Classroom Aide - Ionia County

Job  Title :  C lassroom Aide

Classification :  Full -time, non-exempt , hourly

Salary Range :  PA 01-03 ($16.11 - $17.69 - $19.06)

Hours :  40 /week

Work Weeks : 41 -44 /year  (school year)

Department:  Head Start /Early Head Start

Reports To :  Education Coordinator

Positions Supervised : None

Mission Statement

EightCAP , Inc., improves our community by collaborating with private, government, and community organizations to deliver programs that alleviate the causes of poverty and its effects, allowing individuals to become self-sufficient.

Role Overview

As a Classroom Aide, you have a crucial role in  maintaining  the continuity of early childhood education and care when regular teachers and staff are unavailable. You will ensure that the classroom  operates  smoothly, keeping the children engaged and  maintaining  a safe, nurturing environment during the absence of the regular classroom staff.

Key Responsibilities

- Monitoring:  Provide a safe, healthy, organized environment for children through daily monitoring of activities and maintenance of the classroom for both Early Head Start and Head Start classrooms .

- Professionalism :  Comply with  program confidentiality policies concerning personally identifiable information about children, families, and other staff members and must  maintain  professional boundaries with enrolled children and families at all times .

- Model:  Model  appropriate behavior  and support children's individual  needs  including modeling healthy eating habits.

- Meal Preparation:  Prepare meals and snacks as outlined on menus,  maintain  cleanliness of meal preparation areas,  storages  areas and classroom and shop occasionally as needed/directed by the Education Coordinator.

- Compliance:  Follow regulations and requirements of the Office of Head Start, Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).

- Reporting:   Assist  in  maintaining   accurate  records as assigned as well as reporting all suspected child abuse and neglect .

- Communication:  Communicate positively with children, parents, teaching team, support  staff  and community partners.

- Collaboration:  Work cooperatively with parents, volunteers, staff, service  providers  and community partners.

- Professional Development:  Actively  participate  in professional development to ensure compliance with regulations.

- Perform Other Duties as Assigned.

Our CORE Values at Work

- Accountability:  The Classroom Aide shows accountability by consistently arriving on time and being fully prepared for their duties. They understand the importance of being present to support the classroom routines, as well as helping ensure that children’s needs are met throughout the day.

- Communication:  The Classroom Aide  utilizes  open, clear, and respectful communication with children, families, staff, and community partners .

- Compassion:  The Classroom Aide is aware of the emotional needs of children and offers support, comfort, and reassurance while  remaining  patient and understanding .

- Empowerment:   The Classroom  Aide empowers children by encouraging independence, which in turn builds children’s confidence and fosters a sense of achievement .

Qualifications

- High School diploma or GED.

- Experience with early childhood programs and food service preferred.

- Ability to communicate effectively and positively and work collaboratively with staff, families, agency representatives, service providers, and community organizations in a respectful, professional, and non-judgmental manner.

- Understanding of  mandated reporting requirements, including the ability to recognize, document, and report suspected child abuse or neglect  in accordance with  state law and program procedures.

- Must successfully complete all required state and federal background clearances.

Work Environment

This position  operates  primarily within Head Start and Early Head Start classroom settings. This role requires regular interaction with children, families, staff, and community partners in a fast-paced early childhood education environment. The employee may be exposed to noise levels typical of preschool and infant/toddler classrooms and will  participate  in indoor and outdoor activities in varying weather conditions as part of daily program operations.

Travel Requirements

Local travel between program sites, training locations, meetings, and community events may be  required . The employee must  possess  a valid Michigan driver’s license, maintain an acceptable driving record, and have reliable transportation available for work-related travel.

Physical Requirements

Reasonable  accommodations  may be  made  to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.  
The physical requirements of this position include:

- Ability to move throughout classrooms, playgrounds, and program facilities.

- Ability to supervise and actively engage with children in indoor and outdoor environments.

- Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and reach as needed throughout the workday.

- Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 50 pounds occasionally.

- Ability to respond quickly and appropriately in emergency situations.

- Ability to  operate  standard office equipment, including computers, phones, and printers.

- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Benefits

Benefits include health, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, medical flex, and a 401k with a 5% employer match on your one-year anniversary.  Benefits begin on your 31st day of employment.

Staff in this position may be eligible to apply for unemployment benefits during periods of  layoff ,  in accordance with  state unemployment regulations.

Employment At-Will Statement

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Employment with  EightCAP , Inc. is at-will, meaning either the employee or the organization may  terminate  the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice, and with or without cause, consistent with applicable law.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

EightCAP , Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace.