Classroom Aide - Isabella/Montcalm

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionJobTitle:Classroom Aide Classification:Full-time, non-exempt, hourlySalary Range:PA 01-03 ($16.11 - $17.69 - $19.06 Hours:40/weekWork Weeks: 41-44/year(school year)Department:Head Start/Early Head StartReports To:Education CoordinatorPositions Supervised: None Mission Statement EightCAP, Inc., improves our community by collaborating with private, government, and community organizations to deliver programs that alleviate the causes of poverty and its effects, allowing individuals to become self-sufficient.  Role Overview As a Classroom Aide, you have a crucial role inmaintainingthe continuity of early childhood education and care when regular teachers and staff are unavailable. You will ensure that the classroomoperatessmoothly, keeping the children engaged andmaintaininga safe, nurturing environment during the absence of the regular classroom staff. Key Responsibilities Monitoring:Provide a safe, healthy, organized environment for children through daily monitoring of activities and maintenance of the classroom for both Early Head Start and Head Start classrooms. Professionalism:Comply withprogram confidentiality policies concerning personally identifiable information about children, families, and other staff members and mustmaintainprofessional boundaries with enrolled children and families at all times.Model:Modelappropriate behaviorand support children's individualneedsincluding modeling healthy eating habits.Meal Preparation:Prepare meals and snacks as outlined on menus,maintaincleanliness of meal preparation areas,storagesareas and classroom and shop occasionally as needed/directed by the Education Coordinator. Compliance:Follow regulations and requirements of the Office of Head Start, Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).Reporting:Assistinmaintainingaccuraterecords as assigned as well as reporting all suspected child abuse and neglect. Communication:Communicate positively with children, parents, teaching team, supportstaffand community partners.Collaboration:Work cooperatively with parents, volunteers, staff, serviceprovidersand community partners.Professional Development:Activelyparticipatein professional development to ensure compliance with regulations.Perform Other Duties as Assigned. Our CORE Values at Work Accountability:The Classroom Aide shows accountability by consistently arriving on time and being fully prepared for their duties. They understand the importance of being present to support the classroom routines, as well as helping ensure that children’s needs are met throughout the day.Communication:The Classroom Aideutilizesopen, clear, and respectful communication with children, families, staff, and community partners. Compassion:The Classroom Aide is aware of the emotional needs of children and offers support, comfort, and reassurance whileremainingpatient and understanding. Empowerment:The ClassroomAide empowers children by encouraging independence, which in turn builds children’s confidence and fosters a sense of achievement. Qualifications High School diploma or GED.Experience with early childhood programs and food service preferred. Ability to communicate effectively and positively and work collaboratively with staff, families, agency representatives, service providers, and community organizations in a respectful, professional, and non-judgmental manner.Understanding ofmandated reporting requirements, including the ability to recognize, document, and report suspected child abuse or neglectin accordance withstate law and program procedures.Must successfully complete all required state and federal background clearances. Work EnvironmentThis positionoperatesprimarily within Head Start and Early Head Start classroom settings. This role requires regular interaction with children, families, staff, and community partners in a fast-paced early childhood education environment. The employee may be exposed to noise levels typical of preschool and infant/toddler classrooms and willparticipatein indoor and outdoor activities in varying weather conditions as part of daily program operations. Travel RequirementsLocal travel between program sites, training locations, meetings, and community events may berequired. The employee mustpossessa valid Michigan driver’s license, maintain an acceptable driving record, and have reliable transportation available for work-related travel. Physical RequirementsReasonableaccommodationsmay bemadeto enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. The physical requirements of this position include:Ability to move throughout classrooms, playgrounds, and program facilities.Ability to supervise and actively engage with children in indoor and outdoor environments.Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and reach as needed throughout the workday.Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 50 pounds occasionally.Ability to respond quickly and appropriately in emergency situations.Ability tooperatestandard office equipment, including computers, phones, and printers.Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Benefits Benefits include health, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, medical flex, and a 401k with a 5% employer match on your one-year anniversary.  Benefits begin on your 31st day of employment. Staff in this position may be eligible to apply for unemployment benefits during periods oflayoff,in accordance withstate unemployment regulations. Employment At-Will StatementThis job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Employment withEightCAP, Inc. is at-will, meaning either the employee or the organization mayterminatethe employment relationship at any time, with or without notice, and with or without cause, consistent with applicable law. Equal Employment Opportunity StatementEightCAP, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace.