Educare Classroom Aide

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Educare Classroom Aide works cooperatively with the Educare Lead Teacher and Educare Assistant Teacher to plan and implement the daily education program for the children. Under the reflective supervision of the Lead Teacher, the Classroom Aide will execute classroom activities and help maintain a classroom environment that are developmentally appropriate and meet the individual needs of children as mandated by federal, state, accreditation and local standards, and that reflect the agency’s philosophy and curriculum - to include Head Start, the Educare Learning Network and Clover. The Educare Classroom Aide reports to the Educare Lead Teacher.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND KEY TASKS:

Child Development

• In conjunction with the Lead and Assistant Teachers, provide opportunities for children to develop positive self-images and experience success.
• In conjunction with the Lead and Assistant Teachers, develop an individualized educational strength plan for each child.
• Participate in Family/Child reviews.
• Provide information to the Lead and Assistant Teachers that will assist in the referral process for children with special needs.
• As assigned, observe, assess and document each child’s health, skills, behavior, growth and development.

Curriculum

• Assist in planning and implementation of developmentally appropriate classroom activities that will enhance the social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of each child.
• Assist in the development of lesson plans with goals, objectives, activities and outcomes.

Classroom Environment

• Assist the Lead and Assistant Teachers in maintaining a classroom environment which includes positive guidance techniques, that meets state and local licensing regulations, Head Start Program Performance Standards, the Educare Learning Network’s and Clover’s philosophy and curriculum.
• Ensure that all children are under appropriate supervision at all times.
• In the absences of the Lead and Assistant Teachers, delegate child development responsibilities to the substitute staff, intern and/or volunteers.

Administration

• Accurately complete all assigned program documentation and submit in a timely manner to the Teacher.
• Participate in recruitment efforts to help maintain full program enrollment.
• Assist in completing daily attendance and meal participation reports and submit to the Lead Teacher.
• In conjunction with the Lead and Assistant Teacher, develop and maintain confidential educational information for each child and ensure all confidential information is protected.

Other

• Follow all mandates of federal regulations, state and local licensing, accreditation. Head Start, the Educare Learning Network’s and Clover’s philosophy and curriculum.
• Attend all required meetings and trainings.
• Participate in home visits and Parent Staff Conferences as requested by the Lead Teacher.
• Help promote parent participation in the program.
• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the job description.

REQUIRED ABILITIES & SKILLS:

• Knowledge of and ability to implement Early Head Start/Head Start and other developmentally appropriate child care programs.
• Knowledge of and ability to implement child development and early childhood principles, practices and curricula for the specific age group (0-3 or 3-5).
• Ability to remain abreast of ongoing developments in the child care field.
• Willingness to participate in Educare’s commitment to continuously review, analyze and apply data/statistical findings from local and national evaluations to current program design.
• Ability to work within an interdisciplinary team as a cooperative and supportive team member.
• Ability and willingness to work in a program located in a high-risk, low income community.
• Ability to communicate and work with diverse families and professionals.
• Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials.
• Ability to obtain First Aid and CPR certification.
• Basic knowledge of computer applications and the ability to learn and master other computer technology /software programs as needed.
• Ability to communicate and respond in a manner that demonstrates respect and concern.
• Must be able to remain abreast of developments in the child care field to enhance professional growth and development.
• In the absence of the teacher assistant, the Classroom Aide will assume the role and responsibilities of the Assistant Teacher.
• Assist with weekly preparation and implementation of daily activities for children. (Ex: meals, field trips, rest-time, etc.)
• Assist with daily cleanliness, aesthetic appearance and organization of classroom and restroom to ensure an environment that is conducive to learning.
• Maintain contact and communication with parents of children in assigned classroom as appropriate.
• Ensure that the outside playground is free of hazardous materials before allowing children on the playground.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

High School Diploma or G.E.D. and a Child Development Associate (CDA) Certification with an Infant/Toddler or Preschool Endorsement.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to physically interact with children, including talk, hear, sit, stand, walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and lift and or move items of up to 40 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Must be able to manually operate and use a computer and other office equipment.
• Must be able to clearly communicate with staff, students, parents and other stakeholders.