Classroom Assistant - Temporary

Job Description

Job Description

This is a 10-month position expected to end May 31, 2026.

Title: Classroom Assistant – Temporary; full time 10-Month Position
Status: Hourly

Summary:
The Classroom Assistant provides classroom coverage to maintain appropriate staff-to-child ratio and may assist with food service and other duties needed at the Site.

Specific Duties:

1. Maintain all required records.
2. Assist parents and community participants in volunteer assignments as required.
3. Assist with service and monitoring of meals in the classroom.
4. Eat meals with children as requested.
5. Assist in classroom activities as assigned by the teacher.
6. Assist in cleaning duties of classroom and center.
7. Assist with the preparation of meals and snacks.
8. Assist with parent meetings and trainings as requested.
9. Recruit children for the Head Start and Early Head Start Programs.
10. Attend and participate in meetings, workgroups, team meetings, committees, workshops, individual training, and training conferences as assigned, which may include local, state, regional, and national groups. This includes attending pre-service and in-service training.
11. Work to obtain volunteer and in-kind contributions for the Agency. Submit necessary documents to the Finance Department.
12. Comply with Mid-Cumberland Community Action Agency Policies and Procedures, all Head Start Performance Standards, the Mid-Cumberland Head Start Operations Manual, and other applicable Early Childhood Standards such as DHS Licensing Standards, CACFP, TN Department of Health, and NAEYC Accreditation.
13. Perform other duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

Education and Experience Qualifications:

• Education: Minimum of a high school diploma or GED
• Experience: Previous work transporting young children is preferred.

Job Requirements:
Requirements that must be satisfied prior to attaining Regular Employment Status and updated as requested:

1. Proof of Degree or Certification and Experience Required to meet Qualification for position
2. An annual TB Test
3. Child Abuse and Criminal Background Checks
4. Negative Drug Screen
5. Two (2) Professional References and one (1) Personal Reference
6. The ability to obtain a CDA within 180 days of employment and maintain CDA within expiration dates
7. Proof of liability insurance on a personal vehicle in the amount of $25,000/$50,000/$25,000 prior to being hired
8. Proof of US Citizenship or eligibility to work in the US

Essential Physical and Mental Abilities:

1. Ability to read and understand maps, bus routes, and emergency information.
2. Ability to spend extended periods on a school bus/van/other vehicle that makes frequent stops.
3. Ability to effectively communicate in oral and written form in English on a daily basis.
4. Ability to exercise authority appropriately and make rational decisions, including the ability to be courteous in all situations.
5. Ability to accept direction and orders from a supervisor and others in authority.
6. Ability and willingness to accept and follow through on recommendations for improvement as a result of performance appraisal, monitoring, self-assessment, and daily supervision.
7. Ability to hear and understand telephone communications.
8. The ability to maintain both visual and audio supervision of a group of 20 children.
9. Ability to provide children and co-workers with a safe and secure environment using visual and/or auditory senses.
10. Ability to go up and down stairs and carry miscellaneous items while on stairs.
11. Ability to sit for extended periods.
12. Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds as necessary (materials, office supplies, etc.), and up to 65 pounds if required.
13. Ability to lift and/or carry children ages 3 to 5 (typically 30 to 65 pounds) throughout the day.
14. Ability to respond quickly, calmly, and rationally in emergency situations.
15. Ability to respond quickly to the needs of families during program activities and in emergency situations.
16. Ability to tolerate standard cleaning solutions used in the childcare environment, such as chlorine bleach.

Essential Functions Related to Working Conditions:

1. Ability to manage multiple tasks, frequent interruptions, and changes of pace with professionalism and composure.
2. Ability to be flexible, able, and willing to work evenings and/or irregular hours as needed.
3. Ability and willingness to travel on a regular basis to local, state, and national destinations. Travel methods may include personal or agency vehicle, airplane, or train.
4. Ability to use own vehicle for work-related activities when Agency vehicles are unavailable.
5. Ability to work and drive during periods of inclement weather.
6. Ability to effectively interact and work cooperatively as a team member with people from a variety of socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds.
7. Ability to work in a variety of environments including, but not limited to, offices, kitchens, playgrounds, buses, classrooms, community rooms, and home environments of families, all of which may not be air-conditioned or heated.
8. Ability to work in a vehicle that may not be temperature controlled.

General Responsibilities:

1. Project a positive attitude when communicating with employees, clients, and the general public.
2. Serve as a role model for employees, clients, and community partners.
3. Facilitate open communication with employees, clients, and community partners.
4. Reflect a pleasant attitude that represents Mid-Cumberland Community Action Agency in a positive manner within the community and maintain a professional attitude at all times.
5. Document and report any signs of child abuse and neglect, illness, accidents, or reports of families who appear to have special needs in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
6. Comply with Mid-Cumberland Community Action Agency Confidentiality Policy, ensuring that program, children, family, and employee records and information are protected at all times.
7. Obtain a working knowledge of and comply with all Mid-Cumberland Community Action Agency policies and procedures, including but not limited to Personnel Policies and Standard Operating Procedures.
8. Understand, accept, implement, and promote Mid-Cumberland Community Action Agency and Head Start/Early Head Start Mission Statement, program goals, philosophy, and objectives.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:
Mid-Cumberland Community Action Agency is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant based on race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. This employer participates in E-Verify.