Classroom Assistant - Early Head Start Program - Part Time

Capital Area Community Services, Inc. is hiring part time Classroom Assistants for their Early Head Start Program in Lansing, MI. This is a 28 hour per week position, the rate of pay is $15.10 per hour with out a CDA and $15.90 per hour with a CDA. This position requires availability to work Monday - Friday year round.

Encourage children's development in a play-base learning environment. Provide respectful, playful, and age-appropriate interactions with children. Assist the teacher and assistant teacher in meeting the social emotional needs of the children and implement developmentally appropriate experiences. Provide support to teaching team, families, and bus drivers during arrival, transitions, and departure of children. Contribute professional and reflective communication with co-workers and other departments within the agency.

Participate in all health and safety activities

Education: High school diploma, GED, or the equivalent with coursework in child development leading to a CDA preferred.

Experience: Preferred work experience in a childcare or related setting.

Assist classroom staff in planning and carrying out individualized instruction, for example: setting up environment and activities, guiding physical activities indoors and outdoors; working on self-help skills such as eating and putting on coats; reinforcing learned skills and behaviors with verbal and emotional support; reading and listening to stories; and encouraging relationships with other children. Interact with children in an effective and positive manner using positive behavior intervention and/or redirection when necessary, while maintaining a warm, nurturing and safe environment that supports the maximum learning potential for children.

Assist with documentation related meals, attendance tracking, and ongoing assessments, including daily entry of observations and other records. Engage with children during family-style meals while supporting children's social development and self-help skills. Assist in food service, including maintaining a clean environment for food service, receiving food, and meal preparation. Follow sound nutritional practices as directed by the nutrition coordinator. Demonstrate proficiency in implementing all areas of CLASS (Emotional Support, Classroom Organization, and Instructional Support.)

Assist with and document diapering/toilet training. Maintain the hygiene and personal needs of children including tooth brushing, family-style meals and other self-help skills. Assure that classroom equipment, furniture, materials, and supplies are properly maintained and stored. Complete tasks assigned by classroom staff including daily responsibilities, activities, and schedules. Attend and participate in scheduled training and required meetings regardless of anticipated schedule.

Communicate regularly with supervisor regarding any changes in classroom activities, child's status, work schedule, supply and equipment needs, or any issues or concerns. May be required to perform additional duties in the absence of classroom staff. Perform the functions of this position with a working knowledge of the Head Start Performance Standards, and application of Developmentally Appropriate Practices.

Capital Area Community Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Employment with CACS Head Start is contingent upon successful completion of a comprehensive background check, including fingerprinting, in accordance with state and federal licensing requirements and Head Start Performance Standards. All candidates must also pass a pre-employment drug screening. Continued employment is subject to adherence to ongoing background check and health requirements as mandated by licensing regulations and agency policies.