EARLY LEARNING SUPPORT AIDE - HEAD START
Employment Type: Full-time/Non-exempt
Starting Pay Range: $38,000 - $40,000 / annually
Amount of Travel Required: 5%
OVERVIEW OF GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
The Head Start Early Learning Support Aide (ELSA) provides flexible, on-demand support across classrooms and center operations to ensure continuity of high-quality services for children and families. This position assists teaching staff in maintaining a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment while supporting the overall flow of daily program activities.
The ELSA works under the direction of center leadership and may be assigned to different classrooms or areas based on program needs. This role does not serve as the primary teacher or assume full classroom responsibility but supports the implementation of educational activities and classroom routines in alignment with Federal Head Start Performance Standards and all applicable local, state, and agency policies and procedures.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Classroom Support and Child Supervision
- Assist teaching staff in maintaining a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment
- Provide active supervision of children at all times in accordance with Head Start safety standards
- Support daily classroom routines, including transitions, indoor/outdoor activities, and rest periods
- Help guide children’s behavior using positive guidance and developmentally appropriate practices
- Step into classrooms as needed to maintain required staff-to-child ratios
- May be required to assist with completion of daily documentation.
Education and Learning Support
- Support the implementation of lesson plans and learning activities under the direction of the Lead Teacher or Teacher
- Assist with preparing, organizing, and maintaining classroom materials and learning environments
- Engage children in play-based learning and developmentally appropriate interactions
- Reinforce learning concepts through small group or individual support as directed
Health, Safety, and Nutrition Support
- Follow all health and safety procedures, including sanitation, handwashing, and infection control practices
- Assist with meal and snack service, ensuring proper supervision and safe practices during mealtimes
- Help maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free classroom environment
- Monitor children for signs of illness or distress and report concerns promptly
Center-Wide and Operational Support
- Provide coverage across classrooms and center areas based on daily staffing needs
- Assist with arrival, departure, and transitions to ensure children’s safety
- Support playground monitoring and shared spaces as assigned
- Help with general tasks such as organizing supplies, laundry, and classroom setup/cleanup
Family and Engagement Support
- Interact with families in a warm, respectful, and professional manner
- Support family engagement activities and center events as needed
- Assist with communication efforts by helping distribute information and materials
- Maintain confidentiality and respect for all children and families
Compliance and Professional Responsibilities
- Adhere to all Head Start Performance Standards and agency policies and procedures
- Maintain flexibility and responsiveness to changing daily assignments and program needs
- Participate in required trainings and ongoing professional development
- Maintain confidentiality of child and family information at all times
- Demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and a commitment to the Head Start mission
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education Requirements
- High school diploma or GED required
- High School Graduate or General Education Degree (GED) with a minimum of EDU 119, Child Development Associate (CDA), pursuing or achieved AA or BA Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field a plus.
North Carolina Child Care Licensing Requirements
- Must meet North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) requirements for child care staff, including:
- Completion of required pre-service health and safety training
- Criminal background check (NC DCDEE qualifying letter)
- Medical statement and TB screening as required
- Must be eligible to work in a licensed child care facility in North Carolina
Experience Requirements
- Previous experience working with young children (birth to age five) in a group setting preferred
- Experience in a Head Start or early childhood program is strongly preferred
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Basic understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practices
- Ability to follow direction and work collaboratively with teaching staff and center leadership
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact positively with children, families, and staff
- Ability to maintain flexibility and adapt to changing assignments and classroom needs
- Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and engage in active movement (bending, kneeling, sitting on the floor, and standing for extended periods)
- Ability to supervise children in indoor and outdoor environments
Additional Requirements
- Must obtain and maintain current certification in CPR and First Aid (or obtain within required timeframe)
- Must complete all required Head Start and agency trainings and professional development
- Must have reliable transportation if assigned to multiple classrooms or sites
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Certificates & Licenses
It is the employee's responsibility to obtain and keep current all certifications, licenses, physicals, etc., at all times.
Required certifications and licenses are:
- Food Handler's License
- Current (negative) TB test with receipt
- Annual physical
- First Aid Certificate
- CPR Certificate
- Valid driver's license or reliable transportation. Annual state vehicle inspection, and proof of vehicle liability insurance coverage if POV.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Must be able to work and communicate with a wide variety of people, particularly pre-school-aged children.
The employee must be able to pass a criminal background record check and post-offer employment and random substance abuse tests.
The employee must be able to complete a criminal background check and maintain an active Criminal Background Check (CBC) Qualification letter through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development.
A good driving record with no moving violations is required with Valid Driver's License.
The ability to speak Spanish is preferred but not required.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Background check with state and Federal law enforcement agencies required. Selected applicants must submit to a pre-employment substance abuse screening test and receive a negative result for the use of drugs and alcohol as specified in agency policies. Must submit and receive negative results for random testing of same. The employee must have a valid North Carolina Driver's License. Must be able to pass a post-offer physical examination.
Action Pathways, Inc. is an “at-will” employer. Either the employee or Action Pathways, Inc. may terminate the employment arrangement at any time, with or without cause.
Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. The job description or announcement is not an employment agreement or contract.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS PACKAGE:
- Competitive pay with periodic Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA)
- Zero-cost Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability (Employee only)
- Retirement plan with 100% employer matching
- Paid Vacation/Sick/Personal leave
- 13 Paid Holidays
- Winter break (2 weeks w/leave)
- Spring Break (for Head Start)
- Paid professional development training
- Education assistance after one year employed
- Auto mileage reimbursement for official travel
- Employee discounts
- Bragg Mutual Credit Union Membership
- Employee Recognition Events
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants must apply online at www.actionpathways.ngo
