Notes for CDA students as Teacher Aides - Temporary:
*Must be enrolled in CDA Program
*This is a temporary position starting August 2026 through June 2027
- PTO cannot be used for cash out
- Temporary employees who work 20 hours or more per week are eligible for benefits
- No union
- They can enroll in 403b, No employer match available
- They do get holidays off paid
- Status is temporary (not regular)
Job Summary:
Under the direction of the Center Education Coordinator or Assistant Center Education Coordinator, this position is responsible for assisting in planning and teaching an educational program based on Creative Curriculum and the Head Start Performance Standards. This position assists in providing a balanced environment that is healthy, safe and encourages exploration and learning. A team teaching approach is implemented at all Head Start Centers. This approach involves all Center Staff in working cooperatively towards the goals of each child and of the program and works with children ages 0 to 5 years old.
Essential Functions:
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Assist in providing an attractive, safe, and healthy environment.
- Assists with licensing process (Dept. of Human Services Rule 3)
- Supervises daily tooth brushing
- Conducts and records monthly fire drills and seasonal tornado drills
- Reports suspected child abuse
- Supervision of children at all times, including toileting and hand washing
- Assist in diapering and changing of children, as needed
- Responsible for sanitizing classroom equipment
- Assist in development of weekly lesson plan in accordance with Creative Curriculum as requested; implementing the daily schedule, classroom and outdoor activities. Supervise children during these activities.
- Assist in providing social and emotional development by providing positive guidance and discipline.
- Assists in conducting on-going observation of children
- Assists in conducting developmental screening and assessment
- Participates in monthly meetings
- Collects children's work throughout the year and files a portfolio
- Feeds infants and toddlers, as needed
- Participate in family style meals, encouraging conversation.
- Works with children in small and large group settings and individually
- Assist in scheduling and coordinating field trips and learning activities.
- Responsible for maintaining confidentiality and interacting professionally with children, staff, and parents, projecting a positive image of Head Start. Work cooperatively with the Center team.
- Assist in setting up and conducting a minimum of two Home visits and two Center conferences yearly. Update children's emergency cards.
- Assist with compiling the following reports:
- Accident report and log
- Daily parent communication
- Attendance and meal counts into Child Plus
- Center newsletter input
- Volunteer time sheets
- Observations of children
- Walk-in parents sign in\out sheets
- Supply requisition forms
- Training record
- Weekly lesson plan
- End of year inventory
- Licensing equipment form
- Referral forms
- Assist in orientation of parents and volunteers.
- Greets children arriving on buses and assists in bringing them to buses for departure.
- In response to the staffing needs of the center, this position will be expected to support all age groups (0 to 5) at the site, if needed.
- If assigned to the location of “Float”, staff will be required to work at multiple locations and will be expected to support all classrooms, children ages 0-5 years
- Attend required trainings and meetings (Center, Agency, In-Service) and others designated through training assignments.
- Act as interpreter between staff, children, and/or parent and all other necessary parties.
- Other duties as assigned.
Safety: Responsible for conducting all duties in a safe manner.
Qualifications:
Education & Experience: High School Diploma or GED. Experience with early childhood or education programs, nonprofit or social service beneficial. Head Start experience preferred. Experience with varied socio-economic and multi-ethnic groups and/or individuals preferred. Demonstrated ability to read and write English.
*Must be enrolled in the CDA Program
Abilities and Skills: In order to be successful in this position, the person will at minimum need to possess the following abilities and skills:
- Flexible and willing to work in a team teaching environment.
- Capable of using good judgment in daily teaching situations, and in interactions with staff, parents and community volunteers.
- Must be able to effectively communicate with children, parents, and staff.
- Must have good oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to use a computer and related software applications.
- Must successfully complete and pass the criminal background check.
Certifications: Must obtain CPR/First Aid Certification within 90 days of hire; must maintain certifications.
Physical Requirements:
- Must be able to lift 50 pounds and have the stamina to model best practices in the classroom and act appropriately in an emergency situation.
- Physically capable of reacting to the demands of active 3-5 year old's.
- Must possess the stamina and ability to physically model best practices in the classroom.
- Must be able to successfully pass pre-placement Head Start physical exam.
Mental Requirements: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive listing of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to make modifications at their discretion.
Environmental Requirements: School environment (classroom and playground), Home Visits in the community, trainings at various locations within the community.
Benefits:
Department: Head Start
Starting Salary Range:
- $17.48/hr - $19.20/hr - Completed CDA or a minimum of six credits in early childhood education or child development, Non-Exempt, Non-Union Eligible
CAPRW's compensation offerings are determined by job related knowledge, education and relevant experience.
Location: All Head Start Locations
Schedule: M-F, 40 Hours/Week, Part Year (9-10 months)
Head Start- 9:15am - 5:45pm
Hybrid Capability: This position does not offer remote capability.
Posting Dates: 7/8/2026 - 7/13/2026
Benefits: Community Action offers excellent benefits including generous 23 days paid time off (PTO) for new employees, 14 paid holidays plus two personal days, health, dental, vision & life insurance, health savings accounts (HSA), flexible saving accounts (FSA), retirement, employee discount programs, tuition assistance programs and so much more!
Background Checks: Community Action conducts criminal background checks at the time of hire. Not all backgrounds are a barrier to employment.
Community Action Partnership of Ramsey and Washington Counties is an Equal Opportunity (EEO) Employer. We recruit, select, hire, place, transfer, promote, demote, layoff, discipline, terminate, recall, compensate, and train without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, familial status, disability, veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or any other basis protected by applicable laws, directives, and regulations of federal, state, and local governing bodies or agencies. We will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants and employees with disabilities whenever possible.