Preschool Classroom Aide

Make a difference in the community with Early Learning Essentials! We are a non-profit Head Start organization that offers preschool, health, and social services to children and families navigating significant life challenges and economic hardships. With Early Learning Essentials, you can help children facing social, emotional, and/or economic disadvantages reach their highest potential and prepare for lifelong success.

About the role

This position requires availability Monday through Friday for 28 hours per week (approximately 8:00am–3:00pm daily). The position is part-time for 167–175 days for double-session classrooms and 175 days for extended-day classrooms.

• For double-session classrooms, a typical work week is Monday–Friday with an expectation of no more than 6 hours a day Monday–Thursday and 4 hours on Friday (28 hours per week).
• For extended-day classrooms, a typical work week is Monday–Friday (28 hours per week).
• Some locations with one classroom only will have an expectation of no more than 3 hours a day Monday–Thursday and 2 hours on Friday (14 hours per week).
• For weeks with fewer than five working days, daily hours only apply.

Assists the teacher to provide instruction, supervision, and appropriate learning activities for all enrolled children at a specified site. Under the direction of the teacher, delivers comprehensive educational services to all Head Start children, including those with Individualized Education Plans (IEP), behavioral support or health plans, and English language learners. Helps children develop socially, intellectually, physically, and emotionally in a developmentally appropriate manner toward the goal of social competence and school readiness, as outlined in the Head Start Performance Standards, the 2007 Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act, and Early Learning Essentials’s policies and procedures. Ensures services support the agency’s school readiness plan. This position is not eligible for telecommuting as it is front-line work in nature, requiring face-to-face interaction with children and families.

Responsibilities

• Assist the teacher in providing instruction, supervision, and learning activities for enrolled children.
• Deliver comprehensive educational services to Head Start children, including those with IEPs, behavioral support or health plans, and English language learners.
• Support children’s social, intellectual, physical, and emotional development in alignment with Head Start Performance Standards and agency policies.
• Ensure services contribute to the agency’s school readiness plan.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or enrollment in a CDA program to be completed within two years (Early Learning Essentials may assist with costs if funds are available).
• Associate or Baccalaureate degree (in any area) from a recognized institution, or enrollment in a program leading to a degree.

Qualifications

• Preferred: Associate or Baccalaureate degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE), Elementary Education, Child Development, or a closely related field.
• Preferred: Experience working with preschool children or preschool lab work leading to an ECE degree.
• Bilingual (Spanish-speaking) is desirable.

Skills

• Knowledge of basic child development.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle and redirect challenging child behaviors.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and develop solutions with limited supervision.
• Proficiency in writing and speaking English professionally.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, parents, community groups, and related agencies.

Pay

• $17.49/hour – No CDA or CDA in progress.
• $17.86/hour – CDA credential completed.
• $18.43/hour – Associate or Baccalaureate degree.

Benefits

Full-time positions enjoy exceptional benefits, including:

• Medical, dental, and life insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Gym benefits.
• Weekends off.
• Twice the normal number of holidays.