Teacher Aide - Early Head Start

Wayne-Metropolitan Community Action Agency; Highland Park (MI); On-site; USD 20,664 - 30,307; Full time

Job summary

Wayne-Metropolitan Community Action Agency in Highland Park is seeking individuals to assist in providing direct care and implementing an early childhood curriculum that prepares children for school. The ideal candidate will have a High School Diploma and the ability to work with children with disabilities.

The role involves planning lesson plans and maintaining a safe environment, as well as keeping accurate records. A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are required.

We offer a supportive work environment and encourage personal and professional growth.

Qualifications

• Ability to intervene with children’s behaviors in a supportive manner.
• Ability to work cooperatively with supervisors and colleagues.
• Willingness to make home visits and travel to various sites.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and implementing daily lesson plans.
• Maintain records as required and conduct observational assessments.
• Provide individualized support and responsive care to children.

Skills

Ability to work with children with disabilities

Ability to communicate with children in a caring manner

Basic understanding of child development

Good interpersonal skills

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Google technology

Microsoft Office Word

Microsoft Office Excel

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Cortland - Highland Park, MI 48203

Salary Range: $15.00 - $22.00

Job Category: Whole Family Success-Early

Scope

To provide direct care and assist program staff in the implementation of a developmentally appropriate early childhood curriculum that encourages school readiness.

Essential Functions

• Assist in planning and implementing daily lesson plans utilizing the HighScope Curriculum under the supervision of the program manager/teacher.
• Assist in creating and maintaining a safe and healthy environment for young children and their families.
• Provide individualized support and responsive care to children based on their unique needs, including those requiring additional attention or accommodations.
• Actively participate in the implementation of the Daily Routine following the HighScope Curriculum.
• Assist in planning and preparing materials for daily activities.
• Support ongoing child assessment by recording anecdotal observations, scoring them, and entering data into the online COR system.
• Maintain records as required (i.e., attendance, meal counts, daily summary logs, emergency cards, contact log, etc.), and conduct observational assessments (COR).
• Assist in any areas of the program as directed.
• Adhere to childcare licensing rules and follow the process for diapering and toileting children.
• Participate in team meetings and training.
• Address children, parents, and staff with respect.
• Assist in the process of receiving children and preparing them for dismissal.
• Perform special assignments as directed by the immediate supervisor or other management as required.
• Comply with all licensing regulations and performance standards.
• Assist in the completion of developmental screenings of children.
• Maintain a positive attitude towards assigned work, clients, and staff. Display a willingness to work with others.
• Perform work in a professional manner that upholds Wayne Metro’s policies and procedures.
• Utilize systems for child tracking, child development, and employee time management.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, see, talk, and hear, and use hands to manipulate. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, climb steps, stoop, bend, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift (up to 50 pounds), carry, and move students. The job is performed for the most part in a school setting, with occasional exposure to outside weather conditions. The noise level is that of a typical school setting.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma.
• Ability to work with children with disabilities.
• Ability to communicate and interact with children in a caring, responsive, and nurturing manner.
• Ability to intervene with children’s behaviors in a non-punitive and supportive manner.
• Ability to establish positive and productive working relationships with parents/caregivers.
• Ability to be self‑directed in the completion of tasks.
• Ability to work as a positive and productive member of a team.
• Ability to coordinate a number of varying tasks simultaneously.
• Basic understanding of child development, age‑appropriate behaviors, common childhood behavior problems, and appropriate interventions.
• Ability to work with and demonstrate respect for children and adults regardless of race, gender, age, and cultural or ethnic background.
• Commitment to the welfare of the families the program serves and to the delivery of quality services.
• Willingness to continue personal and professional growth and skill development.
• Ability to work cooperatively with supervisors, colleagues, and all agency staff.
• Ability to represent the agency in a professional manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and groups both orally and in writing.
• Willingness to make home visits.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Good interpersonal and professional skills, including but not limited to professional appearance, tact, punctuality, and dependability.
• Ability to work with a minimum of supervision.
• Ability to lift 30 lbs or more.

Minimum Competencies

• Working knowledge of basic internet applications and programs, including Google technology and Microsoft Office Word and Excel.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in written form.
• Commitment to providing services for persons facing economic, social, health, age, and educational barriers.
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment as required.
• Adherence to Wayne Metro policies and procedures.

Licensing and Other Requirements

Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Travel Requirements

Ability to travel to various sites.

Work Hours

Work to be scheduled Monday through Friday with specific hours to be determined by program needs.

Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EOE/M/F/D/V