Classroom Aide - Ionia County

Job Title: Classroom Aide

Classification: Full-time, non-exempt, hourly

Salary Range: PA 01-03 ($15.64 - $17.17 - $18.50)

Hours: 40/week

Work Weeks: 41-44/year (school year)

Department: Head Start/Early Head Start

Reports To: Education Coordinator

Positions Supervised: None

Mission Statement

EightCAP, Inc., improves our community by collaborating with private, government, and community organizations to deliver programs that alleviate the causes of poverty and its effects, allowing individuals to become self-sufficient. 

Role Overview

As a Classroom Aide, you have a crucial role in maintaining the continuity of early childhood education and care when regular teachers and staff are unavailable. You will ensure that the classroom operates smoothly, keeping the children engaged and maintaining a safe, nurturing environment during the absence of the regular classroom staff.

Key Responsibilities

1. Monitoring: Provide a safe, healthy, organized environment for children through daily monitoring of activities and maintenance of the classroom for both Early Head Start and Head Start classrooms.
2. Professionalism: Comply with program confidentiality policies concerning personally identifiable information about children, families, and other staff members and must maintain professional boundaries with enrolled children and families at all times.
3. Model: Model appropriate behavior and support children's individual needs including modeling healthy eating habits.
4. Meal Preparation: Prepare meals and snacks as outlined on menus, maintain cleanliness of meal preparation areas, storages areas and classroom and shop occasionally as needed/directed by the Education Coordinator.
5. Compliance: Follow regulations and requirements of the Office of Head Start, Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
6. Reporting:Assist in maintainingaccurate records as assigned as well as reporting all suspected child abuse and neglect.
7. Communication: Communicate positively with children, parents, teaching team, support staff and community partners.
8. Collaboration: Work cooperatively with parents, volunteers, staff, service providers and community partners.
9. Professional Development: Actively participate in professional development to ensure compliance with regulations.
10. Perform Other Duties as Assigned.

Our CORE Values at Work

1. Accountability: The Classroom Aide shows accountability by consistently arriving on time and being fully prepared for their duties. They understand the importance of being present to support the classroom routines, as well as helping ensure that children’s needs are met throughout the day.
2. Communication: The Classroom Aide utilizes open, clear, and respectful communication with children, families, staff, and community partners.
3. Compassion: The Classroom Aide is aware of the emotional needs of children and offers support, comfort, and reassurance while remaining patient and understanding.
4. Empowerment:The Classroom Aide empowers children by encouraging independence, which in turn builds children’s confidence and fosters a sense of achievement.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED.

• Experience with early childhood programs and food service preferred.

• Ability to communicate effectively and positively and work collaboratively with staff, families, agency representatives, service providers, and community organizations in a respectful, professional, and non-judgmental manner.

• Understanding of mandated reporting requirements, including the ability to recognize, document, and report suspected child abuse or neglect in accordance with state law and program procedures.

• Must successfully complete all required state and federal background clearances.

Work Environment

This position operates primarily within Head Start and Early Head Start classroom settings. This role requires regular interaction with children, families, staff, and community partners in a fast-paced early childhood education environment. The employee may be exposed to noise levels typical of preschool and infant/toddler classrooms and will participate in indoor and outdoor activities in varying weather conditions as part of daily program operations.

Travel Requirements

Local travel between program sites, training locations, meetings, and community events may be required. The employee must possess a valid Michigan driver’s license, maintain an acceptable driving record, and have reliable transportation available for work-related travel.

Physical Requirements

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
The physical requirements of this position include:

• Ability to move throughout classrooms, playgrounds, and program facilities.

• Ability to supervise and actively engage with children in indoor and outdoor environments.

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and reach as needed throughout the workday.

• Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 50 pounds occasionally.

• Ability to respond quickly and appropriately in emergency situations.

• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers, phones, and printers.

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Benefits

Benefits include health, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, medical flex, and a 401k with a 5% employer match on your one-year anniversary.  Benefits begin on your 31st day of employment.

Staff in this position may be eligible to apply for unemployment benefits during periods of layoff, in accordance with state unemployment regulations.

Employment At-Will Statement

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Employment with EightCAP, Inc. is at-will, meaning either the employee or the organization may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice, and with or without cause, consistent with applicable law.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

EightCAP, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace.