Classroom Aide

Department: Child Development Center

Reports to: CDC Team Leader/Teacher

Primary Work Location: Hawarden

Eligible for Benefits: Yes

Work Hours: 4 Hours, M-F (8:00-12:00), 20 hours per week. Approximately 38 weeks per year. Additional hours may be given for substituting and trainings. Hours are subject to change based on financial and program requirements.

Requirements:

• Must be 18 years of age and have a High School Diploma or GED.
• Able to stand, walk, sit, bend, stoop, push and pull regularly.
• Lift up to 10 pounds often; lift up to 20 pounds occasionally; lift over 30 pounds rarely.

Qualifications:

• Center-based work experience with preschool age children preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred but not required.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Be knowledgeable and follow the Head Start/Early Head Start Service Plan, Procedures, Performance Standards and State of Iowa Licensing Regulations.
• Must be able to relate to low resource children, families and staff in a positive manner.
• Work cooperatively with center team to ensure that each Head Start/Early Head Start child and family receive the full benefits of the Early Head Start program.
• Maintain staff to child ratio and ensure children’s safety at all times.
• Provide direct help in classrooms.
• Read, play and encourage children during work and group times, allow them to make their own choices and encourage them to do things themselves.
• Eat with and encourage children at mealtimes and allow them to choose their portions.
• Monitor children in the restroom, classroom, outdoors and on field trips.
• Assist in providing an educational environment following the High Scope, PBIS and 2nd Step curriculum to ensure school readiness.
• Assist in providing a safe and sanitary environment for children and families.
• Maintain a warm, nurturing environment that will encourage children to be problem solvers and decision makers.
• Assist in providing a positive learning environment so all children feel successful.
• Assist in collecting anecdotal notes that are current, ongoing, factual and objective on children.
• Effectively communicate with parents on an ongoing basis including face-face, newsletters, phone calls, etc. with documentation of all communication.
• Affirm the parent role as the primary educator of their child.
• Complete necessary paperwork in an accurate and timely manner.
• Responsible for contributing to a positive and productive work environment.
• Be responsible for the complete operation of the center in absence other team members.
• Help in meeting In-Kind requirements by HS/EHS/CDC Standards.
• Be willing and able to substitute in other centers as needed.
• Follow cleaning procedures to maintain a clean and sanitary classroom and office.
• Attend trainings and meetings.
• Follow HS/EHS/CDC policies and procedures.
• Able to work flexible hours without direct supervision.
• Other duties as assigned.

Other Conditions of Employment:

• Submit to the Department of Human Services Criminal History and a Request for Child Abuse Information Records Check upon employment and every two (2) years thereafter.
• Submit to FBI National Fingerprint Criminal History Check within 30 days and every four (4) years thereafter.
• Submit to a Motor Vehicle Records check upon hire and every year for those employees that drive at least weekly. All other staff every two years thereafter.
• Complete a DHS Physical Exam prior to employment.
• Complete a Tuberculosis Screening or Assessment prior to employment.
• Complete mandatory reporter training within 90 days and every 3 years thereafter.
• Adhere to HS/EHS Standards of Conduct.