Classroom Assistant, Early Head Start

Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Denver • Denver, CO

1d • $21 - $22 • Onsite

About The Position

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Denver has been serving Northern Colorado since 1927. Our employees are crucial to our success in achieving our mission to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to the poor and those in need. Catholic Charities provides a work environment where self-motivated and mission driven individuals are recognized and rewarded. Catholic Charities is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to welcoming applicants and program participants of all faiths; as well as an inclusive and welcoming environment for staff, volunteers, and program participants.

An Early Head Start Classroom Assistant at Catholic Charities ensures the safety and security of children in the classroom, develops positive relationships with parents and families, and assists other staff in planning and completing student activities. This role provides classroom coverage for teacher absences, assists in the organization and maintenance of classroom materials, and ensures the classroom is safe, clean, and orderly. The assistant takes direction from classroom staff, provides crisis intervention including child abuse reporting, and ensures a safe environment by following safety rules. Responsibilities also include participation in meal preparation, setup, serving, and clean-up, administering first aid as needed, and complying with all Colorado State Licensing regulations and Head Start Performance Standards. The position requires participation in required training and programs related to early childhood development and classroom environments, and enrollment in coursework for the Child Development Associate (CDA) certification if not already obtained or possessing an ECE related degree.

Requirements

• Ability to interact well with children 6 weeks-5 years of age.
• Ability to remember schedules, programs, policies, and other details.
• Ability to remain calm and calm others in an emergency and/or confrontational situation.
• Knowledge of the service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and the appropriate techniques and practices for the client population.
• Ability to interact effectively as a team member and independently with Agency staff and with a diverse client base.
• Must be currently enrolled in, or agree to enroll in, coursework to obtain the Child Development Associate (CDA) certification. The CDA must be completed within 6 months of the hire date. (Those with an associate's degree or higher in ECE are excluded and those who are already Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) qualified are not required to enroll in and complete the CDA but are strongly encouraged to do so).

Nice To Haves

• Experience effectively interacting with children ages 6 weeks to 5 years of age in a group setting preferred.
• Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) qualification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Ensures the safety and security of children in classroom.
• Develops positive relationships with parents and families of each child.
• Assists other staff in planning, coordinating and completing student activities.
• Provides classroom coverage for teacher absences and updates teaching staff upon their return.
• Assists in the organization and maintenance of classroom materials and equipment.
• Ensures that the classroom is safe, clean, and orderly.
• Takes direction from classroom staff regarding classroom organization and management.
• Provides crisis intervention including, but not limited to, child abuse reporting.
• Ensures safe environment by following safety rules.
• Participates in the preparation, setup, serving, and clean-up of meals and snacks.
• Administers first aid as needed.
• Complies with all Colorado State Licensing regulations and Head Start Performance Standards.
• Participates in required training, programs, workshops, and meetings concerning teaching methods, first aid/CPR, universal precautions, food safety, and other topics relating to the classroom, early childhood development, and classroom environments.
• Enroll in and complete coursework for the Child Development Associate (CDA) certification, if not already obtained or do not have an ECE related degree, and complete within 6 months of the date of hire. Staff who are already Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) qualified are not required to enroll in and complete the CDA but are strongly encouraged to do so.

Benefits

• Extensive Paid Time Off (4 weeks accrual for new employees - increasing based on tenure) promoting work life balance.
• 15 Paid Holidays annually (shelters are 24/7, so if a holiday is worked, holiday pay is in included.)
• 403b Retirement Plan with Agency contribution of 4% & match up to 2% of annual compensation.
• Choice of 3 PPO Medical Plans (90% of employee's and 75% of dependent’s premiums is paid by Agency), Dental, & Vision starting the 1st day of the month following start date.
• May be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through Federal Student Loans and many more benefits.
• Part-time employees (20-29 hours per week) also receive paid annual leave, company paid holidays, and 403b retirement plan with agency contribution and match.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree