, and understand health and safety procedures for sanitization, disinfection, and meal-time distribution.
• Ability to speak in group settings, such as parent conferences and staff meetings.
• Bilingual skills (English/Spanish or English/Portuguese) helpful.
• Patience and tact when communicating with staff, parents, management, and the public.
• Professionalism in daily activities.

Work Environment

• Climate-controlled indoor environment with moderate background noise.
• May be exposed to bodily fluids, cleaning supplies, and bloodborne pathogens typical in early childhood education settings.
• 70% inside, 30% outside the Center; weather-appropriate attire required for outdoor program activities.
• All facilities are smoke-free environments.

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit or stand for long periods.
• Ability to talk, hear, write, and reach to the top of a five-drawer filing cabinet.
• Ability to lift children weighing up to 40 pounds, up to 20 times a day if needed.
• Duties require standing, sitting, stooping, and walking.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation.
• Comprehensive fringe benefits package, including health care coverage and retirement program.