Performs paraprofessional educational work in assisting teachers in providing developmental services to underprivileged and disabled children enrolled in the County Head Start program. Provides assistance in planning and carrying out a daily program with the goal of meeting the physical and developmental needs of individual members of an assigned group of young children. Responsible for assisting in the supervision and care of client children, meal serving, and clean-up. Supervises children during transportation to and from outside service centers.
Assists Teacher in planning and carrying out the daily indoor and outdoor educational and recreational activities designed to enhance the social, intellectual, physical and emotional development of income eligible and disabled children at an educational center operated by the County Head Start program.
Assists in providing personal care and protection for the children, helping them to adapt to and cope with real life situations and to develop appropriate habits in such activities as eating, dressing and using the bathroom.
Supervises and ensures safety of client children on busses to and from school and on field trips as needed, etc.
Assists in maintaining attractive, healthy surroundings, and ensures that classroom, equipment and materials are kept in good condition; polices outside play areas for trash and safety hazards.
Assists in service of meals and/or snacks to client children; assists in associated set-up and clean-up activities.
Graduation from high school, and 1 to 2 years of experience in teaching preschool and/or preadolescent children; or any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. As of September 30, 2013 the requirements will include the following: possession of a child development associate credential (CDA), must be enrolled in a CDA credential program that will be completed within 2 years, or must possess an associate or bachelor’s degree (in any area) , or be enrolled in a program leading to such a degree.
Possession of a valid commercial driver's license with appropriate endorsements issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia is preferred and must serve as a bus aide when needed.
Must assist with childcare during parent trainings, which may include evenings and weekends.
Requires an initial physical examination to include a screening for tuberculosis, and periodic re-examinations to ensure the incumbent poses no significant health risk to the participants in the Head Start Program.
This job is contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment checks to include criminal history and background checks.
General knowledge of first aid.
Some knowledge of early childhood learning theories and principles.
Some knowledge of early childhood development.
Effective oral communication skills.
Ability to work with preschoolers in an atmosphere appropriate to their stage of development.
Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including phonographs, audio and video tape players, etc. Must be able to restrain a child when necessary. Work involves a great deal of bending, stooping, standing, and walking. Some running after and lifting of a child is often necessary while caring for the children, particularly during a recess period or field trip. Must be able to sit on the floor with children.
