Classroom Aide/Bus Monitor

Classroom Aide/Bus Monitor for Cherokee Head Start. Monday-Friday. 40 hours per week, September – May. Eligible for benefits including IPERS. High school diploma required. Experience in working with pre-school age children preferred. Duties include riding the bus and assisting classroom teachers by providing an educational environment for children. Valid driver’s license, insurance and reliable transportation required.

Requirements:

• Must be 18 years of age and have a High School Diploma or GED.
• Able to stand, walk, sit, bend, stoop, push and pull regularly.
• Lift up to 10 pounds often; lift up to 20 pounds occasionally; lift over 30 pounds rarely.

Qualifications:

• Center-based work experience with pre-school age children preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication.
• Excellent organizational skills.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Be knowledgeable and follow the Head Start/Early Head Start Service Plan, Procedures, Performance Standards and State of Iowa Licensing Regulations.
• Must be able to relate to low-resource children, families and staff in a positive manner.
• Work cooperatively with center team to ensure that each Head Start/Early Head Start child and family receive the full benefits of the Early Head Start program.
• Maintain staff-to-child ratio and ensure children’s safety at all times.
• Chaperone on the transportation bus every day.
• Assist cook, as needed, and in the absence of the cook be responsible for grocery shopping, meal preparation and clean up.
• Provide direct help in classrooms.
• Read, play and encourage children during work and group times, allow them to make their own choices and encourage them to do things themselves.
• Eat with and encourage children at mealtimes and allow them to choose their portions.
• Monitor children in the restroom, classroom, outdoors and on field trips.
• Assist in providing an educational environment following the High Scope, PBIS and 2nd Step curriculum to ensure school readiness.
• Assist in providing a safe and sanitary environment for children and families.
• Maintain a warm, nurturing environment that will encourage children to be problem solvers and decision-makers.
• Assist in providing a positive learning environment so all children feel successful.
• Assist in collecting anecdotal notes that are current, ongoing, factual and objective on children.
• Effectively communicate with parents on an ongoing basis including face-to-face, newsletters, phone calls, etc. with documentation of all communication.
• Affirm the parent role as the primary educator of their child.
• Complete necessary paperwork in an accurate and timely manner.
• Responsible for contributing to a positive and productive work environment.
• Be responsible for the complete operation of the center in the absence of other team members.
• Help in meeting In-Kind requirements by HS/EHS Standards.
• Be willing and able to substitute in other centers as needed.
• Follow cleaning procedures to maintain a clean and sanitary classroom and office.
• Attend trainings and meetings.
• Follow HS/EHS policies and procedures.
• Able to work flexible hours without direct supervision.
• Other duties as assigned.

Other Conditions of Employment:

• Submit to the Department of Human Services Criminal History and a Request for Child Abuse Information Records Check prior to employment and every two (2) years thereafter.
• Submit to FBI National Fingerprint Criminal History Check prior to hire and every four (4) years thereafter.
• Submit to a Motor Vehicle Records check prior to hire and every year for those employees that drive at least weekly. All other staff every two years thereafter.
• Complete a DHS Physical Exam prior to employment.
• Complete a Tuberculosis Screening or Assessment prior to employment.
• Complete mandatory reporter training within 90 days and every 3 years thereafter.
• Adhere to HS/EHS Standards of Conduct.
• Sign and maintain required confidentiality statement.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, insurance and reliable transportation.
• Attend required in-services, trainings, orientations and meetings.
• Must be able to complete job duties as described with reasonable accommodations.