Classroom Assistant (2026-2027 School Year)

Northeast South Dakota

Head Start Program, Inc.

Classroom Assistant

POSITION DESCRIPTION

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: This position is required to have a minimum of a high school degree. Experience is preferred in the field of early childhood education but not required. Proficiency in various computer programs in Microsoft 365, including Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint Publisher, Word, and a variety of other program wide software.

QUALIFICATIONS: This position is required to perform the duties outlined in this job description. The Classroom Assistant is to have a working knowledge of the educational needs of children; be able to lead, teach and be a good example for children and their families. This position will have an interest and concern for the philosophy and concept of the Head Start Program. Head Start children and families will always come first, in this Head Start Program, above all defined duties, perceived responsibilities and/or personal priorities!

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to lift a minimum of 30 lbs. and occasionally heavier items.

WORK ENVIORONMENT: Work is generally performed in an indoor, office setting, well-lit, well-ventilated, heated, and air-conditioned environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but during class time, it can become noisy.

WORK SCHEDULE: This position is expected to work in accordance with the Head Start calendar.

SUPERVISION: This position is accountable to the Education Coordinator assigned to their area. This position does not oversee any positions or departments.

EVALUATION: The Education Coordinator will evaluate this position. They will conduct a 90-day review upon hire and yearly, thereafter.

OBJECTIVES:

• To work cooperatively with the center staff during transition times.
• To assist the teacher and other staff in supervising the children.
• To embrace the role of the parent as the primary educator of the child and promote and support the development of relationships between children and their families.
• To fill in for other positions, as needed, and ride the bus, as needed.
• To continue to improve in all areas as a person through continued education, training opportunities and evaluation recommendations.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Key Result Area #1: Assisting the Teacher

• Assisting the teacher with planning and implementing learning experiences that are developmentally appropriate, including all areas of development, and providing for the individual needs of the children in the class.

2. Assisting the teacher with arranging the classroom to provide a safe, healthy learning environment that allows for the full inclusion of children with special needs.

3. Assist the teacher and other staff in supervising the children during toothbrushing, hand washing, mealtimes and other regularly scheduled activities.

Key Result Area #2: Working with Families

• Relate to families in an open, considerate and friendly manner.
• Respect and promote the unique identity of each child and family, showing consideration for each family’s culture and values.

Key Result Area #3: Other Responsibilities

• Attend and participate in staff training and weekly center staff meetings.
• Attend and participate in staff training and weekly center staff meetings.
• Fill in for other staff when requested.
• Janitorial duties, as needed.
• Continually assess the Head Start program and provide input/suggestions for improving services to children and families.
• Complete and submit the required paperwork in a timely manner.

Key Result Area #4: Community Representative

1. Have knowledge of community resources to be able to link families with appropriate services and agencies.

2. Assisting and encouraging help with in-kind from the community through field trips, speakers, classroom volunteers, etc.

3. Relating in an open and friendly manner and acting as a positive representative of Head Start while working with vendors and people in the community.

Key Result Area #5: Professional Development

1. Attend meetings, training courses, seminars and monthly in-services as deemed appropriate; this may include out-of-town/state travel.

2. The Classroom Assistant will strictly follow, and then lead by example, in all Head Start Policy and Procedures and Performance Standards daily.

** This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and the employee will also perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and/or other management as required.**

Job Types: Part-time, Contract

Pay: From $12.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• Paid time off

Ability to Commute:

• Aberdeen, SD 57401 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Aberdeen, SD 57401: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $12