Head Start Classroom Aide

General

Role and Responsibilities:

The Head Start Classroom Aide is a part of the classroom teaching team and is responsible for supporting the Head Start Teacher and Teacher Assistant in the coordination and implementation of classroom instructional activities and preparation of the classroom environment in accordance with the federal Head Start Performance Standards/Head Start Act, Developmentally Appropriate Practices as defined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and State/local requirements.

This position requires active participation with other members of the teaching team, various Head Start staff, SCH staff and parents to address classroom, student, and family needs. The Classroom Aide is expected to present a positive and professional image of the School City of Hammond (SCH), SCH Head Start and Geminus Head Start.

Possess the skills necessary to support the classroom teaching team in providing high quality early childhood experiences to students and their families whether learning is in-person or virtual.

• Fulfill classroom responsibilities in the absence of the classroom Teacher Assistant when/as assigned
• Promote the cognitive, physical, social and emotional development of children through supporting classroom activities (both in-person and/or virtual) that are: self-directed; meaningful; appropriate, active and engaging; reflective and respectful of needs, interests and differences
• Support the establishment and maintenance of an effective, healthy, and safe learning environment
• Support the preparation of the classroom environment, equipment, supplies and material for daily classroom activities
• Support classroom daily routines
• Facilitate and support nap/rest time activities (full-day classrooms)
• Participate in the collection of screening and assessment data as outlined in program procedures
• Support the implementation of classroom field trips to community resources (e.g. fire station, police station, grocery store, library) and classroom visits by community resource people
• Implement active supervision strategies whenever students are present
• Participate in the development of a positive classroom climate
• Establish positive and productive working relationships with parents
• Support recruitment of program volunteers (parent and community volunteers)
• Support the recruitment of eligible children for Head Start
• Participate in the evaluation of programmatic services through the Self-Assessment Process
• Work collaboratively with SCH Head Start, Geminus Head Start and School City of Hammond departments and staff members
• Participate actively and effectively on committees and work teams as assigned
• Participate in professional development opportunities
• Other duties may be assigned.

• Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, etc.
• Google Suite (Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, Meet, Classroom, etc.)
• Knowledge of Head Start data management systems (i.e. My Head Start , My Teaching Strategies )
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards/Head Start Act, SCH and SCH Head Start policies and procedures
• Knowledge and use of C.P.R., First Aid and Heimlich maneuver
• Good communication, computer, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to foster the building of community
• Ability to comprehend instructions and correspondence
• Ability to perform general mathematical computations with accuracy
• Ability to solve practical problems with a variety of variables

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) or documented early childhood education/development college coursework or SCH Head Start Parents as Subs training or experience in an early childhood classroom for students 3-5 years of age and willingness to acquire a CDA
• Participation in Head Start as a former or present parent – preferred
• Fluency in speaking and writing Spanish – preferred

• Dependability
• Confidentiality
• Professionalism
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to work collaboratively
• Ability to serve a diverse population…