Child Care Aide

Position Overview:   

Assist the Teacher and Teacher Assistant in the classroom to help provide and maintain an environment which fosters the children’s positive development and meets local, state and federal regulations.

Essential Job Functions:

1. Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability during the workday and throughout the year due to staff changes and program requirements.
2. Work cooperatively with all staff, including community partners.
3. Participate in Agency and community trainings.
4. Know and function in accordance with Head Start performance Standards and other program guidelines, including Agency Personnel Policies and Procedures.
5. Understand the confidential nature of the work involved and treat information gained accordingly.
6. Assist team members with completion of all required agency paperwork in a timely and accurate manner per program procedures.
7. Work cooperatively with team members to promote parent participation in all program areas.
8. Supervise children at all times, always using a calm voice in a patient and approachable manner; maintain and communicate an accurate count throughout the day with team members .
9. Represent the Agency in a professional and positive manner in all settings including social media.
10. Assist in setting up the classroom environment each day maintaining an awareness of current lesson plan and NAEYC, PQA, and CLASS requirements. Add from TA.
11. Work as a team in sharing responsibility for cleaning and organizing the classroom.
12. Work as a team in aiding children in toileting and changing of clothing.
13. Develop a positive and respectful relationship with children utilizing Conscious Discipline.
14. Sit with children during meal times and model good nutritional habits, including family style serving, manners and conversation.  Staff are expected to participate and eat with children.
15. Complete tasks in a reasonable length of time.
16. Be available for other job-related tasks as requested by supervisor. 

Other Hiring Contingencies: Must be able to pass all required background checks.  Show proof of a physical exam signed by a licensed physician that declares, to the best of the physician’s knowledge, the physical capability of the staff member to perform the essential duties required or obtain a physical through CAA’s provider.  A negative TB test within the last 12 months or before starting position. Must be provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or be willing to get vaccinated prior to starting employment.

Supervisor:  Children’s Program Manager 

Training:  All staff will participate in professional development training and ongoing CAA trainings as deemed appropriate by their supervisor.

Note:  This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive.  It is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position.  Employee may perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Essential Qualifications:

1. Education:  High School Diploma or GED.
2. Work Experience:  Six (6) months experience working with preschool age children.
3. Transportation:  Must have reliable transportation throughout the workday.
4. Basic Skills:  Must be competent in reading, mathematical, verbal and written communication skills.  Must be able to perform basic computer functions and have a willingness to develop more skills. Ability to work cooperatively in a team approach. 
5. Problem Solving, Decision Making and Interpersonal Skills:  Independent judgement to complete routine tasks.  Establish and maintain positive relationships with people of all economic levels, cultures and capabilities.  Ability to mediate and diffuse difficult situations.
6. Physical and Mental Capabilities:  Ability to go into classrooms and home situations and operate in a non-handicap accessible environment in all types of weather.  Must be able to participate in classroom activities, which includes: bending, stooping, squatting, walking, lifting (50 pounds, or more at times), and walking at a brisk pace and ability to run; (must be able to chase children), ability to work in an environment with elevated noise level.