Head Start Classroom Aide

Pay rate: $17.00 to $17.50 per hour (depending on experience)

Sign on bonus $1,000 (external candidates only)

Head Start of Baltimore City is a child and family development program serving nearly 500 low-income families in west, south and southwest Baltimore City, for their children to be well prepared when entering kindergarten and thus more successful in school and later in life.

Catholic Charities of Baltimore, is currently seeking a Classroom Aide who will be responsible for support and assistance in providing a safe, stimulating, and nurturing environment for the growth, well-being, and development of the child. Responsible for incorporating Catholic Charities mission, vision, values, and philosophies into daily work and demonstrating a positive attitude and commitment to excellence. The work schedule is Monday-Friday 8:00am-2:30pm

Catholic Charities Head Start of Baltimore City is a child and family development program targeted to low-income families in southwest Baltimore City, for their children to be well prepared when entering kindergarten and thus more successful in school and in life.

Head Start Classroom Aides assignments are based on the needs of the program, including enrollment, staffing levels, and vacancies at each location. Because these needs can change, site placement decisions are finalized during the hiring process to ensure staff are assigned where they are needed most.

JOB

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

* Conveys messages that are respectful, patient, relaxed, and demonstrate an interest in the child, resulting in children feeling valued and fostering positive self-esteem.

* Assists the teaching team in selecting materials and equipment and arranging the classroom to provide a well-managed, welcoming environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the developmental level of the children, which supports optimal engagement and respects each child's culture and home environment.

* Supports the teaching team in addressing the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional needs of children in a manner consistent with Head Start Performance Standards and Catholic Charities mission, vision, and values, thereby promoting holistic child development and school readiness.

* Assists in maintaining a classroom environment that incorporates the principles of the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS), resulting in enhanced emotional support, classroom organization, and instructional quality for improved learning outcomes.

* Emotional Support: foster a classroom where children are motivated, nurtured, and connected, leading to increased emotional security and willingness to engage in learning.

* Classroom Organization: ensure children consistently have meaningful activities and are interested and engaged in learning tasks, promoting better focus and academic achievement.

* Instructional Support: implement a curriculum that effectively supports cognitive and language development, resulting in measurable gains in children's academic skills.

* Assists in providing appropriate classroom support for children with additional support needs, enabling their successful inclusion and participation in classroom activities.

* Models and demonstrates positive guidance and collaboration in interactions with children, co-workers, and caregivers, which fosters a respectful and cooperative classroom environment.

* Participates in team planning sessions with the teaching team to ensure coordinated instruction and consistency in meeting children's developmental goals.

* Assists teaching staff to ensure that guidelines for appropriate behaviors are followed, supporting a safe and orderly learning environment.

* Complies with federal, state, and local guidelines and with the policies and procedures of the Maryland State Office of Child Care, Head Start, and Catholic Charities to ensure legal and programmatic compliance and high-quality service delivery.

* Attends and participates in staff meetings and staff development activities to enhance professional skills and contribute to continuous program improvement.

* Successfully completes required training within established guidelines, resulting in up-to-date knowledge and skills for effective classroom support.

* Performs other duties as assigned to support the overall effectiveness and flexibility of classroom operations.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Classroom Aide (501000) ($17.00 per hour):

* High School Diploma/GED.

Classroom Aide II (501500) ($17.50 per hour):

* High School Diploma/GED.

* 90 Hour Child Care Certification

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES:

* Demonstrates accountability by consistently being punctual and maintaining reliable attendance.

* Exhibits strong interpersonal skills with a courteous and professional demeanor towards staff, clients, and visitors.

* Demonstrates patience and composure when working with children and interacting with parents, fostering positive relationships.

* Effectively connects with children, creating an engaging and enjoyable environment.

* Ability to…