Job Description
Description
JOB SUMMARY: Assist in providing a learning environment that is safe and nurturing for young children.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS/ABILITIES
Knowledge
• High school diploma or GED required
• Current or former Head Start parent, preferred (Performance Standard 1302.90(b)(6)).
Skills/Abilities
• Ability to communicate well with others.
• Fluent bilingual (English and Spanish) preferred.
• Proficiency with standard functions within applications such as Microsoft 365/Google, (word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software), e-mail, web browsers, and databases.
• Proficiency with computers (PCs and/or MACs) to include file and desktop management and operations, and working in a cloud-based and/or networked environment.
• Exceptions to these requirements will be considered based on exemplary skills, training, and record of success.
PRODUCTS/OUTCOMES
• Assist in classes as assigned and in accordance with daily schedule as designed with classroom teachers.
• Assist in maintaining adult / child ratio in the classroom and on the playground (2:20 or 1:10).
• Maintain a safe and orderly classroom environment while actively monitoring children.
• Directly monitor the children very carefully to prevent accidents or injuries.
• Use positive guidance when re-directing children.
• Demonstrate respect for each child and accept differences in children.
• Conduct a professional, respectful working relationship with the classroom teacher and assistant, volunteers, family services associates and ESC-20 staff.
• Adhere to the operational policies of the school district.
• Keep in close contact with supervisor or another designated person and classroom teacher concerning personal absences or other events that relate to the duties of the classroom.
INITIATIVE
• Demonstrate initiative, persistence, and a proactive approach to assigned responsibilities.
• Demonstrate the use of sound judgement and ingenuity in problem solving to meet the needs of the Center and clients served.
• Seek, participate, and engage in job-related learning and development experiences that provide professional growth.
• Remain current with industry standards, developments, and applicable laws/regulations; implement accordingly.
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to new situations and assignments.
• Set challenging goals and reach a high standard of performance despite barriers encountered.
• Perform duties with awareness of broader organizational impact, ensuring actions and decisions support department and organizational success.
• Promote and support continuous improvement and organizational change.
• Work under minimal supervision.
COMMUNICATION/HUMAN RELATIONS
• Model the Principles of Public Service (Policy AD LOCAL).
• Communicate in a timely and effective manner and interact professionally.
• Build professional relationships with colleagues and clients, maintaining regular interaction to meet shared outcomes.
• Demonstrate self-confidence, professionalism, and a high level of customer service skills (e.g., courtesy, patience, diplomacy, etc.) at all times and, in particular, when under stressful or unprecedented situations while working with colleagues and clients.
• Demonstrate professional-level written and oral communication skills.
• Work collaboratively in a team setting.
• Keep supervisors informed.
• Regularly handle and maintain confidentiality of sensitive communications and information at all times.
SUPERVISION AND ORGANIZATION OF STAFF -
• None.
BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY
• Be aware of and follow Center guidelines of allowable costs when recommending use of public funds for expenditures for supplies, equipment, and facilities in area of assignment.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS & ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer, peripherals, copy machine, phone, etc.
• Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional standing, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
• Motion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.
• Lifting: Light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); occasional heavy lifting/carrying (15-50 pounds).
• Environment: This role primarily operates in an in-person, dynamic office setting, characterized by frequent verbal communication, movement, and collaboration among team members (small to large in-person gatherings/meetings); exposure to low or intense illumination; exposure to office equipment noise; may work prolonged or irregular hours; occasional travel.
• Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
• Champion and model the Center's Mission, Vision, Core Values, and Service Standards.
• Function within the policies and procedures of ESC-20.
• Accept other responsibilities as assigned.
• Dress and groom appropriately for the ESC-20 work setting.
• Travel independently to fulfill responsibilities of the position.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance, majority in-person/onsite.
• Serve at the will of the Executive Director.
REQUIREMENTS FOR HEAD START SERVICES
• Maintain a good attendance record.
• Annually complete online training modules to fulfill program requirements.
• Complete a minimum of 15 clock hours of professional development per year (Performance Standard 1302.92(b)(1)).
• Adhere to the Standards of Conduct as detailed in Performance Standard 1302.90(c)(1)(i-v).
• Adhere to the Confidentiality Agreement regarding information about children and families enrolled in the Head Start program.
• Complete an initial health examination that includes screening for tuberculosis (Performance Standard 1302.93(a)).
• Complete a health re-examination and tuberculosis screening every five years (Performance Standard 1302.93(a)).
• Follow program procedures that ensure compliance of the Head Start Performance Standards.
FUNDING
• This position is funded in whole or in part by a federal grant administered under the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) and is subject to the cost principles outlined in 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart E (Uniform Guidance). All costs associated with this position must be allowable, allocable, and reasonable under federal guidelines. The employee is expected to maintain time and effort documentation consistent with federal requirements.