Classroom Support Aide

About the Role

Responsible for assisting with daily classroom operations, participating in planning and implementing appropriate early childhood activities, providing individualization and support for specific children, and developing appropriate relationships with children, parents, community, and coworkers within the Head Start Program. Hours may be flexible throughout the year based on site need.

Responsibilities

• Assist staff in implementing curriculum to support educational and assessment goals for all children, including individualized goals for children with disabilities to promote growth and learning in all developmental areas.
• Actively participate in daily classroom operations by adapting and implementing developmentally appropriate activities, materials, and equipment to facilitate participation of children with disabilities.
• Promote the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of all children, including those with disabilities and behavioral challenges.
• Implement and reinforce behavior management techniques.
• Observe, record, and monitor children's progress and routinely communicate observations with classroom staff, consultants, and parents while maintaining professional ethics and confidentiality.
• Facilitate family-style meals, including assisting children in table setting, serving food, practicing appropriate mealtime behavior, and promoting good nutritional habits using CACFP guidelines.
• Perform required caregiving activities for children, such as feeding, toileting, and dressing.
• Complete reports as assigned by a supervisor with accuracy and timeliness.
• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, training, and professional development.
• Assist children with differing abilities in their daily routine, which may include diapering and feeding.
• Assist staff to incorporate IEP/IFSP goals into classroom activities as directed.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding families, staff, and community partners.
• Recruit families for all PGCCS options, including maintaining a waiting list.
• Utilize various virtual platforms to facilitate seamless communication and collaboration.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• CDA/ECE Certificate preferred; completion of CDA for Preschool and/or Toddlers within 24 months required.
• Six months of BCCL or Head Start parent or volunteer work in Head Start (HS) or Child Care (CC) preferred.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Basic computer skills, functional oral and written communication skills, and ability to communicate professionally with internal and external customers.
• Must provide a copy of vehicle insurance and driver’s license if driving to pick up supplies.
• Fingerprint card, Social Security card, and CPR/First Aid certification required.
• Health Questionnaire required for hire and updated every 3 years.
• Must meet all agency, state, and federal required immunizations or have an approved exemption on file.
• Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand English; bilingual English/Spanish skills desirable.
• Food Handlers Card or Certificate required within 30 calendar days of hire.

Skills

• Knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards.
• Understanding of the principles of early childhood development, cultural/ethnic diversity, and family dynamics.
• Ability to prioritize workload while being flexible, work independently, and collaborate as part of a team.
• Knowledge of Child and Adult Food Program (CACFP) and its implementation.
• Understanding of DCS reporting system, signs, and symptoms of child abuse and neglect.

Physical Requirements

• Able to perform physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodation, including critical sensory requirements (general vision, close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus).
• Able to hear or listen in the normal range (corrected) and speak clearly.
• Able to walk, sit, stand, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects up to 40 lbs.
• Able to run 50 feet and demonstrate exercises such as jumping jacks and leg lifts.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a classroom/office setting with minimal exposure to injury. Hours are generally during regular business hours but may vary due to special projects, deadlines, or other concerns. Employees may have occasional exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials, vibration, toxic conditions, odors, dust, mold, and poor ventilation.