TEACHER AIDE, HEAD START PROGRAM

Definition

Under direction, provides direct aide to teachers or other certificated staff members in Head Start classrooms; assists in the classroom activities of preschool aged children; does other related duties.

Examples of work

• Provides direct aide to classroom teachers in maintaining a neat, orderly classroom, in specific programs such as health and physical education, in the preparation of a laboratory and audiovisual program, in reading to children, and in accompanying singing and dancing with music instruments.
• Plans and implements learning experiences that ensure effective curriculum implementation and use of assessments and promote children's progress across the standards described in the Head Start Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five and applicable state early learning and development standards, including for children with disabilities and dual language learners, as appropriate.
• Teaches proper oral hygiene techniques to children.
• Assists students with toileting and diapering.
• Assists children during meal times.
• Monitors classroom if teacher leaves for brief periods.
• Arranges indoor games.
• Set-up preschool classroom that may require moving child size furniture, tables, chairs, shelves and/or shelving units.
• Corrects standardized and informal tests.
• Helps students who were absent or who need additional attention with work assignments.
• Works with individual children or small groups in developing simple understanding skills or appreciation.
• May aid in drill work with word, phrase, and number flash cards.
• Sanitize classroom equipment and/or furniture.
• Performs clerical duties including taking attendance, typing, copying, and keeping records of non-confidential data.
• Collects money and regulates behavior of students in the lunchroom.
• Participate in Head Start Family Style Meal Service program, assist children in serving food, practicing appropriate table behavior, and good nutritional habits.
• Prepares bulletin boards.
• Aids disabled children.
• May assist in maintaining decorum in cafeteria, playground, study halls, gym, and locker rooms.
• Monitors classrooms.
• Directs children to buses.
• Attend meetings, training and required professional development activities.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Requirements

NOTE: Appointees to positions in school districts receiving Head Start Federal funding must meet the following educational requirements.

Education

Possession of an Associate's or Baccalaureate degree (in any area) or be enrolled in a program leading to an Associate's or Baccalaureate degree.

-<b>OR</b>-

Possession of a Childhood Development Associate (CDA) credential or a state-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential.

-<b>OR</b>-

Current enrollment in a CDA credential program that will be completed within 2 years from date of hire.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of teaching and school problems, practices, and procedures as they affect children.
• Ability to provide effective and nurturing teacher-child interactions.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to work with a variety of people.
• Ability to establish and maintain accurate records and files.
• Ability to lift and carry children as required.
• Ability to provide guidance and actively interact with children.
• Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

Incumbents may be required to rotate between Head Start classrooms in other Head Start funded schools.

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.