Teacher Aide; Anticipated

Head Start Teacher Aide

This position is a full time (partial year) position and is based at Hardin Head Start in Elizabethtown, Illinois. It includes a benefit package that includes vacation, personal, and sick time accrual; holidays; health and life insurance; and an employer-sponsored cafeteria plan.

• Must be at least nineteen years of age.
• Must possess a CDA or be enrolled in a CDA program to complete within 2 years.
• Prefer an associate degree in Early Childhood or a related field with at least six ECE hours toward 18 hours.

• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Organization and supervisory ability.
• Basic computer skills.

• Strength:
  Lift/carry up to 40 pounds on occasion and 20 pounds frequently.
• Movement:
  Sit, walk, or stand for prolonged periods; lift horizontally and vertically, bend and stoop, push/pull, twist, carry, crouch, squat, kneel, reach above shoulder level; hear and understand speech at normal room levels and on the telephone.

Salary Range: $16.87 - $19.53 hourly

This position is responsible for assisting the teacher with the academic, social-emotional growth, and development of all pre‑school aged children in their care. It involves developing a partnership with children's parents or caregivers to engage and encourage parent participation in the program and ensuring compliance with Head Start performance standards and local and state guidelines.

• Encourage and assist all children in personal hygiene activities.
• Assist the teacher in administering developmental screening tools within 45 days of child’s enrollment.
• Complete assistance or guidance requests as needed and participate in IEP/IFSP meetings as appropriate.
• Assist the teacher with maintaining an online portfolio documenting each child’s progress and development for planning.
• Observe each child daily to assess skills, interests, and needs and use this information to facilitate learning and growth.
• Work cooperatively with the teacher and other staff and volunteers, using a team approach to classroom management.
• Ensure that all children are supervised at all times.
• Participate in family style meals and snacks at the table with children.
• Assist the teacher in completing daily, weekly, and monthly required paperwork as prescribed by procedure manual.
• Develop a partnership with parents and caregivers to encourage active participation in their child’s Head Start experience.
• Assist the teacher in conducting home visits and family staff conferences.
• Participate in staff meetings, center activities, and staff development.
• Maintain child, family, and employee confidentiality.
• Participate in the federal and annual program review.
• Recruit Head Start eligible children, in coordination with other staff, for enrollment into the program.
• Carry out best practices for safety procedures concerning children, staff, families, and community individuals, and assess current practices and identify improvement areas.
• Engage in activities that promote positive public relations and a positive image for the program and agency.
• Comply with policies and procedures, including HIPAA.
• Report potential problems and concerns to the Site Supervisor.

Southern Seven Health Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Vet / Disabled.