ES-Instructional Aide, Head Start

South San Antonio Independent School District, Roy Benavidez Elementary School – San Antonio, Texas.

Instructional Aide, Head Start

Campus Principal

Campus Assigned

Non-Exempt

IS1

187

The Head Start Instructional Aide assists teachers in preparation and management of classroom activities and administrative requirements (e.g., record keeping, material processing, activity set‑up, student assistance, and tutoring) under the supervision of a certified teacher. The role includes eating with assigned students to reinforce “family meal” practices, supporting parent volunteers, and ensuring compliance with Head Start Performance Standards.

• Education/Certification: Associate degree or higher; or minimum of a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, enrollment in a program leading to an associate or baccalaureate degree or CDA credential within 2 years; or valid Texas educational aide certificate; or high school diploma or GED equivalent plus TABE test; and eligibility to obtain a paraprofessional certificate issued by the State Board of Educator Certification.
• Additional: Willingness to accept other responsibilities as assigned.
• Candidate must have: a satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check (non‑refundable fee paid by employee) and a current pre‑employment health screen (paid by employee).

• Competency in providing instructional assistance during individual and small group instruction and modeling good practices during play and meal/snack times.
• Ability to supervise children in a variety of situations and interact with children of diverse backgrounds.
• Initiative, sense of humor, and patience during stressful situations.
• Organizational skills, flexibility, problem analysis, and ability to follow directions.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills (word processing, charts, spreadsheets) and telephone skills.
• Fluent bilingual in English and Spanish (preferred).

• Minimum of 1 year of classroom assistance experience in an early childhood or elementary education program (preferred).
• Experience in Head Start philosophy and practices, early education programs, and developmentally appropriate practices for young children (preferred).

• Assist teacher in preparing materials for classroom instruction and activities for large and small groups per lesson plan and Head Start requirements.
• Assist teacher in preparing classroom displays.
• Assist with administration and scoring of objective testing instruments or work assignments.
• Eat with assigned students to reinforce “family meal” practices.
• Assist teacher with basic care for children (tooth brushing, toileting, diapering), assist physically ill children, and detect head lice and other communicable diseases.
• Assist with meal and snack purchasing, preparation, and planning.
• Assist with cleaning and disinfecting classroom equipment and materials.
• Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.
• Perform basic clerical and record‑keeping duties.
• Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards.

• Conduct instructional exercises assigned by the teacher; work with individual students or small groups.
• Help supervise students throughout the school day, inside and outside classroom—including lunchroom, bus, and playground duty.
• Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students.

• Participate in staff development training programs to improve job performance and as required.
• Participate in faculty meetings and special events as assigned.

None.

Moderate standing; occasional kneeling, squatting, bending, and stooping. Moderate walking. Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds). Work inside and outside, exposure to sun, heat, cold, inclement weather, noise. Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress.