Classroom Instructional Aide

Alliance for Community Empowerment Inc • Stratford, CT

8d

About The Position

The Head Start Classroom Instructional Aide supports the Teacher and Assistant Teacher in carrying out daily classroom activities that promote young children's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development, in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards and the program curriculum. The aide may be assigned to a primary classroom and is expected to float between classrooms as needed to maintain staff-child ratios and ensure consistent care and supervision.

The role is responsible for supervising children and keeping them safe. Duties include supporting classroom routines and transitions, maintaining a safe and engaging learning environment, assisting with child documentation, and providing individualized encouragement that fosters independence and self-regulation. The aide also helps maintain a clean and organized classroom, participates in team meetings and required training, protects confidential child and family information, and provides classroom coverage as needed. The position requires the physical ability to monitor and respond quickly to active children and to lift a child weighing an average of 50 pounds if necessary.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least six months of experience as a classroom volunteer or substitute in an early childhood setting.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative teaching team.
• Demonstrated commitment to providing high-quality early childhood education.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Must meet state and federal Head Start requirements, including background checks, health screenings, and ongoing professional development requirements.
• Must be able to lift a child with an average weight of 50 pounds, if necessary.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Teacher and Assistant Teacher in planning, implementing, and developing developmentally appropriate activities that support individualized child goals.
• Support classroom routines and transitions while maintaining a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment.
• Supervise children during classroom activities, outdoor play, mealtimes, field trips, and other program activities while maintaining appropriate staff-child ratios.
• Help maintain an organized, clean, and safe classroom in compliance with program health and safety requirements.
• Provide individualized support and encouragement to children, fostering independence and self-regulation skills.
• Assist with completing and maintaining child documentation and other required records as directed by the Teacher.
• Participate in classroom team meetings, training sessions, and required professional development.
• Maintain the confidentiality of child and family information in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
• Provide coverage and support to other classrooms as needed to comply with licensing regulations and Head Start Performance Standards.
• Monitor and respond quickly to highly active children who may require redirection to ensure their safety and the safety of others.
• Perform other work-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical benefits
• Dental benefits
• Vision benefits
• Telehealth access
• Paid life and disability insurance
• Paid dependent life insurance
• Paid short-term disability
• Paid long-term disability
• Medical flexible spending account (FSA)
• Paid time off: three weeks and 14 holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED