Head Start Classroom Aide

Description

General Role and Responsibilities: The Head Start Classroom Aide supports the Head Start Teacher and Teacher Assistant in classroom instructional activities and prepares the environment according to federal standards, NAEYC practices, and state/local requirements. Responsibilities include classroom duties, promoting child development, maintaining a safe environment, and collaborating with various staff and community members.

• Fulfill classroom responsibilities in the absence of the Teacher Assistant
• Promote cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development through supportive classroom activities
• Maintain an effective, healthy, and safe learning environment
• Prepare classroom environment, materials, and equipment for daily activities
• Support daily routines and collect screening and assessment data
• Support classroom field trips and visits from community resources
• Establish a positive classroom climate and foster positive relationships with parents
• Recruit volunteers and children for Head Start
• Evaluate programmatic services and participate in professional development
• Collaborate with SCH Head Start, Geminus Head Start, and School City of Hammond departments and staff

General Skills And Qualifications: Possess necessary skills for supporting classroom teaching, including Microsoft Office, Google Suite, knowledge of Head Start standards, CPR, first aid, and good communication and interpersonal abilities.

Specific Responsibilities In This Position

• Support classroom activities both in-person and virtually
• Implement active supervision protocols
• Prepare classroom environment, equipment, and supplies
• Participate in the collection and analysis of screening and assessment data
• Support classroom field trips and visits from community resources
• Develop a positive classroom climate and foster positive relationships with parents
• Recruit volunteers and children for Head Start
• Evaluate programmatic services and participate in professional development
• Collaborate with SCH Head Start, Geminus Head Start, and School City of Hammond departments and staff

Specific Skills And Knowledge For This Position

• Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
• Google Suite (Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, Meet, Classroom)
• Knowledge of Head Start data management systems (GoEngage, Teaching Strategies GOLD)
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards/Head Start Act, SCH and SCH Head Start policies and procedures
• CPR, First Aid, Heimlich maneuver
• Good communication, computer, and interpersonal skills
• Foster building of community
• Comprehend instructions and correspondence
• Perform general mathematical computations with accuracy
• Solve practical problems with a variety of variables

Qualifications And Education Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) or documented early childhood education/development college coursework
• Experience in an early childhood classroom for students 3-5 years old
• Willingness to acquire a CDA
• Participation in Head Start as a former or present parent (preferred)
• Fluency in speaking and writing Spanish (plus)

Personal Attributes Desired

• Dependability
• Confidentiality
• Professionalism
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Ability to serve a diverse population
• Organizational and prioritization skills

Physical Requirements

• Sit, stand, walk, talk, hear
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Push items of 50 lbs (e.g., pushing children on a bike or moving/rearranging furniture)