Early Childhood Classroom Aide

*Community Action Partnership of Strafford County is mandating the COVID-19 vaccination upon employment. You must provide proof of vaccination on the first day of employment*

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Assists classroom teachers in providing a daily schedule of activities for facilitated play, large and small groups, meals, naps, and toileting.  Responsible for the health and safety of children in a preschool classroom setting. 

 EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or GED
• 3 credits in Child Growth and Development, awarded by a regionally accredited college or university, or credits must be obtained within 6 months of hire
• Active interest in pursuing higher education in Early Childhood Education
• Interest and desire to interact and work with young children.
• Prior experience working with children (preferred)
• Computer Literate.
• Current or ability to obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid certification.  
• Able to lift 25-40 lbs.

 ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES   

• Assists the Teachers in carrying out the curriculum; helps implement daily activities, assisting children with daily routines such as meals, bathroom time, preparing to go outdoors, naptime, and other transitions. 
• Assists with classroom clean-up.

• Provides active supervision of children at all times, following active supervision policies and procedures.
• Available to attend occasional evening program events.

• Communicates with classroom staff, requests assistance when unsure of a procedure or a particular situation.
• Actively engages with children; assist and redirect them as needed.
• Greets parents at arrival and/or pick up. Relies on Teachers to provide parents information regarding their child and refers any concerns parents have to the Lead Teacher.
• Follows the schedule set by Lead Teacher.

• Attends monthly staff meetings and in-service trainings.
• Assists in creating and maintaining a culturally inclusive classroom learning environment for children.
• Encourages parents to attend parent meetings and special events.
• Become familiar with Head Start Performance Standards, NH Child Care Licensing Rules, and CAPSC policies. 
• With supervisor guidance, maintains a minimum of 18 hours of annual professional development by participating in ongoing ECE education, training programs, attending workshops/conferences as budget allows; developing professional goals to work toward each year; maintaining and updating required certifications such as first-aid and CPR, and the CC Licensing required ProSolutions certifications. 
• Performs other duties as required.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong commitment to maintaining confidentiality 
• Excellent organization and time management skills with ability to prioritize and manage workload and deadlines
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
• Ability to work flexible hours and travel when necessary.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to the unique challenges faced by families living in poverty.
• Reliable source of transportation with 100/300 liability insurance coverage.
• Physical strength/endurance/mobility to perform in a standard daily required work routine (i.e., walking, sitting, lifting, and driving to various sites as required).

 COMMUNICATION SKILLS

• Be able to communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, and families on a regular basis.
• Good communication skills and ability to follow verbal and written instructions. 
• Ability to read, write and communicate instructions.

 GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

• Obtain continuing education through workshops, trainings, or courses related to early childhood education.
• Plan, coordinate, organize and prioritize work.

• Maintains and models good hygiene, appropriate dress (neat, clean, modest), and direct, positive, honest, and respectful behavior to parents, staff, and the community.

• Applies the highest ethical standards to themselves and others daily. 
• Supports others in their efforts to be productive and effective and succeed in work and life.
• Actively participates in teambuilding, which includes sharing ideas and mutual support of team members.  
• Consistently uses interpersonal skills that are appropriate for individual styles, personalities, cultures, the nature of the work, and the environment in which the work is being done. 
• Practices honest, respectful, and direct communication as well as active listening. 
• Respects confidentiality of information about agency staff, personnel issues, and other program operations.  
• Maintains a positive and productive attitude regarding the Center and CAPSC Agency when interacting both within the program and with the greater community.

 EMPLOYMENT SCREENING

Valid Driver's License and insured vehicle (100/300 minimum coverage) for use on the job or acceptable alternative, driving record check, criminal record check, randomized drug screening.

Head Start, Early Head Start, Childcare, and Home Visiting Programs are also subject to the following: Head Start and Child Care Licensing requires a criminal record check and finger printing to be completed prior to employment.  An initial physical examination record must be obtained upon hire, updated every three years and kept on file with Human Resources.  If a TB screening indicates high risk, results of a TB test must be kept on file including any treatment received.  An initial driving record check will be conducted.  Driver’s license information will also be submitted to the agency’s automobile insurance carrier.