Head Start Classroom Aide

Do you want a career that fulfills your passions and purpose to make a difference in the lives of not only your students, but their families?   

• Do you get excited thinking about working in an inclusive preschool program that provides an opportunity for a greater impact working with vulnerable children and families?  
• Are you passionate about providing extra support to allow students with challenging behaviors to achieved their goals and be successful?  
• Are you looking for professional development and individualized coaching to progress your career?  
• Are you interested in being part of a supportive team to help you learn and grow? 

If you answered ”yes” to these questions, Jefferson County Head Start's Classroom Aide positionmay be what you've been searching for! 

The Classroom Aide role is a great opportunity if you are: 

• Currently enrolled in a childhood development program and need to log hours in the classroom 
• Or a recent graduate looking to start your career 

Check out this video to see what it is like to work at Head Start!

Head Start is a no cost, inclusive, child-focused and family-centered preschool program for children ages 3-5. A range of individualized services in the areas of education, early childhood development, medical, dental, mental health, nutrition, family support, and parent education. We strive to provide equitable and inclusive services and support to the diverse community we serve. 

The Head Start Classroom Aide will work collaboratively with the Head Start teaching team to support the educational, social, and emotional development of young children ages 0 to 5 in a preschool setting. The role involves assisting the lead teacher in carrying out lesson plans, managing the classroom, and providing individualized support for students while adhering to the Colorado State Childcare Licensing Rules and Regulations.

Head Start offers opportunities for on-site professional development scheduled during work hours, a team-oriented program that assists you with providing the best service for our families, and individualized coaching. 

SCHEDULE:

This is a part-time, non- benefit eligible position. A typical work week will be 7.5 hours per day, 4 days per week. Hours can vary based on program need.

COMPENSATION: 

Hiring Range: $18.11-$21.00USD Hourly

Compensation will be determined based on education, experience and skills.

Staff that are fluent in a language other than English may be eligible for additional compensation of $1,500 annually for use of bi-lingual skills. 

BENEFITS:

Please note that this is a temporary, non-benefit position. There is no holiday pay. Temporary employees earn 1 hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

The Head Start Classroom Aide will be responsible for supporting the Lead Teacher with the following duties:

• Assist in the implementation of daily lesson plans and activities for preschool-aged children.  
• Help maintain a safe, clean, and organized classroom environment that is conducive to learning and development.  
• Provide one-on-one support or small group assistance to children with various developmental needs.  
• Encourage children’s independence and facilitate positive peer interactions.
• Monitor and supervise children during classroom activities, transitions, meals, and outdoor play.
• Assist children with self-help skills, including toileting, diapering handwashing, and eating.
• Ensuring compliance with Head Start performance standards within the classroom including education, disabilities, parent involvement, nutrition, health, and mental health. 
• Partnering with a multi-disciplinary team including mental health specialists, special education professionals, and family support workers to provide the best service for our families.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings, training, and events, as needed.
• Responsible for receiving food deliveries and serving food at appropriate times.
• Adhere to all Head Start policies, procedures, and performance standards, as well as any other local, state and/or federal laws. 
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Research shows that women and other underrepresented and historically marginalized groups tend to apply only when they check every box in the posting. If you are reading this and hesitating to click “apply” for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! A true passion and excitement for making an impact is just as important as work experience.

Minimum Qualifications: 

Experience:One yearexperience

Education:High School Diploma or GED

Must Meet one of the following minimum ECT qualification options: 

• Enrolled in a CDA credential program to be completed within two years of employment (Hours working in the classroom may be used for teaching hours required for CDA) 
• Child Development Associate credential (CDA), or State awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for CDA credential, 
• OR Enrolled in a program leading to an associates or bachelors degree

Preferred knowledge, skills and abilities:

• One - two years of experience in a classroom or center focusing on early childhood education or development 
• Experience implementing social and emotional learning (SEL) curriculum in a preschool setting 
• Strong written and verbal communication and ability to utilize computer programs for documentation 

ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION:

• Offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of criminal history, motor vehicle report, education verification, and/or references.
• In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information. 

Perjury Statement:Any applicant who knowingly or willfully makes a false statement of any material fact or thing in the application is guilty of perjury in the second degree as defined in Section 18-8-503, C.R.S., and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished accordingly.  

APPLICATION: