Teacher Aide (Anticipated Opening)

Head Start Teacher Aide

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of others? If your answer is yes then Southern Seven Health Department may have the perfect career for you. We offer a great working environment, have the highest caliber of employees, and most importantly are a "family friendly" employer.

This position is a full time (partial year) position and is based at the Metropolis Head Start in Metropolis, Illinois. It does come with a benefit package (including vacation, personal, and sick time accrual, holidays, health and life insurance, and an employer sponsored cafeteria plan). 

Qualifications: 

Education, Training and Experience:

• Must be at least nineteen years of age AND
• Must Possess a CDA or enrolled in CDA program to be completed within 2 years OR
• Prefer--Associate degree in Early Childhood or related field with at least six ECE hours working toward 18 hours

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Organization and supervisory ability.
• Basic computer skills.

Certifications and Other Requirements:

1. Required: DCFS Criminal background check; DCFS physical assessment; Mandated Reporter; DCFS licensing required courses; CPR/First Aid certification
2. Recommended: Hepatitis B Vaccine and Head Start Teacher Qualified
   

Physical Requirements:

• Strength: Lift/carry up to 40 pounds on occasion and 20 pounds frequently.
• Movement: Sit, walk, or stand for prolonged periods of time; Lift horizontally and vertically, bend and stoop, push/pull, twist, carry, crouch, squat, kneel, reach above shoulder level; Hear and understand speech at normal room levels and on the telephone.

Salary Range:  $16.87 - $19.53 hourly

Position Summary:

This position is responsible for assisting the teacher with the academic, social-emotional growth, and development of all pre-school aged children in their care.  Develops a partnership with children's parents or caregivers to engage and encourage parent participation in the program.  Responsible for assuring compliance with the Head Start Performance Standards and local & state guidelines.

Job Duties:

• • Encourages and assists all children in all personal hygiene activities.
  • Assists the teacher in administering developmental screening tool within 45 days of child’s enrollment. Completes an Assistance or Guidance request if needed.  Participates in IEP/IFSP meetings as appropriate.
  • Assists the teacher with maintaining an online portfolio on each child’s progress and development for the purpose of planning to promote each child’s growth and development.
  • Observes each child daily to assess skills, interests, and needs and uses this information to facilitate learning and growth.
  • Works cooperatively with the Teacher and other staff and volunteers, using the team approach to classroom management.
  • Assures that all children are supervised at all times.  
  • Participates in family style meals and snacks at table with children.
  • Assists the teacher in completing daily, weekly, and monthly required paperwork as required by procedures manual.
  • Responsible for developing a partnership with parents and caregivers in the Head Start program and encourages each parent/caregiver to take in active role in their child’s Head Start experience.
  • Assists the teacher in conducting home visits and family staff conferences.
  • Participates in staff meetings, center activities, and staff development.
  • Maintains child, family, and employee confidentiality.
  • Participates in the federal and annual program review.
  • Responsible for recruitment of Head Start eligible children, in coordination with other Head Start staff, for enrollment into the Head Start program.
  • Responsible for carrying out best practices for safety procedures concerning children, staff, families, and community individuals and for assessing current practices and finding ways and areas needing improvement.
  • Responsible for participating in activities and attitudes that promote positive public relations and positive image for the program and agency.
  • Complies and is familiar with the requirements of the policies and procedures adopted by Southern Seven Health Department as required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
  • Reports potential problems and concerns to the Site Supervisor.

"Southern Seven Health Department is an "Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled"