Substitute Classroom Assistant- Head Start Preschool Program - Capital Area Community Services Inc. Head Start

CACS, Inc. Head Start and Early Head Start Program is hiring part time Substitute Classroom Assistants. This is a 28 hour per week position, the rate of pay is $13.33 per hour.

CACS works toward eliminating the causes and conditions of poverty in Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, and Shiawassee Counties by providing programs in childhood education, nutrition, weatherization, housing, and financial counseling. Our ultimate goal is to provide the services and support for individuals to achieve their own definition of success and quality of life.

Job Summary

Encourage children's development in a play-based and trauma-informed learning environment. Provide respectful, playful, and age-appropriate interactions with children. Assists the teacher and teacher assistant in meeting the social emotional needs of the children and implementing developmentally appropriate experiences. Provide support to teaching team, families, and bus driver during arrival, transitions, and departure of children. Contributes professional and reflective communication with co-workers and other departments within the agency. Participate in all health and safety activities

Qualifications

Education:

High school diploma, GED or the equivalent with coursework in child development leading to a CDA preferred.

Experience:

Preferred work experience in a childcare setting or related setting.

Position Duties/Responsibilities

Assists classroom staff in planning and carrying out individualized instruction, for example: setting up environment and activities, guiding physical activities indoor and outdoor; working on self-help skills such as eating and putting on coats; reinforcing learned skills and behaviors with verbal and emotional support; reading and listening to stories; and encouraging relationships with other children as per teacher's direction.

Interacts with children in an effective and positive manner using positive behavior intervention and/or redirection when necessary, while maintaining a warm, nurturing and safe environment that supports the maximum learning potential for children

Assist with program systems with documentation such as meals and attendance tracking, ongoing assessments, including daily entry of observations and anecdotal records.

Engage children during family-style mealtimes, while supporting children's social development and self-help skills.

Assist in food service, including maintaining a clean environment for food service, receiving food and meal preparation. Follow sound nutritional practices, CACFP guidelines, as directed by the nutrition coordinator.

Demonstrates proficiency in implementing all areas of CLASS (Emotional Support, Classroom Organization, and Instructional Support.)

Assist with and document diapering/toilet training, and maintaining the hygiene and personal needs of children including tooth brushing, family-style meals and other self-help skills as needed or requested by children.

Assures that classroom equipment, furniture, materials, and supplies are properly maintained and stored, keeping classroom staff informed of needs.

Completes tasks as assigned by classroom staff including daily responsibilities, activities and schedules to be carried out in the classroom

Attends and participates in scheduled in-service trainings and required meetings regardless of anticipated schedule.

Communicate regularly with supervisor regarding any changes in classroom activities, child's status, work schedule, supply and equipment needs, or any issues or concerns.

May be required to take on additional duties in the absence of classroom staff.

Perform the functions of this position with a working knowledge of the Head Start Performance Standards, and application of Developmentally Appropriate Practices.

Capital Area Community Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.