Head Start ECE Aide: Early Childhood Support

YWCA; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Retirement plans

Wellness programs

Job summary

YWCA of Metropolitan St. Louis is seeking an Early Head Start classroom assistant to support the health, learning, and safety of young children across Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms.

You will help implement daily schedules, assist with activity plans, and collaborate with families to promote positive development and learning in a caring, inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• Ability to communicate effectively with parents and include them in the child’s learning process.
• Knowledge of organizational skills to facilitate meeting designated timelines.
• Positive attitude, relationship building and interpersonal skills with students, staff and families inside the classroom and center environment.
• Ability to lift 40lbs.

Responsibilities

• Assist in promoting the health, emotional, social, intellectual and physical development of each child.
• Assist in implementing the weekly individualized activity plans.
• Assist in planning and executing effective field trips.
• Assist in using learning time effectively and efficiently. Implement a daily schedule and transitions that support children’s learning.
• Assist in daily observation and recording of children’s behavior and skill attainment in Early Head Start classrooms.
• Develop a nurturing bond with each infant or toddler in the group.
• Collaborate with families and other development team members to individualize each child’s program.
• Assist with weekly individualized activity plans.
• Maintain and update records on all children enrolled in the classroom.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Physical ability

Education

High school diploma or GED

Willing to obtain CDA

Job description

Description

About YWCA

YWCA of Metropolitan St. Louis (YWCA) has been serving the community for more than 120 years, providing essential, wraparound services that support women and families throughout their time in our programs. Each year, YWCA serves approximately 10,000 women and their families, offering a multitude of services. YWCA is the largest provider of direct Head Start services in Missouri, operating 8 centers and 11 partner sites, and we are proud to hold the National Program of Excellence accreditation from the National Head Start Association.

Why Work With Us?

• Meaningful Work - Every role at YWCA helps create positive change in the community.
• Supportive Environment - Join a team that values collaboration and mutual respect.
• Professional Development - Opportunities for training and career growth.
• Work-Life Balance - Flexible scheduling and generous paid time off.
• Competitive Benefits - Health, dental, vision coverage, retirement plans, and wellness programs.
• Community Impact - Be part of programs that make a real difference for women, children, and families.

Our Signature Programs

• Early Childhood Education & Childcare – Providing safe, nurturing environments for children to learn and grow.
• Family Support Services – Helping families access resources and build stability.
• Health & Wellness Initiatives – Promoting physical and mental well-being through community programs.
• Advocacy & Outreach – Connecting individuals to opportunities and support systems that improve quality of life.

Submit your application and resume today. Join Us and Make a Difference Every Day!

Purpose

To assist in planning and implementing learning opportunities that further the children’s social, emotional, cognitive, physical growth and development while acting as a support and resource for parents to ensure Head Start Program Performance Standards are met.

Formal Policy-Setting Responsibilities

The policies associated with the job’s purpose, essential responsibilities, and operation are set by others. Therefore, no formal responsibility is required.

Routine Decision-Making

To take appropriate actions to assure each child’s health and safety.

Formal Supervisory Responsibility

None

Description

When in Head Start classrooms:

• Assist in promoting the health, emotional, social, intellectual and physical development of each child.
• Assist in implementing the weekly individualized activity plans.
• Assist in planning and executing effective field trips.
• Assist in using learning time effectively and efficiently. Implement a daily schedule and transitions that support children’s learning.

When in Early Head Start classrooms:

• Assist in daily observation and recording of children’s behavior and skill attainment
• Develop a nurturing bond with each of the infants or toddlers in the group
• Assist with individualizing each child’s developmental program through collaboration with the child’s family and other developmental team members.
• Assist with weekly individualized activity plans.

General Responsibilities for Classrooms:

• Assist in developing and implementing developmentally appropriate activities daily.
• Conduct daily health checks and ensure environment is clean, safe and free of hazards.
• Assist in developing and implementing individualized activities based on the developmental level of each child.
• Assist with creating learning environments in the classroom and outside for young children which promote experimentation and exploration.
• Communicate effectively with parents in promoting parental involvement in their child’s early learning experiences
• Facilitate and assist children in developing positive relationships that support a caring community within the classroom.
• Assist with maintaining and updating records on all children enrolled in the classroom.

To perform this job satisfactorily, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability, and environmental conditions required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Requirements

Required Knowledge

A working knowledge and understanding of early childhood development and education (preferred).

Required Skills or Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively with parents and include them in their child’s learning process.
• Knowledge of organizational skills to facilitate meeting designated timelines.
• Positive attitude, relationship building and interpersonal skills with student’s staff and families inside the classroom and center environment.
• Ability to lift 40lbs.

Formal Education

A high school diploma/GED and willing to obtain a CDA.

YWCA of Metro St. Louis is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind as defined by applicable federal, state, and local laws.