Classroom Intern - Early Childhood Services (Unpaid)

Do you want to use your skills and talents to make a lasting difference in the world? At Catholic Charities Diocese, of Joliet we are mission-driven, focused on positive results for people and believe that people should be treated with dignity and respect. If you feel the same way we encourage you to join us in making a difference!

Catholic Charities’ Head Start program is NAYCE Accredited as well as a Gold Circle Quality and US Model Head Start Program.

If you desire a better work/life balance and can work in a fast paced environment with excellent growth potential, we would like to hear from you.

 Our Head Start Facility has operation hours of 7am - 530pm.

General Responsibilities

1. Under the supervision of the Teacher, the Classroom Intern is responsible for helping the Teacher adhere to the guidelines of the Department of Health and Human Services, Head Start Education Performance Standards, and for helping assure the quality of developmental experience received by the children. The Classroom Intern will be responsible for meeting the State of Illinois Day Care Licensing Standards.  The Intern will inform the classroom Teacher and Site Supervisor of all Teacher Training duties and obligations required for the completion of the internship. 

2. Other duties as assigned within the guidelines of this position.

Essential Functions

1. Be familiar with the Head Start/Early Head Start program goals and philosophy.

2. Assist the teaching staff in carrying out the daily schedule.

3. Assist in the preparation of daily educational materials and in setting up, organizing, and caring for the classroom.

4. Assist the teaching staff with providing active supervision of children at all times

5. Assist in planning field trips or special events for both children and parents.

6. Work with a child on a one-to-one basis or a small group of children to help with their progress in child development.

7. Assist with activity transitions to make sure changes take place as smoothly as possible.

8. Have a generally positive approach to other people, to themselves and to the world.

1. Must be at least sixteen (16) years of age and have strong desire to work with children.
2. At least successful completion of either “Introduction to Child Care” or “Child Development” completed within twelve (12) months of employment;
3. At least successful completion of three (3) college/university credits in either Child Development or Early Childhood Education.
4. Must be willing to fulfill responsibilities in accordance with the guidelines of the Department of Health and Human Services, Head Start Education Performance Standards, and State of Illinois Day Care Licensing Standards.
5. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. without restriction.
6. Must have patience, creativity, and ability to nurture children.
7. Passage of complete background clearance, physical and Tuberculosis (TB) Test.
8. Reliable means of transportation and proof of liability insurance is required.