Instructional Aide - Early Head Start SY 2026-2027 (INTERNAL APPLICANTS PREFERRED)

Donna Independent School District•Donna, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Provide nurturing, responsive, and developmentally appropriate care for infants and toddlers ages six (6) weeks to two (2) years. The Early Head Start Paraprofessional ensures a safe, clean, and engaging environment that promotes each child’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development while maintaining compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, state licensing regulations, and district policies.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED
Completed two (2) years/48 hours of study at an institution of higher education; or Obtained an Associate’s Degree (or higher)
Valid Texas educational aide certificate
Some experience working with children
Must meet all State Child Care Licensing requirements
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence and memos.
Ability to write simple correspondence.
Ability to effectively present information in one-to-one and small group situations to administrators, teachers, peers, students, parents and the school community.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but involved written or oral instructions.
Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
Ability to work well with children.
Working knowledge of copier, personal computer, typewriter, and audiovisual equipment.
Ability to develop effective working relationships with students, staff and the school community.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies.

Nice To Haves

Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in infant/toddler preferred or willingness to obtain within one year of hire
Current CPR and First Aide certification preferred

Responsibilities

Assist with administration and scoring of objective testing instruments or work assignments.
Help maintain neat and orderly classroom.
Help with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment.
Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.
Provide direct supervision and responsive care for infants and toddlers at all times.
Create a nurturing, predictable, and stimulating classroom environment that promotes learning through play and exploration.
Implement daily routines including feeding, diapering, and napping, following all sanitation and safety guidelines.
Facilitate age-appropriate activities that promote sensory, motor, language, and cognitive development.
Encourage positive social and emotional development through modeling, guidance, and redirection.
Ensure all classroom materials and equipment are clean, safe, and developmentally appropriate.
Maintain compliance with all Donna ISD, Head Start, and State Licensing standards and procedures.
Conduct daily health and safety checks of the classroom and playground.
Follow emergency procedures and child release policies as outlined by district and licensing guidelines.
Maintain accurate attendance, meal count, and daily logs as required.
Build positive relationships with families, sharing updates on their child’s daily routines and developmental progress.
Maintain confidentiality.
Participate in staff development training programs to improve job performance.
Participate in faculty meeting and special events as assigned.
Exercise professional judgment in absences; be punctual to work, meetings, and appointments.
Perform other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor.
Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.