Early Head Start/Head Start Teacher Aide

University of Kansas Medical Center • Kansas City, MO

104d • $20 - $26

About The Position

Project Eagle is an early childhood program focused on preparing children, engaging families, and promoting excellence for children and families in Kansas City, Kansas. Project Eagle provides home-based and center-based services to pregnant women and/or children ages birth to five through a variety of programs, the largest being Early Head Start. Project Eagle is also a member of the Educare Learning Network, part of a national initiative that serves as a platform for broader change, inspiring high-quality programs in communities, improving public policies within each state, and demonstrating a comprehensive approach to the first five years of life and learning. The Teacher Aide is responsible for assisting the teachers with the daily operation of an assigned classroom to meet all federal and state guidelines. This position will work either in a Head Start Classroom (ages 3-5) or an Early Head Start Classroom (ages 0-3) and will float between classrooms as necessary.

Requirements

• Meet one of the following educational requirements: Child Development Associate (CDA) or Early Childhood Certificate, 9 Early Childhood college credit hours, or one year of teaching experience in the Early Childhood field and must be willing to participate in higher education (and complete either a CDA, Early Childhood Certificate, or 9 early childhood college credit hours in Early Childhood Education within 2 years).
• CPR and First Aid Certified or become certified within 30 days of employment (paid for by employer).
• Pass background check including fingerprinting.

Nice To Haves

• Associate Degree in Child Development or Early Childhood Education from an accredited College or University.
• Experience working with children ages 0-3 and 3-5.
• Bilingual English/Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers in preparing educational materials and setting up classroom for daily activities, supporting classroom staff, children and parents.
• Supervise children under them at all times to ensure their safety.
• Rotate from classroom to classroom as needed or required.
• Follow all established organizational and classroom specific policies and procedures.
• Notify supervisor immediately of any unusual or at-risk situations.
• Predict unsafe situations and take precautions; provide child first aid; diaper children and participate in potty training and toileting; implement procedures that prevent the spread of infectious diseases; promote oral and physical health; and appropriately respond to emergencies/crises.
• Assist in food preparation, serving and clean up.
• Adhere to all Head Start Performance Standards, Kansas Child Care Licensing Regulations, and Educare Learning Network core features.
• Ensure that all children are under appropriate supervision and guidance at all times.
• Provide a supportive social-emotional classroom climate.
• Complete daily activity and accident reports.
• Establish rapport with families.
• Assist teachers in providing daily written communication to parents regarding their child's involvement in classroom activities and progress toward learning goals.
• Support children’s growth and development through play-based experiences.
• Meet with the Mentor Teacher on a regular basis for reflective supervision.
• In partnership with the Mentor Teacher, develop an action plan for professional development that is based on classroom assessments, center goals, and self-assessments.
• Participate in all classroom assessments as part of the Educare Learning Network cross-site evaluation.
• Work in partnership with Teachers to implement classroom action plans based on assessment and evaluation results.
• Participate in staff meetings, parent meetings and in-service training as required.
• Work collaboratively in the classroom with community partners, volunteers, and evaluation partners.

Benefits

• Coverage begins on day one for health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability insurance.
• Paid time off, including vacation and sick, begins accruing upon hire, plus ten paid holidays.
• One paid discretionary day is available after six months of employment.
• Paid time off for bereavement, jury duty, military service, and parental leave is available after 12 months of employment.
• A retirement program with a generous employer contribution and additional voluntary retirement programs (457 or 403b) are available.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed