Head Start Teacher Aide

SCMCAA; Poplar Bluff (MO); On-site; USD 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

SCMCAA is looking for a dedicated HS Teacher Aide based in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. The role involves assisting teachers with daily activities to support children's physical, emotional, and intellectual growth. Applicants should possess a high school diploma and be willing to obtain a Child Development Associate credential.

The ideal candidate must have strong communication skills, teamwork abilities, and be flexible in a dynamic environment. This role includes working directly with children in various capacities, ensuring a safe and engaging learning atmosphere.

Qualifications

• Assist the teacher in daily activities focused on children's development.
• Develop and implement classroom activities based on individual needs.
• Pass background, child abuse, and drug screenings.

Responsibilities

• Assist with classroom activities and children's welfare.
• Work as a team with other staff in Head Start center.
• Perform teaching tasks when needed.

Skills

Communication skills

Child development knowledge

Teamwork

Flexibility

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Pre-School Child Development Associate (CDA) credential

Job description

Position Description

Job Title: HS Teacher Aide

Salary Range: 6

Reports To: Teacher; Education Manager; Transportation Manager; HS Site Supervisor

General Description

The Head Start Teacher is responsible for assisting the Teacher in carrying out daily activities designed to provide for the physical, emotional, nutritional, social and intellectual development of the children within an environment that is safe, healthy and conducive to learning.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Assist with direction of classroom activities, health, safety and well‑being of the children during time in the Head Start program.
2. Work as a team with other teaching staff and assist with daily activities in the Head Start center as required.
3. Assist in developing weekly lesson plans and activities as needed to meet children’s individual needs.
4. Perform teaching tasks as outlined in curriculum and performance standards.
5. Assist with all requirements of teaching position, including home visits, screening and assessment of children and other required documentation and duties.
6. Perform duties of the teacher, when necessary, due to teacher’s absence.
7. Provide communication between staff and parents concerning children. Relay messages between parents and Center Staff. Be positive with parents and children as the program’s first and last contact of the day.
8. Participate in appropriate Head Start training. Attend parent committee meetings, center staff meetings, in‑service training, and other training as required or requested by management staff and/or supervisor.
9. Ensure that emergency supplies are maintained and properly stored in accordance with agency policy and procedures. Ensure that communication system is tested regularly and kept in working order. Communication system is utilized for Head Start business only.
10. Work cooperatively with all Head Start staff.
11. Responsible for assisting with special needs children, as well as other children in the Head Start classroom. Assist in classroom, bathroom, mealtimes, playground, and field trips.
12. Assist with documentation of required paperwork for children with special needs.
13. Assist with recruiting age‑eligible children.
14. Report all accidents to supervisor immediately.
15. Understand responsibility of being a mandated reporter for Child Abuse and Neglect. Read and understand Child Abuse and Neglect Policy. Failure to follow reporting procedures, including incidents involving other staff members, may result in termination.
16. Never leave a child unattended.
17. Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisors.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Must obtain a Pre‑School Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Must begin CDA classes within six months of hire date.
3. Attend college classes when required by agency.
4. Knowledge of program curriculum, developmentally appropriate practice, and related program performance standards.
5. Relate to children and parents in a positive, constructive manner.
6. Develop and implement classroom activities based on children’s individual needs.
7. Work well with other center staff, parents, and managers.
8. Knowledge of basic child development as well as child care and guidance knowledge.
9. Maintain conduct that promotes a positive image to staff, parents, agency and community.
10. Obtain initial medical exam and TB assessment within 30 days of employment. Complete a medical exam and TB assessment every five years following initial employment.
11. Pass background screen, child abuse/neglect screen, drug screen, and be subject to random drug testing.

Additional Requirements

Possess personal qualifications: emotional maturity, willingness to cooperate with the standards of the program, respect for children and adults, flexibility, patience, good personal hygiene, and physical and mental health which does not interfere with responsibilities. Must have good verbal communication skills and visual ability to observe children. Ability to fulfill responsibilities under pressure, including during emergencies.

Working Conditions

Risk of exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues. Risk involved with travel on main highways, side streets and rural roads during the transportation of children. Risk of exposure to communicable diseases. Must be able to lift 55 pounds, many times a day, climb into the school bus, bend, kneel and squat frequently. Job requires standing for long periods of time, as well as stooping, squatting, running; and sitting in child sized chairs and/or on the floor.