Position Summary: In support of the Agency’s mission and in collaboration with classroom staff, the Classroom Aide is responsible for assisting the classroom teaching team with the implementation of a high-quality preschool program for children that is consistent with Head Start policies and performance standards. Works in collaboration with other classroom staff to provide a high-quality education service in a learning environment which includes meaningful experiences that prepares children ages 3-5 years for success in school environments. The Classroom Aide works with children and parents in a sensitive manner which respects individual differences, cultural backgrounds, and current circumstances. The Classroom Aide is responsible for serving meals and snacks to children according to the Food Service program Policy and Procedure. Responsibilities also include compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, Agency/Head Start Policies and Procedures, Department of Early Learning and Care regulations, and Spark/QRIS standards. Essential Functions and Responsibilities: • Facilitate meal service delivery in accordance with Food Services Policies and Procedures and Department of Early Learning and Care Licensing Rules. • Work with classroom staff to create a learning environment that fosters a sense of belonging, community, purpose, and agency. The community creates caring relationships that value each member, interacting with and among children and families. • Use Creative Curriculum to create an environment conducive to learning, reflective of the different stages of child development, responsive to cultural backgrounds, and inviting to children and families. Develop and implement weekly lesson plans; collecting and recording objective child observations; support with the planning and implementation of the curriculum and individualized education services to the children in the class. • In collaboration with all classroom staff, engage in active supervision of the children in accordance with the Active Supervision Policy and Procedure; ensure the required adult-child ratio is always maintained; and strictly adhere to all safety Policies and Procedures, responding/correcting any at-risk safety issues immediately. Collaborate with the Teacher in using Creative Curriculum to create an environment conducive to learning, reflective of the different stages of child development, responsive to cultural backgrounds, and inviting to children and families. • Support the Teacher in developing and implementing weekly lesson plans; collecting and recording objective child observations; support with the planning and implementation of the curriculum and individualized education services to the children in the class. • Provide successful inclusion of children with mental health and/or special needs and work with Early Childhood Special Education staff and partners to identify and provide appropriate services. • Collaborate with classroom staff to ensure children and families receive comprehensive services from all components within our program in accordance with policies and procedures. Marginal Functions and Responsibilities: • Use CLASS observations and feedback to inform teaching practices and enhance child/teacher interactions, as well as identify areas for professional development. • Bilingual staff may be required to provide interpretation or translation services on occasion. • Work occasional evenings. • Complete screenings, assessments, and applications with families as required. • Attend or participate in home visits as directed. • Other duties as assigned to meet program and/or business needs. Required Education/Training/Experience: • Be at least 18 years of age. • Minimum of a High School Diploma or equivalent. • Must be able to successfully pass applicable background and Oregon Central Background Registry checks prior to new hire processing and beginning actual employment. • Completion of appropriate Fit for Duty and TB Testing according to Head Start regulations prior to date of hire. • Access to reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, and proof of vehicle insurance. Preferred: • Bilingual in English/Spanish, written and verbal. • Current Preschool Child Development Associate (CDA) OR enrolled in a program leading to an associate degree or higher in Early Childhood Education OR enrolled in a Child Development Associate credential program (Preschool) to be completed within two years. • 16 or more hours of volunteer work in a Head Start classroom; or three (3) months or more experience at a community-based child care center or home child care center.
