Classroom Aide (Head Start)

JOB TITLE: Classroom Aide
RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Works directly under the Head Start teacher in administering the Head Start Performance Standards and DCFS Licensing Standards and implementing the program’s policies and procedures.

• Maintains an effective working relationship with supervisor(s), staff, Head Start children, and families.

• Assists classroom staff in providing developmentally appropriate activities as instructed by teaching staff, promotes health, nutrition, and education of the children, and attends to their safety and welfare.

• Assists teaching staff in maintaining an efficient and effective record-keeping system.

DUTIES:

1. Ensures that no child is left unattended or unsupervised at any time.

2. Assists in supervising and monitoring children in all organized Head Start activities as directed by the teacher.

3. Writes ongoing child developmental observations.

4. Assists teaching staff in the development and socialization of children.

5. Assists in developing children’s habits and attitudes about physical health, mental health, and nutrition through a wide variety of experiences.

6. Assists in keeping the center environment neat, clean, orderly and kept free of undesirable and hazardous materials and conditions as instructed by classroom teacher.

7. Implements the recruitment process by recruiting door-to-door in targeted areas to enroll low- income preschool children including children with disabilities, placing fliers and recruitment signs in prominent areas frequented by parents of eligible children, etc.

8. Perform bus monitor and food service and purchasing duties as needed.

9. Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum education attainment: High school diploma or equivalency certificate (GED).
• Must meet the agency, Head Start Program Performance Standards, and IL Department of Child and Family Services applicable requirements for position.

1. Complete and pass pre-employment physical, obtain current (within past 6 months) 2- step TB test results, provide immunizations records that reflect 2 doses of MMR (mumps, rubella, and measles) and one Tdap (within last 7 years), and continue to complete on-going health testing as required by program.

2. Furnish written information regarding any criminal convictions, submit to fingerprinting, and comply to and pass a background check before initial hire and every five years thereafter.

3. Obtain and maintain current CPR and first aid certification within 90 days of hire.

4. Must be at least 18 years of age.

• Must have or be willing to obtain/maintain Food Sanitation Certification.
• Exhibit excellent interpersonal and communication skills and have the ability to get along with children, parents, and other co-workers.
• Organization and problem-solving skills required.
• Must perform all duties in a timely and professional manner.
• Must be punctual and maintain good work attendance.
• Must have the ability to work as a team player and maintain a positive work environment with co-workers.
• Must have the ability to operate a personal computer and software to access electronic mail and word processing programs.
• Must demonstrate maturity and self-motivation.
• Must possess a positive and professional image.
• Must have reliable transportation to travel to/from work, meetings, and other work activities.
• Continues professional growth by participating in training programs and workshops/ conferences as budget allows and as applicable to position.
• Must support the mission, goals and objectives of Head Start and C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Object Manipulation

• Use of writing tools, computer and technological equipment, children’s objects

Sensory and Cognitive Abilities Analyzing and interpreting data including reading written directions, documents, and forms

Physical Demands

• Bending, squatting, twisting, reaching forward, sit down and get up from a 12-inch seat, lift up to 30 lbs. floor to waist, lift up to 20 lbs. waist to shoulder, lift up to 20 lbs. above shoulder, carry 30 lbs. 30 feet, push/pull 20 lbs. 10 feet, stand 15 minutes while doing fine motor activity, walk up and down flight of stairs

Training and Certifications Attend conferences/workshops as required and maintain certifications required of position

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $15.50 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• No weekends

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16