Head Start - Special Needs Classroom Aide

We are looking for a Special Needs Classroom Aide, under the direction of the Site Supervisor and Disabilities/Mental Health Coordinator, the Special Needs Classroom Aide assists teachers in providing care, education and integration of children with special needs in Head Start classrooms; assists in the implementation of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and works under the direct supervision of classroom teacher. The ideal candidate will support program services in the following areas:

• Directly supervise and assist children with special needs in performing daily activities in the Head Start preschool setting.

• Uses positive guidance and behavior management techniques as stated in IEP for children with special needs.

• Help create a warm, accepting, and safe environment that encourages independence and self-esteem in the child.

• Assists children in performing daily activities in the Head Start classroom.

• Completes paperwork, writes daily anecdotes, filing, and other documentation as required.

• Attends and actively participates in staff meetings, training sessions, classes, and related career development classes.

• Is involved in parent/teacher conferences, IEP's and other meetings as necessary.

• Assists special needs children in their daily routine, which may include diapering, feeding, etc.

• Assists children in serving food, learning table behavior, and good nutritional habits.

• Participates in playground supervision of children's activities.

• Assists with developmental assessments/testing.

• Assists in transitioning activities.

• Communicates progress and other information daily with therapist and classroom teachers.

• Able to consistently meet attendance requirements.

• Able to work harmoniously and productively with others.

• Able to accept and implement constructive criticism.

• Able to maintain professional demeanor in difficult situations.

• Other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES YOU SHOULD POSSESS:

• Must have 12 units of Early Childhood Education; high school diploma or GED;
• Minimum of one year experience in pre-school classroom or related coursework/education preferred. Experience working with children with special needs preferred.
• Knowledge of Child Care Licensing Regulations and Head Start Performance Standards and best practices related to education and early childhood development, staffing and program options as well as services to children with disabilities.
• Knowledge of Individualized Education Plan.
• Ability to communicate, both oral and written, to individuals with diverse backgrounds
• Ability to speak, read and write English well enough to understand and be understood by others; bilingual skills are helpful
• Ability to speak before groups of individuals
• Ability to relate to diverse groups of people including low-income families.
• Ability to develop warm, open relationship with children, parents and staff.
• Ability to promote Head Start to children, families, co-workers and community.
• Ability to exhibit great sensitivity when working as a team member with other staff and parents.
• Under the supervision of the Disabilities/Mental Health Manager, this position must implement and follow Child Care Licensing Regulations and Head Start Performance Standards and best practices related to early childhood education and children with special needs.
• Must oversee all monitoring and maintenance of documentation, data and files and ensures utmost confidentiality of information. Includes program file requirements, training documents, and tracking.
• Ability to stay current of Head Start and other applicable regulations/compliance requirements and process timely updates on program procedures and ensure application as directed.
• Ability to assess and respond quickly to varied situations.

Special Requirements

• Must have reliable transportation and possess a valid California Driver License in good standing with DMV required; current liability insurance
• Must meet State health requirements to include passing a physical examination as a condition of employment, and TB clearance.

Crystal Stairs is committed to building and sustaining a diverse workforce and culture. As part of this commitment, Crystal Stairs provides equal opportunity in all of our employment practices, including selection, hiring, promotion, transfer, and compensation, to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, medical condition as defined by state law, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, ethnic group identification, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other legally protected status.