Head Start Classroom Aide

School City of Hammond; Hammond (IN); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

School City of Hammond is seeking a Head Start Classroom Aide to support the classroom teaching team and assist in implementing instructional activities. The role involves helping with preparation of materials, maintaining a safe learning environment and supporting both in-person and virtual activities for young children.

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma or equivalent, with CDA or early childhood coursework preferred, and the ability to engage families and collaborate with

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; CDA or college coursework in early childhood recommended.
• Experience withHead Start or early childhood preferred; bilingual abilities are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist Head Start Teacher and Assistant in implementing classroom activities.
• Support developmentally appropriate practices to encourage cognitive, physical, social and emotional growth.
• Help maintain a safe, organized classroom environment and daily routines.
• Participate in data collection and family engagement activities as outlined by program procedures.
• Collaborate with staff, parents and community partners to support children and families.

Skills

MS Office

Google Workspace

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

CDA or early childhood coursework

Tools

GoEngage

Teaching Strategies GOLD

Job description

Description

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.

General Skills And Qualifications

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.

Specific Responsibilities In This Position

• 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, which includes the implementation of active supervision protocols whenever students are present
• Support the preparation of the classroom environment, equipment, supplies and material for daily classroom activities
• Support classroom daily routines
• 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, grocery store) and classroom visits by community resource people
• 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
• 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.

Specific Skills And Knowledge For This Position

• 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. GoEngage, Teaching Strategies GOLD), training provided
• 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

Qualifications And Education Requirements

• 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 – a plus

Personal Attributes Desired

• Dependability
• Confidentiality
• Professionalism
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to work collaboratively
• Ability to serve a diverse population of students, parents, staff, and community
• Ability to organize and prioritize

Physical Requirements

Candidate should be physically capable of successfully performing the essential functions of the position While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to run; stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee must occasionally push items of 50 lbs. Such as pushing children on a bike or moving/rearranging furniture.

It is the policy of the School City of Hammond not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs or employment policies as required by the Indiana Civil Rights Act (I.C. 22-9.1), Title VI and VII (Civil Rights Act of 1964), the Equal Pay Act of 1973, Title IX (Educational Amendments), and Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973).