Teacher Aid High SchoolNE

About the Role

This is a non-exempt position responsible for conducting developmentally appropriate activities for children according to the Head Start Performance Standards (HS), Council on Accreditation (COA), and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) guidelines. The role ensures compliance with all Performance Standards, Department of Children and Families (DCF) licensing, federal, state, and local laws. The position requires adherence to Catholic Charities Policies and Procedures, Head Start contract, and accreditation standards. Employees may be transferred to any program within the agency based on operational needs, with or without notice.

In the absence of the Teacher, the Teacher Aide assumes all responsibilities of the Teacher.

Responsibilities

• Assist in managing the education, care, safety, and well-being of each child.
• Assist in developing and implementing daily lesson plans that address children’s individual needs and scaffold learning objectives.
• Arrange the classroom-learning environment according to NAEYC guidelines, encouraging high-level play and problem-solving.
• Collaborate with the teacher to prepare children for the transition to kindergarten and engage families in this process.
• Maintain universal health and safety precautions, including proper handwashing, sanitizing, and disinfecting areas.
• Follow all safety and inspection checklists to ensure a clean and sanitary environment in classrooms, bathrooms, and outdoor facilities.
• Complete a minimum of 15 hours of in-service training annually and other required trainings.
• Assist in completing and recording required assessments for children within 45 days as per Head Start guidelines.
• Assist in ensuring timely and accurate screenings and evaluations as per program guidelines.
• Promote regular school attendance and make referrals for children with suspected special needs, health concerns, or consecutive absences.
• Conduct daily Health and Safety checklists and report suspected child abuse or neglect immediately pursuant to Florida law.
• Implement Active Supervision at all times and maintain accurate records of accidents or unusual incidents.
• Measure and document children’s height and weight accurately.
• Ensure the teacher’s accuracy and timely recording of daily meal counts per CCFP and agency meal documentation processes.
• Comply with USDA Food Program guidelines, including family-style serving and nutrition discussions.
• Provide health examinations and TB screening results to the Human Resources Department every two years.
• Establish and maintain positive family relationships, including conducting and documenting parent/teacher conferences.
• Communicate regularly with parents/guardians about daily incidents and children’s progress.
• Conduct a minimum of two home visits per program guidelines.
• Assist in training and overseeing volunteers in the classroom.
• Obtain written consent for special events, including field trips.
• Adhere to agency Policies & Procedures, program guidelines, and all applicable regulatory requirements.
• Complete all required or requested trainings as per DCF, accreditation standards, Head Start, VPK, and other regulatory bodies.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Completion of 45 DCF hours within 90 days of hire.
• National Child Development Associate credential or completion within 24 months of hire.
• Supervised teaching experience.

Physical Demands

• Regular to frequent lifting of children (up to 50 lbs).
• Regular bending, stooping, stretching, walking, squatting, pushing, pulling, kneeling, crawling, and sitting on low chairs or the floor.
• Moderate to loud noise levels in a childcare setting.
• Ability to move quickly to intervene in unsafe situations.
• Detecting unsafe situations by sight or sound.

Catholic Charities requires compliance with the new Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse. More information here.