General Role and Responsibilities
The Head Start Classroom Aide is a part of the classroom teaching team and is responsible for supporting the Head Start Teacher and Teacher Assistant in the coordination and implementation of classroom instructional activities and preparation of the classroom environment in accordance with the federal Head Start Performance Standards, Head Start Act Developmentally Appropriate Practices as defined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and State/local requirements. This position requires active participation with other members of the teaching team, various Head Start staff, SCH staff, and parents to address classroom student and family needs. The Classroom Aide is expected to present a positive and professional image of the School City of Hammond, SCH, SCH Head Start, and Geminus Head Start.
General Skills and Qualifications
Possess the skills necessary to support the classroom teaching team in providing high-quality early childhood experiences to students and their families, whether learning is in-person or virtual.
Specific Responsibilities in This Position
• Fulfill classroom responsibilities in the absence of the classroom Teacher Assistant when as assigned. • Promote the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development of children through supporting classroom activities both in-person and/or virtual that are self-directed, meaningful, appropriate, active, and engaging, reflective, and respectful of needs, interests, and differences. • Support the establishment and maintenance of an effective, healthy, and safe learning environment, which includes the implementation of active supervision protocols whenever students are present. • Support the preparation of the classroom environment, equipment, supplies, and materials for daily classroom activities. • Support classroom daily routines. • Participate in the collection of screening and assessment data as outlined in program procedures. • Support the implementation of classroom field trips to community resources, e.g., fire station, grocery store, and classroom visits by community resource people. • Participate in the development of a positive classroom climate. • Establish positive and productive working relationships with parents. • Support the recruitment of program volunteers, parent, and community volunteers. • Support the recruitment of eligible children for Head Start. • Participate in the evaluation of programmatic services. • Work collaboratively with SCH Head Start, Geminus Head Start, and School City of Hammond departments and staff members. • Participate actively and effectively on committees and work teams as assigned. • Participate in professional development opportunities. • Other duties may be assigned.
Specific Skills and Knowledge for this Position
• Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, etc. • Google Suite, Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, Meet Classroom, etc. • Knowledge of Head Start data management systems, i.e., GoEngage, Teaching Strategies, GOLD training provided. • Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards, Head Start Act, SCH, and SCH Head Start policies and procedures. • Knowledge and use of C.P.R. First Aid and Heimlich maneuver. • Good communication, computer, and interpersonal skills. • Ability to foster the building of community. • Ability to comprehend instructions and correspondence. • Ability to perform general mathematical computations with accuracy. • Ability to solve practical problems with a variety of variables.
Qualifications and Education Requirements
§ High school diploma or equivalent § Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) or documented early childhood education development college coursework or SCH Head Start Parents as Subs training or experience in an early childhood classroom for students 3-5 years of age and willingness to acquire a CDA § Participation in Head Start as a former or present parent - preferred § Fluency in speaking and writing Spanish - a plus
Personal Attributes Desired
• Dependability • Confidentiality • Professionalism • Ability to work independently • Ability to work collaboratively • Ability to serve a diverse population of students, parents, staff, and community • Ability to organize and prioritize
Physical Requirements
Candidate should be physically capable of successfully performing the essential functions of the position. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to run, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee must occasionally push items of 50 lbs., such as pushing children on a bike or moving/rearranging furniture.
It is the policy of the School City of Hammond not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs or employment policies as required by the Indiana Civil Rights Act, I.C. 22-9.1, Title VI and VII Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Equal Pay Act of 1973, Title IX Educational Amendments, and Section 504 Rehabilitation Act of 1973.