Head Start Aide

Assist the Teacher and Assistant Teacher in providing and coordinating classroom services to families enrolled in the assigned classroom, ensuring high-quality early childhood education standards and adherence to Clackamas County Children’s Commission policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assist Teacher and Assistant Teacher in carrying out daily classroom activities and schedules.
• Assist Teacher with follow-through and evaluation of the daily lesson plan.
• Ensure the classroom is equipped with all needed materials and supplies.
• Assist with input of child behavior observation notes for individualization.
• Participate in Open House and other class and center events.
• Use a positive behavior intervention and support (PBIS) approach in directing and guiding children.
• Participate in bus monitor training and act as bus monitor if needed.
• Maintain the classroom in a neat, safe, and clutter-free manner.
• Provide child care at Family Gatherings if needed.
• Assist in preparing food for meals in accordance with CACFP and program guidelines.

Additional Expectations

• Arrive to work on time; punctually attend and actively participate in all required activities, meetings, and trainings.
• Be a respectful, cooperative, and reliable team member.
• Project a professional work image, both in dress and manner.
• Adhere to position-related policies and procedures as well as the program’s overarching objectives.
• Follow Agency policy/procedures for reporting and documenting suspected child abuse and/or neglect.
• Perform all work in compliance with the Clackamas County Children’s Commission Code of Conduct.
• Respect and maintain confidentiality of information regarding enrolled children and families, personnel issues, and other program operations.
• Develop professional work goals and training plan in consultation with supervisor; participate in training as requested.

Requirements

• U.S. High School Diploma/GED or equivalent.
• Current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, or ability to complete CDA within one year of hire (preferred).
• Knowledge of child development (preferred).
• Experience working with children ages three to five (preferred).
• Valid driver’s license and insured vehicle available for use on the job (or alternative transportation).
• Compliance with State of Oregon Criminal Background Registry.
• Current First Aid/CPR certification.
• Oregon Food Handler’s Card (must obtain and maintain).

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to apply positive behavior intervention and support (PBIS) approach in directing and re-directing child behavior.
• Ability to positively interact with families of various cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment.
• Ability to use time effectively and work with minimal direct supervision.

Working Conditions

• Work with physically active three- to five-year-old children for one or two class periods per day (each class period is 3.5 hours).
• Extensive standing, walking.
• Moderate sitting, kneeling, bending.

Under Oregon statute, employment for this position is contingent upon the results of a criminal offender information record check and, possibly, fingerprinting. Applicants with certain convictions or who refuse consent will not be hired. Continuation of the position is contingent upon future funding.