Preschool Classroom Assistant - Head Start Program

Capital Area Community Services, Inc. is hiring Part-Time Classroom Assistants for their Head Start Programs in Ingham County, MI. This is a 28-hour per week position, the rate of pay is $15.10 per hour with no CDA or $15.90 with a CDA. This position requires the ability to work Monday-Thursday and occasional Fridays.

The Classroom Assistants encourage children's development in a play-based learning environment. Provides respectful, playful, age-appropriate interactions with children. Assists the teacher and assistant teacher in meeting the social-emotional needs of the children and implements developmentally appropriate experiences. Provides support to the teaching team, families, and bus drivers during the arrival, transitions, and departure of children. Provides professional and reflective communication with co-workers and other departments. Participate in health and safety activities

Education and/or certification:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Coursework in Child Development leading to a CDA preferred.
• Preferred work experience in a childcare or related setting.
• Must be able to engage in effective communication and develop safe relationships with staff members, children, and families.

Job Duties:

• Assists the teacher in planning and carrying out individualized instruction, for example: 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. Interacts with children in an effective and positive manner using positive discipline and/or redirection when necessary.
• Assists the teacher and assistant teacher in assessing children's development, for example: taking anecdotal notes.
• Prepares and participates in mealtime.
• Attends and participates in scheduled training
• Assists in maintaining the classroom in a clean, orderly and safe fashion
• Physically interact with children at all times, in an appropriate and safe manner.
• May provide childcare for parent activities and/or meetings
• Assists bus driver in the boarding and exiting procedures, monthly bus evacuation drills, release procedures, and monitoring children's behavior while on the bus.
• Documents incidents involving children, families, and staff
• Assists with other duties as defined and/or requested
• Adheres to all mandated reporter requirements
• Be adaptable to working with different teams and in different areas, in four counties.

Capital Area Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Employment with CACS Head Start is contingent upon successful completion of a comprehensive background check, including fingerprinting, in accordance with state and federal licensing requirements and Head Start Performance Standards. All candidates must also pass a pre-employment drug screening. Continued employment is subject to adherence to ongoing background check and health requirements as mandated by licensing regulations and agency policies.