Head Start and Early Head Start Classroom Aide

About the Role

To assist the Teacher and Assistant Teacher in providing and coordinating classroom services to families enrolled in the assigned classroom; to assist the Teacher and Assistant Teacher to ensure high quality early childhood education standards are met; and to help ensure that Clackamas County Children’s Commission policies and procedures are followed.

This is a non-exempt, represented position that reports to the Education Manager and takes direction from the Teacher. There are no direct supervisory responsibilities.

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.
• Assist Teacher and Assistant Teacher with assuring the class is equipped with all needed materials and supplies.
• Assist with input of child behavior observation notes to be used 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.
• Assist with maintaining 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 and participant in program activities.
• Project a professional work image, both in dress and manner.
• Be familiar with, and 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 as appropriate.
• In consultation with supervisor, develop professional work goals and training plan. Participate in training as requested.

Requirements

• U.S. High School Diploma/GED or equivalent.
• Current Child Development Associate (CDA), 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.

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.
• Ability to possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and insured vehicle available for use on the job (or have alternative transportation).
• Ability to possess and maintain compliance with State of Oregon Criminal Background Registry.
• Ability to possess and maintain current First Aid/CPR certification.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an Oregon Food Handler’s Card.

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.