Location
Poplar Bluff, Missouri
The Class Aide provides one-on-one attention and daily assistance to children with special needs within the Head Start classroom environment, working alongside the teacher and teacher aide. Responsibilities include assisting children during classroom activities, mealtimes, bathroom use, playground time, and field trips, while also helping with required documentation.
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent and knowledge of program curriculum and developmentally appropriate practices, relating positively to children and parents. Additional requirements include passing various screenings, obtaining initial medical/TB assessments, and demonstrating emotional maturity, patience, and the physical ability to lift 55 pounds and perform physically demanding tasks.
Reports directly to: Teacher Site Supervisor Education Manager
A Class Aide with disabilities responsibilities will provide one-on-one attention to a child that has special needs or requires additional assistance. The Class Aide is responsible for providing additional daily assistance with assigned children in the Head Start classroom. The Class Aide will work alongside the teacher and teacher aide to provide an educational environment for all children enrolled in the Head Start classroom.
1. Work as a team with other teaching staff and assist with daily activities in the Head Start center as required. 2. Responsible for assisting with special needs children as assigned. Assist the child in classroom, bathroom, mealtimes, playground, and field trips. 3. Assist with documentation of required paperwork for children with special needs. 4. Never leave child unattended at any time. 5. Provide communication between staff and parents concerning children. Relay messages between parents and Center Staff. Be positive with parents and children as the program’s first and last contact of the day 6. Participate in appropriate Head Start training. Attend parent committee meetings, center staff meetings, in-service training, and other training as required or requested by management staff and/or supervisor. 7. Ensure that emergency supplies are maintained and properly stored in accordance with agency policy and procedures. Ensure that communication system is tested regularly and kept in working order. The communication system is utilized for Head Start business only. 8. Work cooperatively with all Head Start staff. 9. Understand responsibility of being a mandated reporter for Child Abuse and Neglect. Read and understand Child Abuse and Neglect Policy. Failure to follow reporting procedures, including incidents involving other staff members, may result in termination. 10.Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisors.
1. High school diploma or equivalent. 2. Knowledge of program curriculum, developmentally appropriate practice, and related program performance standards. 3. Relate to children and parents in a positive, constructive manner. 4. Develop and implement classroom activities based on children’s individual needs. 5. Work well with other center staff, parents, and managers. 6. Knowledge of all applicable bus safety regulations and procedures. Knowledge of all Head Start transportation guidelines and standards. 7. Knowledge of basic child development, as well as child care and guidance knowledge. 8. Maintain conduct that promotes a positive image to staff, parents, agency and community. 9. Obtain initial medical exam and TB assessment within 30 days of employment. Complete a medical exam and TB assessment every five years following initial employment. 10.Pass background screen, child abuse/neglect screen, drug screen, and be subject to random drug testing.
Possess personal qualifications: emotional maturity, willingness to cooperate with the standards of the program, respect for children and adults, flexibility, patience, good personal hygiene, and physical and mental health which does not interfere with responsibilities. Must have good verbal communication skills and visual ability to observe children. Ability to fulfill responsibilities under pressure, including during emergencies.
Risk of exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues. Risk involved with travel on main highways, side streets and rural roads during the transportation of children. Risk of exposure to communicable diseases. Must be able to lift 55 pounds, many times a day, climb into the school bus, bend, kneel and squat frequently. Job requires standing for long periods of time, as well as stooping, squatting, running; and sitting in child sized chairs and/or on the floor.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed in such a position, including changes in location, classroom, caseload, and hours. The Executive Director may, at any time, for disciplinary purposes, the utilization of personnel, or for the general good of the program, reassign an employee from one position to another position.
I accept the duties and responsibilities as outlined in this position description. This position is not exempt from the overtime provision of the Fair Labor Standards Act. _____ Number hours authorized in the workday.
_________________________________ ______________________ Signature of Employee Date _________________________________ ______________________ Signature of Supervisor/Mentor Date of Orientation
Rev 8-21
Market context
In Missouri, Class Aide and Disability Aide openings are often tied to steady school and program staffing needs, especially when districts need support for students with disabilities and classroom routines. These roles can be competitive because employers look for candidates who can relate positively to children and parents, follow developmentally appropriate practices, and complete required screenings and health checks. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save time, then confirm your diploma, screening readiness, and experience with curriculum support before applying.