Child Care Aide

Date: 10/7/2024

Program: Douglas Cherokee Head Start
Job Title: Child Care Aide
Location: Jefferson County: Cherokee Head Start

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Full time, 32.5 hours per week

Salary Grade: $11.55 per hour

Reports to: Area Coordinator, Curriculum & Assessment Manager, Head Start Director

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the leadership of the classroom teacher, the Child Care Aide will assist in direct care of young children and in carrying out developmentally appropriate activities. In addition, the Child Care Aide will provide supervision of children at all times.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES / ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Assist teacher in the implementation of a comprehensive child development program or curriculum in all program options and settings.

2. Engage in ongoing assessment.

3. Put into practice theories and sound principles of child and adult education.

4. Promote social and emotional development of children; maintain classroom discipline using positive guidance techniques.

5. Supervise and interact with children in all daily activities at all times.

6. Assist teacher in recording and maintaining documentations and submit reports as required; attend meetings and required training.

7. Direct parents’ concerns or questions to the supervising teacher.

8. Demonstrate work habits which comply with Agency Personnel Policies and Procedures and complete special assignments from supervisors, managers, or Head Start Director.

9. Assist teacher in supervising substitutes and parent/community volunteers assigned to classroom. Promote a teamwork atmosphere by delegating tasks and providing training for center staff/substitutes as needed.

10. Responsible for cleaning and maintaining indoor and outdoor premises on a daily basis (i.e. sweep, mop, clean bathroom, empty waste containers, and dispose of trash for pick-up). Pick up debris and other trash outdoors and keep area sanitary, neat, and attractive at all time.

11. Will assume other duties as assigned by the Teacher, Managers, Area Coordinator, and the Head Start Director.

12. Assist in organizing the classroom and maintaining a safe, healthy, and developmentally appropriate learning environment.

13. Observe, assess, refer, and evaluate each child's progress in the assigned classroom, and assist in planning and implementing classroom activities based on individual needs of the children to advance physical and intellectual competence.

14. At Teacher's request, make home visits with other staff members and maintain positive communication with parents and community participants regarding Program activities and objectives.

15. To greet and assist parents as they sign-in/out of the center.

16. To be alert and meet the special needs of children at all times.

17. Welcome families to participate in their child’s learning activities in the classroom, at home, and in the community. Encourage parents to volunteer in the classroom to support their child and the program.

18. Encourage parents, families, and community members to support our children and the program through gifts of time, goods, and/or monetary donations to ensure program local match (in-kind) as required to continue receiving federal funding.

ADDITIONAL EARLY HEAD START DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES / ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

19. Maintain an open, friendly, and cooperative relationship with each expectant family and each child's family, encourage their involvement in the program, and promote parent-child bonding and nurturing parent-child relationships.

20. Promote feelings of security and trust in infants and toddlers by being warm, supportive, and comforting, and by establishing strong and caring relationships with them.

21. Provide infants and toddlers with experiences and opportunities that allow them to develop curiosity, initiative, problem-solving skills, and creativity, as well as a sense of self and a feeling of belonging to the group.

22. Advance the physical and intellectual growth of infants and toddlers.

23. Ensure that a teacher to child ratio of 1:4 is maintained at all times.

WORK SITE: Jefferson County

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None

OTHER JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

· This job can change at any time for any reason.

· Must have the ability to physically assist children at all times.

· Comply with all rules, policies and procedures of the Agency.

· Maintain confidentiality of family, child, and Agency information.

· Treat all people with respect and not discriminate in the provision of services or Agency business with regard to age, sex, race, religion, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

· Must complete First Aid and CPR training and keep updated.

· Must maintain documentation per licensing requirements.

· Must perform specific related activities necessary to meet Social Services, Nutrition, Disabilities, and Parent Involvement component operation standards.

· Must be able to work well with parents and staff, as well as young children.

· Professionalism in regard to confidentiality is essential.

ROLE QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience Requirements:

· High School Diploma or GED

Other Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

· Must obtain pre-employment physical and screen for communicable diseases.

· Must obtain First Aid and CPR and keep updated.

· Must show proof (as necessary of auto liability insurance).

· Demonstrate a willingness to continue professional development.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

-Must have the ability to lift children and to physically assist them as needed.

· Will frequently lift or move weight as in lifting, carrying, and holding children (20-60#).

· Required to stand up to 95% of the workday.

· Must be able to interact with children on the playground or in the classroom. Ex: run, jump, dance, physical exercise.

· Must be able to stoop and bend to interact with children on their level.

· Able to physically and mentally react immediately to unexpected circumstances.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Application Deadline: Applications accepted until the position is filled.

To Apply: Send application and/or resume to: Human Resources Manager DCEA Head Start/Early Head Start, 127 Cedar Street, Morristown, TN 37814. Email applications to jobs@dceaheadstart.org.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $11.55 per hour

Expected hours: 32.5 per week

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $12