Preschool Classroom Aide

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Make a difference in the community with Early Learning Essentials! We are a non-profit Head Start organization that offers preschool, health, and social services to children and families who are navigating significant life challenges & economic hardships. With Early Learning Essentials you can help children facing social, emotional, and/or economic disadvantages to reach their highest potential and prepare for lifelong success.

Full-time positions enjoy exceptional benefits with medical, dental, life, and a 401(k). We are a family friendly company as all staff enjoy gym benefits, weekends off, and twice the normal holidays!


POSITION SUMMARY:

This position requires availability Monday through Friday for 28 hours per week (appx. 8:00am-3:00pm daily).

Position is part-time for 167-175 days for double-session classrooms and 175 days for extended day classrooms. A typical work week for double-session classrooms is Monday - Friday with an expectation of no more than 6 hours a day M-TH and 4 hours on Friday or 28 hours per week. For extended day classrooms, a typical work week is Monday - Friday or 28 hours per week. Some locations with 1 classroom only will have an expectation of no more than 3 hours a day M-Th and 2 hours on Friday or 14 hours per week. For weeks with less than five working days, daily hours only apply.

Assists the teacher to provide instruction, supervision, and provision of appropriate learning activities for all enrolled children at a specified site. Under the direction of the teacher, delivers comprehensive educational services to all Head Start children, including those with Individualized Education Plan's (IEP), behavioral support or health plans and English language learners, helping them develop socially, intellectually, physically, and emotionally in a developmentally appropriate manner toward the overall goal of social competence and school readiness, as outlined in the Head Start Performance Standards, the 2007 Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act and Early Learning Essentials's policies and procedures and ensures services support the agency's school readiness plan. This position is not eligible for telecommuting as it is front-line work in nature working face-to-face with children and families

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have a High School Diploma or GED.
• Must have a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or enrolled in a CDA credential program that will be completed within two (2) years. Early Learning Essentials may assist with the cost of obtaining a CDA as long as funds are available.
• An Associate or Baccalaureate degree (in any area) from a recognized institution or be enrolled in a program leading to a degree; OR
• An Associate or Baccalaureate degree in ECE, Elementary Education, Child Development, or other closely related field from a recognized institution is preferred.
• Experience working with preschool children or preschool lab work leading to a degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) from a recognized institution is preferred.
• Bilingual Spanish-speaking is desirable.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of basic child development.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to handle/re-direct child challenging behaviors.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and to develop solutions to problems with limited supervision.
• Ability to write and speak the English language in a proficient and professional manner to meet requirements of the job.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, parents, community groups, and other related agencies and people.

PAY RANGE BY QUALIFICATIONS:

$17.49/hour - No CDA/CDA in progress

$17.86/hour - CDA credential completed

$18.43/hour - AA or BA+

Early Learning Essentials is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment actions based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, genetic identity, veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state or local law.