Head Start Classroom Assistant

Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois; Lincoln (IL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Major Medical Plan

Life Insurance

Dental and Vision Insurance

403-B Retirement plan

Paid Time Off/PTO

Sick Leave

18 Paid Holidays

Job summary

The Classroom Assistant at Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois supports the Head Start classroom by assisting with health and nutrition activities, preparing meals, and following Conscious Discipline approaches.

Responsibilities include lesson planning, inventory, health screenings, parent involvement, and maintaining confidentiality; candidates must meet DCFS Early Childhood Assistant requirements, complete background checks, and have a high school diploma or GED.

Qualifications

• Must meet DCFS requirements for Early Childhood Assistants (Section 407.100 & 407.150). CDA preferred.
• Successfully complete fingerprint and background check as required by 89 Ill. Adm. Code 385.
• High School diploma or GED; some college hours in early childhood education preferred.
• CPR, First Aid, Food Protection Manager Certification, Mandated Reporter, and other site certifications required.
• Must be physically able to lift 50 pounds and have valid Illinois Driver's license and insurance.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement weekly lessons in health and nutrition and monthly cooking experiences.
• Complete bus monitor responsibilities.
• Prepare meals and snacks in accordance with family style meal service and Head Start Standards.
• Interact with children using Conscious Discipline techniques.
• Assist with inventory management for classroom food/service items.
• Document anecdotal and health records for children.
• Assist with health and education screenings and assessments.
• Recruit children in the Recruitment Process and assist in other service areas.
• Maintain confidentiality of all information regarding children, families, and staff.
• Maintain health files and update as needed; monitor health requirements per EPSDT guidelines.
• Support families in School Readiness and Parent/Family/Community Engagement processes.
• Attend parent involvement activities and staff trainings with 20 hours of in-service annually.

Skills

Conscious Discipline

Health and nutrition planning

Child interaction development

Documentation and record-keeping

Education

High School diploma or GED

CDA preferred

Fingerprint & background check required

CPR/First Aid/Certifications required

Illinois Driver's license & valid ID

Job description

Description

Position: Classroom Assistant

Supervisor: Head Start Teacher

Classification: Level II, Non-Exempt

+ Overview

The Classroom Assistant is responsible for assisting in the classroom in all areas designated by the teacher, with a focus on health and nutrition. Complete all required tasks and paperwork, accurately and on time.

+ Essential Job Functions

• Plan and implement weekly lessons in health and nutrition and monthly cooking experiences.
• Complete bus monitor responsibilities
• Preparation of meals and snacks as assigned in accordance with family style meal service according to the Head Start Standards.
• Interact with children in a developmentally appropriate manner using Conscious Discipline techniques.
• Assist with inventory management pertaining to the food and food service items maintained for your classroom.
• Assist with the documentation of anecdotal and health records on children.
• Assist with required health and education screenings and assessments as assigned.
• Assist in recruitment of children as specified in the Recruitment Process
• Assist in other service areas.
• Maintain confidentiality of all information regarding children, families, and staff
• Maintain all child health files and update as needed.
• Monitor children’s health requirements in accordance with Health/Dental care Service Policy and Early Periodic, Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) Guidelines.
• Support families in the School Readiness and the Parent, Family and Community Engagement processes.
• Attend and assist in parent involvement activities.
• Attend all staff meetings, trainings, workshops, and conferences according to Head Start Performance Standards and DCFS Licensing standards with at least 20 hours in-service training annually.
• Perform job duties as per timeline.
• Perform any other duties needed to help drive our vision, fulfill our mission, and abide by our organization’s values.

+ Education and Experience

• Must meet DCFS requirements for Early Childhood Assistants (Section 407.100 &407.150). CDA preferred.
• Successfully complete fingerprint and background check as required by 89 Ill. Adm. Code 385, Background Checks (Section 407.110)
• High School diploma or equivalent certificate (GED), some college hours in early childhood education and/or experience in a preschool or day care preferred.
• Must complete CPR, First Aid, Food Protection Manager Certification, Mandated Reporter, and any other certification deemed necessary for the site's operation.
• Must be physically able to lift 50 pounds and assist children as needed.
• Illinois State ID, reliable transportation, valid Illinois Driver's license and current insurance are required.

+ Benefits

• Major Medical Plan. Community Action will pay a percentage of a monthly medical premium.
• Employee Term Life Insurance up to $30,000 depending on age, spousal coverage (up to age 70) for $10,000 and/or child coverage (up to age 26) for $10,000 per child.
• Dental and Vision Insurance Plan (Employer paid for the employee, employees can choose to add on dependents at their own expense.)
• 403-B Retirement plan (CAPCIL will match up to 3%)
• Paid Time Off/PTO (6.5 days at time of hire, an additional 6.5 days after the 90-day probationary period, prorated based on hire date and increases with continued employment)
• Sick Leave (accrues at the rate of 4 hours per pay period for Full-Time and 2 hours per pay period for Part Time)
• 18 Paid Holidays (Including your birthday)

+ Key Performance Indicators

Outcome

Performance Indicator

Measure and Tool

What does Good Look Like?

Ensure we are meeting all Health Requirements for both Head Start and DCFS

Maintain up-to-date health requirements and screenings in both the individual child file and entered in the data tracking system.

Client database Health Management Report

Twice Annual File Checks

Health Tracking Form

95% of all required health events.

Ensure that we are following USDA guidelines

Maintain kitchen and food prep areas in compliance with all IDPH requirements

Health Department Inspection

100% on USDA Inspections

Ensure full enrollment

Actively recruit in assigned area

Recruitment

sign-in/signup sheets

Participates in 50% of planned recruitment activities.

______________________________________ ________________________

Signature of Staff Member Date

_________________________________________________________ ________________________

Signature of Human Resources Director Date