Class Aide/Disability Aide

Class Aide With Disability Responsibilities

A Class Aide with disabilities responsibilities will provide one-on-one attention to a child that has special needs or requires additional assistance. The Class Aide is responsible for providing additional daily assistance with assigned children in the Head Start classroom. The Class Aide will work alongside the teacher and teacher aide to provide an educational environment for all children enrolled in the Head Start classroom.

Duties and responsibilities include:

• Working as a team with other teaching staff and assisting with daily activities in the Head Start center as required.
• Assisting with special needs children as assigned. Assisting the child in classroom, bathroom, mealtimes, playground, and field trips.
• Assisting with documentation of required paperwork for children with special needs.
• Never leaving the child unattended at any time.
• Providing communication between staff and parents concerning children. Relaying messages between parents and Center Staff. Being positive with parents and children as the program's first and last contact of the day.
• Participating in appropriate Head Start training. Attending parent committee meetings, center staff meetings, in-service training, and other training as required or requested by management staff and/or supervisor.
• Ensuring that emergency supplies are maintained and properly stored in accordance with agency policy and procedures. Ensuring that the communication system is tested regularly and kept in working order.
• Working cooperatively with all Head Start staff.
• Understanding the responsibility of being a mandated reporter for Child Abuse and Neglect. Reading and understanding Child Abuse and Neglect Policy. Failure to follow reporting procedures, including incidents involving other staff members, may result in termination.
• Performing additional duties as assigned by supervisors.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities include:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Knowledge of program curriculum, developmentally appropriate practice, and related program performance standards.
• Relating to children and parents in a positive, constructive manner.
• Developing and implementing classroom activities based on children's individual needs.
• Working well with other center staff, parents, and managers.
• Knowledge of all applicable bus safety regulations and procedures. Knowledge of all Head Start transportation guidelines and standards.
• Knowledge of basic child development, as well as child care and guidance knowledge.
• Maintaining conduct that promotes a positive image to staff, parents, agency, and community.
• Obtaining initial medical exam and TB assessment within 30 days of employment. Completing a medical exam and TB assessment every five years following initial employment.
• Passing background screen, child abuse/neglect screen, drug screen, and being subject to random drug testing.

Additional requirements include emotional maturity, willingness to cooperate with the standards of the program, respect for children and adults, flexibility, patience, good personal hygiene, and physical and mental health which does not interfere with responsibilities. Must have good verbal communication skills and visual ability to observe children. Ability to fulfill responsibilities under pressure, including during emergencies.

Working conditions include risk of exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues. Risk involved with travel on main highways, side streets, and rural roads during the transportation of children. Risk of exposure to communicable diseases. Must be able to lift 55 pounds, many times a day, climb into the school bus, bend, kneel, and squat frequently. Job requires standing for long periods of time, as well as stooping, squatting, running; and sitting in child sized chairs and/or on the floor.