HEAD START - RXII - Substitute Classroom Aide, Seasonal

Summary of Primary Function

The Classroom Aide (Sub) is responsible for assisting the Classroom Staff in the implementation of a classroom program designed to give each child an opportunity to participate in experiences that will enrich his/her development in a safe environment. Classroom Aide Subs take the place of classroom staff absent for a period of time on an as needed basis, i.e.: illness, vacation, or training. They also help recruit potential parents by providing information to them about the various program services and benefits offered to enrolled children and families.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Assists classroom staff with implementation of daily activities and classroom management principles.
• Aid in implementing classroom activities around concepts that incorporate the interests of the classroom community and meet goals and objectives outlined in the Creative Curriculum.
• Maintain enough flexibility to allow children's interests to guide classroom direction.
• Be responsible for and lead some activities as requested by the Teacher, Preschool Assistant Teacher or center leadership.
• Establish and maintain positive, pleasant and trusting relationships with parents, respecting their individual needs and maintaining professional and appropriate boundaries.
• Know all medical conditions/needs of the children in the classroom (including allergies) and how to respond to these needs.
• Discuss what will be communicated to parents with the classroom team in order to give parents consistent messages in accordance with the Data Privacy policy.
• Tend to children's personal hygiene needs including diaper changing, cleaning, feeding, and changing soiled or wet clothes.
• Assume other duties as requested by the classroom staff or center leadership.

Safety & Sanitation

• Maintains a safe, clean, care-giving environment, practices good personal hygiene and hand washing, and assures the well-being and safety of all of the children in that environment.
• Utilizes disciplinary measures appropriately as outlined in the Behavior Guidance Policies and Procedures.
• Protects all children from physical punishment or verbal abuse by anyone in any program activity, and immediately reports any such incident to the person in charge.
• Provides for the physical safety of each child from arrival time until departure time.
• Affirms that safety and sanitation policies and procedures are followed appropriately.
• Affirms that children are dressed appropriately for the weather and type of play in which they are engaged.
• Affirms that children are supervised at all times.
• Have or obtain within 90 days of hire a First Aid and CPR Certification as well as maintain the certification during employment.
• Administers First Aid and/or CPR (if trained) when necessary.

Communication

• Greet children and their parents warmly and with enthusiasm.
• Maintain a cooperative attitude of working together with other staff, parents and volunteers in planning and implementing activities for the program/classroom.
• Maintain a positive, calm attitude and a pleasant, soothing voice, and models this attitude and voice for parents and others working or volunteering in the program.