2025-2026 ES-Instructional Aide, Head Start Pool

South San Antonio Independent School District•San Antonio, TX

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Head Start Instructional Aide assists teachers in preparation and management of classroom activities and administrative requirements (e.g., record keeping, material processing, activity set-up, student assistance, and tutoring) and works under supervision of a certified teacher. This position requires eating with assigned students to reinforce “family meal” practices, encouraging and supporting parent volunteers, and compliance with Head Start Performance Standards.

Requirements

Associate degree or higher; or Minimum of Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, be enrolled in a program leading to an associate or baccalaureate degree or be enrolled in a CDA credential program to be completed within 2 years; or Valid Texas educational aide certificate
High school diploma or GED equivalent (recognized by the Texas Education Agency or a regional accrediting agency) and passed the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) test; and Be eligible to obtain a paraprofessional certificate issued by the State Board of Educator Certification
Willing to accept other responsibilities as assigned
Candidates must have a satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check. Non-refundable fee (approximately $50.00) paid by the employee
Candidate must have a current pre-employment health screen paid by the employee
Competency in providing instructional assistance as required during individual and small group instruction and modeling good practices during play and meal/snack times
Supervise children in a variety of situations
Ability to work with staff and interact with children of diverse backgrounds
Able to have initiative and maintain a sense of humor and patience during stress
Organizational skills, flexibility, problem analysis, and ability to follow directions
Strong communication and organizational skills in written and oral forms
Proficient computer skills (e.g., word processing, charts, spreadsheets) applications, and telephone skills

Nice To Haves

Minimum of 1 year of classroom assistance experience in an early childhood or elementary education program (preferred)
Experience in Head Start philosophy and practices, early education programs, and developmentally appropriate practices for young children (preferred)
Fluent bilingual in English and Spanish (preferred)

Responsibilities

Assist teacher in the preparation of materials needed for classroom instruction and activities for both large and small groups per lesson plan and Head Start requirements
Assist teacher in preparing classroom displays
Assist with administration and scoring of objective testing instruments or work assignments.
Eat with assigned students to reinforce “family meal” practices
Assist teacher in the basic care to children, including tooth brushing, toileting, diapering; assist physically ill children; assist with the detection of head lice and other communicable diseases
Assist with meal and snack purchasing, preparation, and planning
Assist with cleaning and disinfecting of classroom equipment and materials
Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers
Perform basic clerical and record-keeping duties
Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards
Conduct instructional exercises assigned by the teacher; work with individual students or small groups
Help supervise students throughout school day, inside and outside classroom—including lunchroom, bus, and playground duty
Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual student
Participate in staff development training programs to improve job performance and as required
Participate in faculty meetings and special events as assigned