Teacher's Aide

The Teacher Aide is responsible for assisting the Center Teacher in ensuring the education, safety, and well-being of children and families enrolled in the Early Childhood Program. This role supports the implementation of integrated curriculum plans, promotes holistic child development, and contributes to the overall quality of educational services provided.

Functional Area: Child Development / Health / Disabilities

Estimated Effort: 30%

Responsibilities, Deliverables, Outcomes, and Expectations:

• Supervise and monitor children at all times using active supervision techniques as outlined in Procedure 09.03.00.47

• Discharge children only to individuals listed on the emergency card

• Participate in at least 15 hours of professional development training annually

• Assist with:

  • Meal preparation, cleanup, and removal of food waste

  • Taking out trash and sweeping floors

• Attend regularly scheduled team meetings to coordinate services across program areas

• Respond appropriately to crisis or emergency situations

• Provide staff coverage as needed, including break coverage and substitute roles to maintain staff/child ratio (hours may vary from 5:45 AM to 6:15 PM)

• Assist the teacher with developing and using integrated curriculum plans that reflect required components and promote child development

• Follow a consistent daily classroom schedule that includes:

  • Small and large group activities

  • Choice time, music and movement

  • Motor skill development

  • Mealtimes and smooth transitions

• Use intentional teaching strategies to promote exploration, problem-solving, and cooperation

• Ask open-ended questions and listen respectfully

• Prepare and rotate classroom materials and learning centers as needed

• Support child assessments aligned with Head Start and Ohio Early Learning standards

• Conduct daily health checks for communicable diseases

• Maintain all required documentation and records (e.g., attendance) in a timely and accurate manner

• Address individual and group needs, including those with IEPs/IFSPs

• Interact with children using appropriate language and tone; greet each child at arrival and departure

• Help establish weekly education goals with the Center Teacher that include safety, health, and developmental objectives

• Act as a liaison between Center Teacher and parents

• Educate parents on the importance of health, prevention, and early care; encourage submission of health documentation

• Collaborate with therapists to support children’s development in the classroom

• Assist with the distribution and collection of children's papers and parent messages

• Complete incident reports in a timely manner

Functional Area: Parent, Family, and Community Engagement

Estimated Effort: 30%

Responsibilities, Deliverables, Outcomes, and Expectations:

• Build respectful relationships with families that honor their beliefs and caregiving practices

• Encourage and document family engagement using case notes in Child Plus

• Alert Supervisor or designated staff when families need special services

• Promote parent volunteerism and participation in classroom and bus activities

• Support parents in their role as their child’s first teacher

• Help parents advocate for their children during program transitions and with outside agencies

• Assist with required parent/teacher conferences and home visits

• Learn about Community Action Programs to better support families and staff

Functional Area: Transportation

Estimated Effort: 30% (if applicable)

Responsibilities, Deliverables, Outcomes, and Expectations:

• Drive safely and follow all relevant laws, CAC policies, and Early Childhood procedures

• Secure all children in proper safety restraint systems

• Follow boarding and exiting procedures

• Maintain a clean and tidy bus interior and exterior

• Follow emergency protocols and know how to use safety equipment (e.g., fire extinguisher, flares)

• Complete required annual in-service training, including 2-hour ODJFS pre-service curriculum

• Conduct and document the Bus Safety Checklist before each ride

Functional Area: Other Duties

Estimated Effort: 10%

Responsibilities, Deliverables, Outcomes, and Expectations:

• Collect child care fees and coordinate with the Enrollment Coordinator to ensure compliance

• Monitor TAP system usage and ensure parents are entering accurate arrival/departure times

• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with agency policy

• Exhibit a positive, professional demeanor and promote a collaborative work environment

• Maintain courteous and professional relationships with children, families, and coworkers

• Support facility maintenance and inventory; request needed supplies

• Immediately notify a supervisor if charged or convicted of a crime or traffic offense impacting insurability

• Avoid use of personal social media during work hours unless it is program-specific

• Read and follow all CAC policies, licensing regulations, and Head Start standards

• Keep all shared spaces (center, office, kitchen, supply rooms) clean and organized

• Complete additional tasks as assigned to fulfill the program’s mission and goals

• Participate in program recruitment and enrollment efforts

• Support continuous improvement efforts like Program Self-Assessment and Strategic Planning

• Ensure compliance with ODJFS and Head Start file documentation requirements

• Do not use personal cell phones in classrooms

• Maintain accountability to supervisor regarding task completion, accuracy, and deadlines

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED

Job-Related Experience:

• Preference given to candidates with experience working with young children

People Management:

• This position does not include supervision of other employees

Licenses/Certifications:

• Valid Ohio Driver’s License

• Reliable transportation

• Proof of current car insurance

Other Requirements:

• Ability to lift 40 pounds

• Ability to stoop and bend to interact with children at their level

• Sufficient auditory and visual ability to care for young children

• Three professional references

• Physical Exam and/or T8 Exam

• Pre-employment drug and alcohol screening

• Current immunization record

• Consent for BCI and FBI background checks

• Must be insurable under the agency’s policy

• Signed Standards of Conduct form

Preferred Qualifications:

• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or qualifying degree

• Completed early childhood education coursework

• Experience working with children under 6 years old

• Willingness to complete CDL pre-service training and obtain certification
  (must be at least 21 years old and have five years of driving experience)

• Willingness to obtain a CDA if not already held

Working Conditions:

• Classroom environment with:

  • Up to 20 preschool-aged children (3–5 years old) or

  • Up to 8 infant and toddler-aged children

• Fast-paced setting with moderate to high levels of stress

• Frequent lifting (up to 40 pounds), bending, and stooping

• Occasional overnight travel may be required for professional development