Head Start Child Development Assistant

Job Description

DIVISION:
Office of Early Learning

GRADE: G15-H

DEPARTMENT:
Head Start

WORK DAY: 190

REPORTS TO:
Director of Early Learning

FLSA STATUS:
Non Exempt

JOB CLASS: 433C

GROUP:
Classified

The job of HS Child Development Assistant (Paraprofessional) is done for the purpose/s of providing a well‑organized, smoothly functioning learning environment in which three‑year‑old students can take full advantage of the instructional program and available resource materials. Assistants may be assigned to work in classrooms, offices, a media center, one on one, groups, or other environments.

• Child Development Associate (CDA), Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC) in early childhood education or have equivalent coursework in early childhood education; or
• Enrolled in a program that will lead to an associate or baccalaureate early childhood education degree or, are enrolled in a CDA credential program to be completed within two years of the time of hire
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred
• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• At least 21 years’ of age (Individuals who have a minimum credit hours and hold an Associate Degree or higher early childhood teaching credential do not have to meet the minimum 21 years of age requirement)

• Criminal Justice Fingerprint, Background Clearance, Sex Offender Registry Check, Child Abuse Registry Check
• Valid Georgia driver’s license or State  reliable transportation
• Employment Health Examination

• Experience working with children under age five and their families.

• Skills-based
  
  Competencies:
  
  Required to perform multiple tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: provide effective and nurturing adult‑child interactions, assist with planning and implementing learning experiences for the purpose of effective curriculum implementation and use of assessment and promote children’s progress;
  
  operating standard office equipment including pertinent software applications; preparing and maintaining accurate records; adhering to safety practices and procedures; administering first aid and/or prescribed medications; applying physical restraint practices; promoting activities and/or events.
• Knowledge-based
  
  Competencies:
  
  Required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percentages, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and understand multi‑step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: concepts of grammar and punctuation; stages of child development and learning styles; age appropriate activities/behaviors;
  
  classroom instructional media and technology; cultural differences of student population; health standards and hazards; job‑related codes/laws/rules/regulations/policies; methods of instruction and training; office equipment and technology; school safety and security practices.
• Ability-based
  
  Competencies:
  
  Required to schedule activities and/or meetings; gather and/or collate data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals; work with a variety of data; and utilize job‑related equipment. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans.
  
  Problem solving with data may require independent interpretation; and problem solving with equipment is limited. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; setting priorities; working as part of a team; adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with persons of diverse backgrounds; dealing with frequent…