Classroom Aide- 160727

Head Start is an early childhood education program that supports the learning, growth, and development of children ages 3–5 during some of the most important years of their lives. Classroom aides play an essential role in creating a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment where children and staff can thrive. Responsibilities include providing classroom support across all classrooms, assisting with meal set-up, ensuring health and safety remain the top priority, and helping staff by providing breaks when needed. Classroom aides also step into classrooms to provide coverage at their assigned center or other centers, helping maintain consistency, stability, and quality care for every child.

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• Assist and provide instruction to children involved in various classroom activities, including educational programs to develop children's growth in socio-emotional, motor, cognitive, language, health, and personal hygiene skills, using development appropriate activities, best practices, and positive discipline practices. 
• Work closely with the Lead Teacher and Assistant Teacher to support, adapt, and implement behavior plans and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) that align with each child’s goals and needs. This includes helping ensure strategies are carried out consistently in the classroom and providing meaningful input during IEP and behavior plan meetings to support each child’s progress. 
• Assist in implementing and supporting efforts that help individuals understand differences, appreciate various perspectives, and work effectively together in educational settings. 
• Responsible for fully understanding and intentionally implementing active supervision practices consistently throughout the day.
• Only utilize positive discipline practices.  
• Attend and participate in staff meetings, workshops, formal classes, in-service training, and program events to continually advance teaching skills and knowledge.
• Participating in professional development opportunities and education coaching to enhance skills and professional practices. 
• Assist in parent teacher conferences and home visits, as assigned by direct supervisor.
• Work collaboratively with the classroom team to plan and implement policies, support program goals and activities, and promote meaningful parent involvement in both the classroom and the overall program.
• Assist classroom team in ensuring and maintaining a healthy, safe, clean, and organized classroom environment. Support and follow through with daily operations, including completing and monitoring health, meals, and attendance logs. 
• Assist in implementing family-style mealtimes and clean up, nurturing social/emotional and self-help development.
• Provide breaks and classroom coverage for education staff as assigned by the direct supervisor for mandated breaks, meetings, or other program needs. 
• Support laundry service responsibilities. 
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in responding to changing daily schedules, classroom needs, staffing coverage, and program priorities.
• Ensure all classroom and outdoor equipment is in good working condition and is used/maintained correctly. 
• Ability to use various forms of technology, including tablets and computers; basic computer skills and use of Microsoft software.
• Check various communication avenues such as email and phone class and respond in a timely manner. 
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as needed, including accepting temporary work assignments within Adams County Head Start when regularly scheduled personnel are unavailable.

• Meet the needs of all children in our care.
• Maintain knowledge of early childhood principles of child development theory and early childhood education.
• Follow pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations, including childcare licensing regulations.
• Follow and abide by all program policies and producers. 
• Always maintain confidentiality and abide by the program's employee standard of conduct.
• Always instruct and supervise children.
• Maintain an early childhood credential level 2 or higher on Colorado Shines PDIS.
• Communicate clearly, concisely, and respectfully both orally and in writing, using proper English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and professional language.
• Establish and maintain positive, respectful, and professional working relationships with those contacted during work while demonstrating a professional attitude and appearance.
• Demonstrate a willingness to serve and a passion for exceeding customer service expectations.
• Safely operate an automobile.
• Ability to obtain, maintain, and ensure continued access to State and County systems in strict compliance with all applicable county and state regulations, policies, and user agreements.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required by direct supervisor.

Experience: 

• Six (6) months of experience working with preschool-age children 

Education and Training:

• Preferred High School diploma or equivalent
  • Able to provide a copy of High School diploma or equivalent as requested.
• Complete two (2) early childhood education college courses within 2 years of hire.

License or Certificate: 

• Valid Colorado Driver's License and Proof of vehicle insurance. 
  • A Motor Vehicle record check will be conducted.
• Ability to obtain CPR and First Aid Certification.
• Ability to obtain medication administration certificate.
• Ability to obtain early childhood professional credential through Colorado Shines within two years of hire.

Background Check: 

• Ability to pass multiple criminal backgrounds and Central Registry checks.
• A fingerprint check may be conducted.
• A Motor Vehicle record check will be conducted.

Other: 

• Must complete physical examination and TB test upon hire.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, run, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, crawl, twist, and climb.
• Ability to lift up to 45 pounds.
• Exposure to childhood diseases.
• Ability to obtain, maintain, and ensure continued access to State and County systems in strict compliance with all applicable county and state regulations, policies, and user agreements.