Head Start Classroom Aide - Full-Time

Job Summary and Responsibilities/Duties

Job Summary

The Classroom Aide develops strong nurturing relationships with children and families. Classroom Aides provide children with a developmentally appropriate learning environment in preparation for school success. The Classroom Aide is responsible for meeting Head Start performance standards, following the agency policies and procedures, and Child Care Licensing rules and regulations.

Essential Duties

CHILD EDUCATION AND CURRICULUM

• Work directly with children individually, in small and large groups

• Provide for their safety, guidance, and educational development;

• Assists in conducting an educational program that best characterizes developmentally appropriate practice in the Early Childhood Education field;

• Understand and implement the Child Guidance Procedure;

• Supports individual goals for each child;

• Apply the principles of least restrictive environment for all children.

Creates an environment that reflects the values and norms of the diverse children and families we serve.Implement the six Active Supervision strategies with children at all times.

PARENT PARTNERSHIP/FAMILY ENGAGEMENT

• Develop partnerships with parents in regards to their child/children.

• Work occasional evening hours as needed to accommodate program and family needs. (i.e., parent meetings, home visits, etc.)

COMMUNICATION AND DEBRIEFINGS

• Communicate, reflect and debrief with staff at Center

• Attend and participate in staff meetings, planning meetings, and training;

• Facilitate open communication and promote group problem solving;

• Participate in regular classroom team debriefings.

Maintains confidentiality in matters concerning CDFS families.

STAFF PROFESSIONALISM AND EDUCATION

• Works assigned schedule, and exhibits regular and predictable attendance.

• Participate in regular training and technical assistance activities.

INTERACTION WITH CHILDREN, PARENTS, AND CO-WORKERS

• Must relate in a positive, nurturing way, both verbally and physically, and be sensitive to the needs of children

• Must relate in a positive, supportive way, both verbally and physically, and be sensitive to the needs of parents

• Must relate in a positive, supportive way, both verbally and physically and be sensitive to the needs of co-workers.

• Must use quick, safe, reactions and responses when working with children and families.

• Must work to understand issues of difference, privilege and social justice, to eliminate racial and ethnic disparities and to cultivate a respectful, inclusive and accessible learning and working environment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND SAFETY

• Maintain a safe and pleasant work environment.

• Assists driver with timely loading and unloading of the bus. Works with driver to facilitate sign on and sign off of children, per procedure, to ensure child safety.

• Assists with bus safety restraints when necessary.

• Facilitates a safe and calm environment on the bus.

• Assists with meal service in the classroom.

• Prepares and maintains classroom materials and assists in daily cleaning of the classroom and site.

• Follow safety regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Actively contribute towards promoting a safe workplace & environment.

OTHER DUTIES

• May be assigned other related duties as appropriate. This job description describes the general nature and level of work, but is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be required.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect in accordance to state law and agency policy.

• Medication administration (i.e., Epi pen, inhaler) and diapering as needed.

• Maintenance of center facilities, equipment and materials.

• Represent agency on various committees and projects.

Minimum and Desired Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• One year of experience working with young children

• Ability to carry out oral and written directions, read, write and speak at a level sufficient to fulfill the duties to be performed for the position described

• Ability to lift 50 pounds on a daily basis

Desired Qualifications

Bilingual skills: oral and written fluency in English with fluency also in Spanish, Russian or another language that meets community/department's needs.

Additional Qualifications and/or Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

Additional Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in the Oregon Central Background Registry prior to beginning employment and enrollment must be maintained throughout employment

• Post-offer fitness for duty evaluation, must be obtained within 30 days of hire date:

• TB screening

• Health appraisal

Infant/Child First Aid/CPR certification within 60 days of hire date

Food handler's card, must be obtained within 30 days of hire date

Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse & Neglect training must be completed within 60 days of hire date

Introduction to Child Health and Safety training must be completed within 30 days of hire date

Prevention is Better Than Treatment within 30 days of hire date

Working Conditions and Important Information

Working Conditions

Works assigned schedule, and exhibits regular and predictable attendance. Work is sometimes performed in an emotional and stressful environment.

Additional Information

If you require technical support with your account or application, please call 855-524-5627.

The College reserves the right to request proof of degree or certification at a later date if these documents are required as part of the qualifications for the position.

Final candidates will be subject to a criminal background check as part of the employment process.

MHCC is NOT able to support Visa applications for employment at the college. Applicants must already be eligible to work in the United States to be considered.

Applicants with disabilities may request accommodation to complete the application and interview process. Please notify Human Resources at least three (3) working days prior to the date of need.

Mt. Hood Community College is an Equal Opportunity Employer that actively supports workforce diversity.