Job Description

Discover the unique rewards of working in a Head Start program, where you can ignite young minds and provide comprehensive early childhood education that sets the stage for lifelong success.

Catholic Charities’ Head Start program is NAEYC Accredited as well as a Gold Circle Quality and a US Model Head Start Program.

By joining Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet Head Start, you will make a lasting impact on children's lives, and have the opportunity to uplift families by empowering them to thrive and create a brighter future for themselves.

Apply now so we can make a lasting impact together!

General Responsibilities

1. Under the supervision of the Teacher and in the absence of the Classroom Aide, the Classroom Aide Substitute is responsible for helping the Teacher adhere to the guidelines of the Department of Health and Human Services, Head Start Education Performance Standards, and for helping assure the quality of developmental experience received by the children.
2. Will be responsible for meeting the State of Illinois Day Care Licensing Standards.
3. Will be responsible for assisting with meal preparation and services.
4. Other duties as assigned within the guidelines of this position.

Essential Functions

1. Assists the teacher in maintaining a safe and healthy environment that follows the Head Start Performance Standards.
2. In collaboration with the classroom staff, implements the principles of the Creative Curriculum approach based on a child-centered curriculum that encourages decision-making, cultural awareness, and exploration. Children are provided with choices of learning center activities, large and small groups, and individualized activities.
3. Directs specific activities in the classroom as assigned by the teacher.
4. Helps the teacher to prepare material to be used in the daily program and provide smooth routines such as greeting, toileting, hand washing, and tooth brushing.
5. Co-facilitate meal service and promote appropriate social discussions and self-help skills.
6. Helps ensure that all documentation and individualization takes place in a timely manner.
7. Assists Teachers in completing child observations and assessments.
8. Maintains and turns in accurate daily attendance and food count.
9. Helps provide a balanced curriculum that encourages social and cultural awareness, exploration, predicting, and testing behaviors, choices of learning center activities, large and small groups, individualized activities, and language development.
10. Attends the activities of these groups to the best interest of the agency and program.
11. Helps plan activities and methods for keeping parents interested and engaged in their child’s development.
12. Participates in home visits and parent/teacher conferences.
13. Assists with the daily completion of daily health and safety checklist.
14. Works cooperatively with teacher and family development team to maintain good parent engagement.
15. Works in cooperation and assistance with center staff to assist with food preparation and meal service for children following nutritional and health guidelines.

Requirements

1. A high school diploma or equivalent is required. All degrees must come from a regionally accredited educational institution which has U.S. Department of Education approval.
2. Must be a least eighteen (18) years old.
3. Prior experience (volunteer or paid) working with children ages Birth – Five preferred.
4. During the first year of employment, complete a minimum of six (6) college credit hours in Child Development, with a minimum of a "C" grade or better.
5. Obtain and maintain a minimum, the Illinois Gateway ECE Credential Level 1 or a CDA within two (2) years of employment.
6. Demonstrate the skill and competence to meet personnel qualifications as required in Part 407: Licensing Standards for Day Care Centers.
7. Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, and Teams.
8. Strong verbal and written communications skills.
9. Passage of complete background clearance, physical and Tuberculosis (TB) Test.
10. A valid driver’s license, reliable means of transportation and proof of liability insurance is required.