Early Childhood Classroom Aide

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Teacher Aide follows the direction of the Lead Teacher in providing a daily schedule of activities for facilitated learning experiences, unstructured play, large and small experiences, meals, and toileting. Responsible for the health and safety of children in a preschool classroom setting. 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or GED (or actively working on one)
• Prefer at least 9 credits in Early Childhood Education (ECE), (including child growth & development).
• Interest and desire to interact and work with young children.
• Prior experience working with children and the commitment to continue training.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; ability to utilize online data systems.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES   

• Assists the Teachers in carrying out the curriculum; helps implement daily activities, assisting children with daily routines such as meals, bathroom time, preparing to go outdoors, and other transitions.
• Assists with classroom clean-up.
• Provides active supervision of children at all times, following active supervision policies and procedures.
• Communicates with classroom staff, requests assistance when unsure of a procedure or a particular situation.
• Actively engages with children; assists and redirects them as needed.
• Greets parents and children pleasantly and appropriately and children individually upon arrival and departure, ensuring a smooth transition into and out of the classroom.
• Follows the schedule set by Lead Teacher.
• Assists with monthly emergency practice drills.
• Provides a family-style setting at meals, including having the children serve themselves; sitting and eating with the children; assisting them as needed, encouraging social and self-help skills; and facilitating pleasant conversation during meals.   
• Sign in each morning and sign-out when leaving at the end of the day. Sign-in and out should occur at staff break times, as well. 
• Assists in creating and maintaining an exciting classroom learning environment for children.
• Reports any problems to the Lead Teacher or Education Manager.
• Becomes familiar with Head Start Performance Standards, NH Child Care Licensing Rules, and your center’s policies.
• Continues professional development by participating in ongoing ECE education, training programs, attending workshops/conferences as budget allows; developing professional goals to work toward each year; maintaining and updating required certifications such as First-aid/CPR and the CC Licensing required ProSolutions certifications
• Able to lift up to 40 pounds
• Performs other duties as required.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong commitment to maintaining confidentiality
• Excellent organization and time management skills with ability to prioritize and manage workload and deadlines
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
• Ability to work flexible hours and travel when necessary.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to the unique challenges faced by families living in poverty.
• Reliable source of transportation with 100/300 liability insurance coverage.
• Physical strength/endurance/mobility to perform in a standard daily required work routine (i.e., walking, sitting, lifting, and driving to various sites as required).
• Maintain and model good hygiene, appropriate dress (neat, clean, and modest), and professional behavior to parents, staff and the community.
• Maintain a positive and productive attitude regarding the Head Start Program and the CAP Agency when interacting both within Head Start and with the greater community.
• Demonstrate, through positive words and actions, respect for and acceptance of income eligible families.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

• Be able to communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, and families on a regular basis
• Good communication skills and ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate instructions

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

• Respects confidentiality of information about agency staff, personnel issues, and other program operations.
• Available to attend occasional evening program events.
• Models direct, positive, honest, and respectful behavior in every aspect of work with children, families, staff, and community members.
• Energetically engages people, issues, and work
• Applies the highest ethical standards to themselves and others on a daily basis.
• Supports others in their efforts to be productive and effective and succeed in work and life
• Actively participates in teambuilding, which includes sharing ideas and mutual support of team members.
• Consistently uses interpersonal skills that are appropriate for individual styles, personalities, cultures, the nature of the work, and the environment in which the work is being done.
• Practices honest, respectful, and direct communication as well as active listening

EMPLOYMENT SCREENING

Valid Driver's License and insured vehicle (100/300 minimum coverage) for use on the job or acceptable alternative, driving record check, criminal record check, randomized drug screening.

Head Start, Early Head Start, Childcare, and Home Visiting Programs are also subject to the following: Head Start and NH Child Care Licensing require a criminal record check and finger printing to be completed prior to employment.  An initial physical examination record must be obtained upon hire, updated every three years, and kept on file with Human Resources.  If a TB screening indicates high risk, results of a TB test must be kept on file including any treatment received.  An initial driving record check will be conducted.  Driver’s license information will also be submitted to the agency’s automobile insurance carrier. 

MISSION VISION &VALUES 

Our Mission: To reduce barriers to help clients improve their economic stability and well-being                 through education, advocacy, and partnerships

Our Vision:   To eliminate poverty

Our Values:   Communication, Collaboration, Client-Focus, Accountability