Job Title:  Instructional Aide, Head Start Floater

Reports To: Campus Principal

Department: Campus Assigned

Exemption Status/Test: Non-Exempt

Pay Grade: IS1

Days: 187

Primary Purpose:
The Head Start Instructional Aide (Floater) assists teachers in the preparation and management of classroom activities and administrative requirements (e.g., record keeping, activity set-up, student support, and small group instruction) under the supervision of certified teachers. This position is not assigned to a single classroom; the employee will float between classrooms as needed and as determined by the campus administrator.  

Qualifications

Education/Certification:

• Associate degree or higher; or
• Minimum of Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, be enrolled in a program leading to an associate or baccalaureate degree or be enrolled in a CDA credential program to be completed within 2 years; or
• Valid Texas educational aide certificate
• High school diploma or GED equivalent (recognized by the Texas Education Agency or a regional accrediting agency) and passed the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) test; and
• Be eligible to obtain a paraprofessional certificate issued by the State Board of Educator Certification
• Willing to accept other responsibilities as assigned
• Candidates must have a satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check. Non-refundable fee (approximately $50.00) paid by the employee
• Candidate must have a current pre-employment health screen paid by the employee 

Special Knowledge/Skills: 

• Competency in providing instructional assistance as required during individual and small group instruction and modeling good practices during play and meal/snack times
• Supervise children in a variety of situations
• Ability to work with staff and interact with children of diverse backgrounds
• Able to have initiative and maintain a sense of humor and patience during stress
• Organizational skills, flexibility, problem analysis, and ability to follow directions
• Strong communication and organizational skills in written and oral forms
• Proficient computer skills (e.g., word processing, charts, spreadsheets) applications, and telephone skills 
• Fluent bilingual in English and Spanish (preferred)

Experience: 

• Minimum of 1 year of classroom assistance experience in an early childhood or elementary education program (preferred)
• Experience in Head Start philosophy and practices, early education programs, and developmentally appropriate practices for young children (preferred)

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

 Instructional Strategies: 

• Assist teacher in the preparation of materials needed for classroom instruction and activities for both large and small groups per lesson plan and Head Start requirements
• Assist teacher in preparing classroom displays
• Assist with administration and scoring of objective testing instruments or work assignments.
• Eat with assigned students to reinforce “family meal” practices
• Assist teacher in the basic care to children, including tooth brushing, toileting, diapering; assist physically ill children; assist with the detection of head lice and other communicable diseases
• Assist with meal and snack purchasing, preparation, and planning
• Assist with cleaning and disinfecting of classroom equipment and materials
• Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers
• Perform basic clerical and record-keeping duties
• Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards

Student Management: 

• Conduct instructional exercises assigned by the teacher; work with individual students or small groups
• Help supervise students throughout school day, inside and outside classroom—including lunchroom, bus, and playground duty
• Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual student

Other: 

• Participate in staff development training programs to improve job performance and as required
• Participate in faculty meetings and special events as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals, and audiovisual equipment; standard instructional equipment
Posture: Moderate standing; occasional kneeling, squatting, bending, and stooping
Motion: Moderate walking

Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)
Environment: Work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise
Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.