Head Start and Early Head Start Classroom Aide

GENERAL OBJECTIVE: To assist the Teacher and Assistant Teacher in providing and coordinating classroom services to families enrolled in the assigned classroom; to assist the Teacher and Assistant Teacher to ensure high quality early childhood education standards are met; to help ensure that Clackamas County Children’s Commission policies and procedures are followed.

REPORTS TO: Education Manager; also takes direction from Teacher

SUPERVISES: No direct reports

CLASSIFICATION: Non-exempt; Represented

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assist Teacher and Assistant Teacher in carrying out daily classroom activities and schedules
• Assist Teacher with follow-through and evaluation of the daily lesson plan
• Assist Teacher and Assistant Teacher with assuring the class is equipped with all needed materials and supplies
• Assist with input of child behavior observation notes to be used for individualization
• Participate in Open House and other class and center events
• Use a positive behavior intervention and support (PBIS) approach in directing and guiding children
• Participate in bus monitor training and act as bus monitor if needed
• Assist with maintaining the classroom in a neat, safe, and clutter-free manner
• Provide child care at Family Gatherings if needed
• Assist in preparing food for meals in accordance with CACFP and program guidelines. 

ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS:

Program Participation and Team Member:

• Arrive to work on time; punctually attend and actively participate in all required activities, meetings, and trainings.
• Be a respectful, cooperative, and reliable team member and participant in program activities.
• Project a professional work image, both in dress and manner.
• Be familiar with, and adhere to, position-related policies and procedures as well as the program’s overarching objectives.
• Follow Agency policy/procedures for reporting and documenting suspected child abuse and/or neglect.

Code of Conduct:

Perform all work in compliance with the Clackamas County Children’s Commission Code of Conduct.

Confidentiality:

Respect and maintain confidentiality of information regarding enrolled children and families, personnel issues, and other program operations as appropriate.

Training:

In consultation with supervisor, develop professional work goals and training plan. Participate in training as requested.

 JOB QUALIFICATIONS:Education and Experience: 

• U.S. High School Diploma/GED or Equivalent
• Current Child Development Associate (CDA), or ability to complete CDA within one year of hire preferred
• Knowledge of child development preferred
• Experience working with children ages three to five preferred

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to apply positive behavior intervention and support (PBIS) approach in directing and re-directing child behavior
• Ability to positively interact with families of various cultural and socio-economic backgrounds
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment
• Ability to work use time effectively and work with minimal direct supervision
• Ability to possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and insured vehicle available for use on the job (or have alternative transportation).
• Ability to possess and maintain compliance with State of Oregon Criminal Background Registry.
• Ability to possess and maintain current First Aid/CPR certification.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an Oregon Food Handler’s Card

Working Conditions:

• Work with physically active three to five-year-old children for one or two class periods per day (each class period is 3.5 hours)
• Extensive standing, walking
• Moderate sitting, kneeling, bending