The Teachers Aide supports the Center Teacher in providing high-quality early childhood education services that promote the education, safety, and well-being of children and families enrolled in the Early Childhood Program. This role assists with classroom instruction, supervision, meal services, health and safety practices, and family engagement while ensuring compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, ODJFS licensing rules, and agency policies. Teachers Aides play a vital role in creating a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for young children.
Essential Functions
Functional Area: Child Development, Health, and Disabilities
Estimated Effort: 60%
Responsibilities, Deliverables, Outcomes and Expectations:
Supervise and monitor children at all times using Active Supervision techniques and ensure children are released only to authorized individuals
Assist the Center Teacher in implementing integrated curriculum plans that promote social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development
Follow consistent daily classroom schedules including group activities, meals, transitions, and skill development
Utilize intentional teaching strategies to encourage exploration, problem solving, cooperation, and socialization
Assist in preparing classroom materials and maintaining engaging learning centers
Assist with documentation of ongoing child assessments aligned with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework, School Readiness Goals, and Ohio Early Learning and Development Standards
Conduct daily health checks to monitor for communicable diseases
Assist children with individual and group needs, including adaptations for children with IEPs, IFSPs, or identified developmental goals
Assist with diapering, toileting, and personal care routines
Greet children at arrival and departure using appropriate language and interactions
Assist with incident reporting and required documentation in a timely manner
Accommodate therapists in the classroom to support collaborative service delivery
Participate in team meetings to support coordinated service delivery
Engage in professional development with a minimum of 15 hours of related training annually
Functional Area: Parent, Family, and Community Engagement
Estimated Effort: 30%
Responsibilities, Deliverables, Outcomes and Expectations:
Build respectful and trusting relationships with families that reflect their values, beliefs, and caregiving practices
Document relevant family contacts and communications in Child Plus case notes
Notify supervisors or designated staff when families request or require additional resources or services
Encourage parent engagement, volunteerism, and participation in classroom and program activities
Assist parents in understanding their role as their childs first teacher and in advocating for their childs needs
Assist with required parent-teacher conferences and home visits for assessment and support
Develop working knowledge of Community Action programs to support families and referrals
Functional Area: Transportation (If Assigned)
Estimated Effort: Up to 30%
Responsibilities, Deliverables, Outcomes and Expectations:
Assist the bus driver in transporting children safely in accordance with Ohio laws, agency policies, and Early Childhood procedures
Secure children in appropriate restraint systems
Follow child boarding, exiting, and emergency evacuation procedures
Maintain cleanliness and safety of the bus
Complete required bus safety checklists
Complete annual transportation and driver-related training requirements
Functional Area: Classroom Operations and Other Duties
Estimated Effort: 10%
Responsibilities, Deliverables, Outcomes and Expectations:
Assist with meal preparation, serving, cleanup, and removal of food waste
Assist with collection of child care fees and coordinate with the Enrollment Coordinator regarding unpaid balances
Assist with classroom opening and closing duties and submit required sign-in documentation
Support use of attendance tracking systems such as TAPS as required
Maintain confidentiality of all child and family information
Assist with general facility maintenance, security, inventory, and supply requests
Participate in recruitment and enrollment activities to support full enrollment
Maintain compliance with agency policies, ODJFS licensing rules, and Head Start Performance Standards
Adhere to restrictions on personal cell phone use in classrooms
Demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, accountability, and a positive attitude
Perform additional duties as assigned to support Early Childhood Program and CAC operations
Minimum Requirements
Education:
High School Diploma or GED.
Job-Related Experience:
Experience working with young children in a preschool or early childhood setting preferred.
People Management Experience:
Not applicable.
Licenses, Certifications, and Accreditations:
Valid Ohio drivers license, reliable transportation, and proof of automobile insurance
Ability to be insured under agency policy
Other Requirements:
Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and bend or stoop to interact with children at their level
Adequate audio and visual acuity to care for young children
Three professional references
Physical examination and/or T-8 exam
Pre-employment drug and alcohol screening
Updated immunizations
Ability to obtain BCI and FBI background checks
Signed Standards of Conduct
Preferred Qualifications
Center-Based Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or qualifying degree
Early childhood coursework or degree
Experience working with children under six (6) years of age
Willingness to complete CDL pre-service training and obtain certification (must be at least 21 years of age with required driving experience)
Working Conditions
This position operates in a well-lit classroom environment serving preschool, infant, or toddler children. Work is fast-paced and physically active, requiring lifting up to 40 pounds and frequent bending and stooping. The role may involve moderate to high levels of stress and requires participation in professional development activities, including occasional overnight stays as requested by the supervisor.