Teacher's Aide

Description

The Teacher's Aide supports the Center Teacher in providing high-quality early childhood education services that promote the education, safety, and well-being of children and families enrolled in the Early Childhood Program. This role assists with classroom instruction, supervision, meal services, health and safety practices, and family engagement while ensuring compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, ODJFS licensing rules, and agency policies. Teacher's Aides play a vital role in creating a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for young children.
Essential Functions
Functional Area: Child Development, Health, and Disabilities

Estimated Effort: 60%

Responsibilities, Deliverables, Outcomes and Expectations:

• Supervise and monitor children at all times using Active Supervision techniques and ensure children are released only to authorized individuals
• Assist the Center Teacher in implementing integrated curriculum plans that promote social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development
• Follow consistent daily classroom schedules including group activities, meals, transitions, and skill development
• Utilize intentional teaching strategies to encourage exploration, problem solving, cooperation, and socialization
• Assist in preparing classroom materials and maintaining engaging learning centers
• Assist with documentation of ongoing child assessments aligned with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework, School Readiness Goals, and Ohio Early Learning and Development Standards
• Conduct daily health checks to monitor for communicable diseases
• Assist children with individual and group needs, including adaptations for children with IEPs, IFSPs, or identified developmental goals
• Assist with diapering, toileting, and personal care routines
• Greet children at arrival and departure using appropriate language and interactions
• Assist with incident reporting and required documentation in a timely manner
• Accommodate therapists in the classroom to support collaborative service delivery
• Participate in team meetings to support coordinated service delivery
• Engage in professional development with a minimum of 15 hours of related training annually

Functional Area: Parent, Family, and Community Engagement

Estimated Effort: 30%

Responsibilities, Deliverables, Outcomes and Expectations:

• Build respectful and trusting relationships with families that reflect their values, beliefs, and caregiving practices
• Document relevant family contacts and communications in Child Plus case notes
• Notify supervisors or designated staff when families request or require additional resources or services
• Encourage parent engagement, volunteerism, and participation in classroom and program activities
• Assist parents in understanding their role as their child's first teacher and in advocating for their child's needs
• Assist with required parent-teacher conferences and home visits for assessment and support
• Develop working knowledge of Community Action programs to support families and referrals

Functional Area: Transportation (If Assigned)

Estimated Effort: Up to 30%

Responsibilities, Deliverables, Outcomes and Expectations:

• Assist the bus driver in transporting children safely in accordance with Ohio laws, agency policies, and Early Childhood procedures
• Secure children in appropriate restraint systems
• Follow child boarding, exiting, and emergency evacuation procedures
• Maintain cleanliness and safety of the bus
• Complete required bus safety checklists
• Complete annual transportation and driver-related training requirements

Functional Area: Classroom Operations and Other Duties

Estimated Effort: 10%

Responsibilities, Deliverables, Outcomes and Expectations:

• Assist with meal preparation, serving, cleanup, and removal of food waste
• Assist with collection of child care fees and coordinate with the Enrollment Coordinator regarding unpaid balances
• Assist with classroom opening and closing duties and submit required sign-in documentation
• Support use of attendance tracking systems such as TAPS as required
• Maintain confidentiality of all child and family information
• Assist with general facility maintenance, security, inventory, and supply requests
• Participate in recruitment and enrollment activities to support full enrollment
• Maintain compliance with agency policies, ODJFS licensing rules, and Head Start Performance Standards
• Adhere to restrictions on personal cell phone use in classrooms
• Demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, accountability, and a positive attitude
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support Early Childhood Program and CAC operations

Minimum Requirements
Education:

High School Diploma or GED.
Job-Related Experience:

Experience working with young children in a preschool or early childhood setting preferred.
People Management Experience:

Not applicable.
Licenses, Certifications, and Accreditations:

• Valid Ohio driver's license, reliable transportation, and proof of automobile insurance
• Ability to be insured under agency policy

Other Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and bend or stoop to interact with children at their level
• Adequate audio and visual acuity to care for young children
• Three professional references
• Physical examination and/or T-8 exam
• Pre-employment drug and alcohol screening
• Updated immunizations
• Ability to obtain BCI and FBI background checks
• Signed Standards of Conduct

Preferred Qualifications

• Center-Based Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or qualifying degree
• Early childhood coursework or degree
• Experience working with children under six (6) years of age
• Willingness to complete CDL pre-service training and obtain certification (must be at least 21 years of age with required driving experience)

Working Conditions

This position operates in a well-lit classroom environment serving preschool, infant, or toddler children. Work is fast-paced and physically active, requiring lifting up to 40 pounds and frequent bending and stooping. The role may involve moderate to high levels of stress and requires participation in professional development activities, including occasional overnight stays as requested by the supervisor.