Head Start Program Aide

Program Aide    (Head Start Programs)

Reports to:  Center Manager

SUMMARY:  This individual will assist early education coaches, teachers, assistant teachers, center managers, and DHA staff in daily tasks in the early learning environments. 

Minimum qualifications:

• GED/High School Diploma.
• One (1) year experience of hands-on experience working with young children birth – five.
• Must provide documentation of experience and willingness to engage in hands-on learning opportunities with young children birth - five, families, and volunteers.
• Must pass Mississippi State requirements for early child educators: Letter of Suitability, Health Screening, and DHA required background check.
• Must have a valid Mississippi Driver’s License, proof of insurance, and must provide personal vehicle to travel to assigned HS/EHS sites.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Must demonstrate success in working as a member of a team.

• Strong communications skills, especially good listening & writing skills.

• Intermediate to advanced computer skills, internet, and e-mail.
• Ability to follow instructions, guidelines, and accept feedback from Center Manager, teachers, assistant teachers, and other DHA administration when assisting with food service and program facilitation.
• Ability to set and maintain professional boundaries with families and children.
• Must be able to work independently without intensive supervision.
• Ability to respond appropriately to an emergency or a crisis situation.

 Essential Duties:

• Conduct and present as a professional in the field of early childhood education and follow the policies, procedures, and expectations set forth by the Delta Health Alliance at all times.
• Uphold and adhere to all guidance within the Federal Head Start Performance Standards, state early learning guidelines and standards, and any local, state and/or agency policies and procedures.
• Assist with meal service as needed daily.
• Assist with Bus Service as needed daily.
• Sanitize and clean classroom equipment and laundry as needed daily.
• Maintain confidentiality with data collection and reporting, as required.
• Demonstrate familiarity with rules and regulations relevant to the specific duties, provides support, and a positive working attitude and relationship toward DHA staff and partners.
• Effectively communicates with supervisors and DHA staff to keep all apprised of issues, program updates, and status of assignments.
• Assist in setting up and encouraging the early learning environment (indoor/outdoor) for the activities of the day related to the research-based curriculum.
• Support and engage in an atmosphere that promotes family engagement in the classroom.

• Follow a consistent schedule which includes small and large group experiences, learning center time, music and movement, large and small motor activities, skill development, three meals, and effective transitions between activities.
• Assist in utilizing the lesson plans at the direction of education staff, which reflect required elements, parental and cultural influences, and promote the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of Head Start children.
• Support the use of high-quality, developmentally appropriate practices to facilitate activities with large and small groups of children and one-on-one teacher child interactions.
• Encourage experimentation, exploration, problem-solving, cooperation, socialization, and child-choice in developmentally appropriate learning centers throughout the classroom.
• Actively engage throughout learning centers with children to encourage on-going learning.
• Provide positive teacher-child interactions that include open-ended questions, language modeling, and listen respectfully to the questions and answers to provide feedback related to children’s learning.
• Observe and record behaviors of children to assist the teacher in the identification of each child’s strengths and areas of growth.
• Other duties as assigned.

Statement of Non-Inclusivity: This job description is not to be construed as a complete listing of the duties and responsibilities that may be given to any employee. The duties and responsibilities outlined in this position may be added to or changed when deemed appropriate and necessary by the supervisor.