Early Head Start Floater

Community Action of South Mississippi; Gautier (MS); On-site; USD 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Community Action of South Mississippi seeks a floater to support classroom staff and ensure safety and developmental opportunities for children in a Head Start program. The role covers covering staff absences and maintaining proper classroom ratios.

The floater assists with activities aligned to Head Start standards, supports teachers, and helps enhance services to improve academic and social outcomes for children in care.

Qualifications

• Requires strong customer service skills.
• Must convey clear communication in person and over the phone.
• Experience assisting in early childhood settings preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist the teacher with quality classroom activities.
• Help maintain program ratios and a safe classroom environment.
• Support children's cognitive and social development through daily activities.
• Supervise children during activities and field trips as assigned.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Classroom assistance

Safety awareness

Education

High School Diploma or GED

CDA (Child Development Associate) within 18 months

Tools

Computer proficiency

Job description

Description

Position Overview

The Floater serves as a classroom substitute when regular classroom staff is absent. He/She serves in other capacities as assigned to ensure program ratios are maintained. The Floater provides maximum opportunities for the physical and cognitive growth of each child in a safe, sanitary, inviting classroom environment. He/She assists the teacher in providing quality classroom activities that meet or exceed Head Start Performance Standards. The Floater supervises and enhances services provided to children. He/She provides assistance that will increase students’ academic achievement, level of competence and social skills.

Physical Demands

Work involves frequent movements in the classroom and the facility. Work involves using repetitive motions of the wrists, hands and/or fingers while operating standard office equipment. Must be able to perceive the nature of sound at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Must be able to be active for extended periods of time without experiencing undue fatigue.

Must be able to lift children weighing 50 pounds or more as it may be required during emergencies or other circumstances. Must be able to perform activities on the floor and outdoors with children, keeping pace with the energy level of the children. Must recognize hazards and dangerous situations and take appropriate action. Must be available to accompany children on field trips and assisting them on/off the bus and crossing the street.

Mental Demands

Must demonstrate good communication and speaking skills to receive and give information in person and by telephone. Must demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills. Must have the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Must have the ability to apply Early Childhood Development knowledge and focus on infant/toddler theory in daily activities, and adapt to the individual needs of children.

Special Demands

Must possess superior customer service skills. Must possess proficient knowledge and ability to use a computer (must be keyboard proficient) and other office technology (i.e. telephone, fax, etc.).

Must have the ability to supervise and monitor children at all times to ensure a safe environment including the physical ability to monitor and move quickly in order to respond to children who are very active and may need removed or redirected in order to ensure their safety or the safety of others.

Must have a valid drivers’ license and a satisfactory driving record.

Requirements

Education

High School Diploma or GED required.

License / Certification

Must obtain Child Development Associate (CDA) within eighteen (18) months of start date.

Experience

A minimum of six (6) months experience working with toddlers and pre-school age children preferred.