Family Service·San Antonio, Texas
Provide direct support and care for children with special needs within Head Start classrooms, ensuring their inclusion and safety. Assist teachers in implementing curriculum, managing classroom environments, and communicating with parents.
The Early Childhood Inclusion Aide works in collaboration with center staff to greet parents, assist the Head Start Teacher in delivering the classroom curriculum in accordance with Head Start regulations, licensing procedures, guidelines, and will use agency standards to ensure that services provided are in alignment with the Social Determinants of Health through a trauma informed care lens as defined by the agency.
The Early Childhood Inclusion Aide is responsible for the care and supervision of children in accordance with Head Start regulations, licensing guidelines, and agency standards.
Ensures that the classroom is one in which children are aware of expectations, provided with rules and maintain consistency, build a positive relationship with the students which focuses on positive communication, appropriate physical proximity, respect and positive discipline, and guidance.
He/She is responsible for following Head Start regulations, licensing requirements, and agency procedures and protocols with a focus on safety and promoting a positive experience for the children, and is a positive role model to all children.
The Early Childhood Inclusion Aide will be required to assist in various Head Start classrooms and/or centers as assigned, and moves from classroom to classroom or center to center in a timely manner and as needed and directed.
Provides direct support for children with special needs.
1. Provide direct support for children with identified or suspected special needs; and provide assistance to ensure students’ individual special needs are being met to include, but not limited to, feeding, toileting, mobility, behavior support and any other personal needs the student requires, and will ensure that clients have access, as needed, to all five pillars of the social determinants of health with a trauma informed lens through Agency services and/or community partners. 2. Ensure that students with special needs are included in the classroom to the maximum extent possible.
1. Assist with the development and implementation of lesson plans in accordance with Head Start Program Guidelines that reflect school readiness and accommodations for differences in student learning styles, conduct on-going assessments of student achievement and communicate parent concerns. 2. Assist with the planning and utilization of appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities and materials that reflect understanding of the developmental needs of young children; and assist with the development and implementation of lesson plans in safety, nutrition, and health in accordance with Head Start Program Guidelines. 3. Work cooperatively with support staff to modify curricula as needed for special needs students according to guidelines established in Individual Education Plans; and consult with supervisor to ensure that classroom instruction is delivered in accordance with Head Start regulations and agency standards; and work cooperatively with center staff and parents to modify curricula as needed for special needs students according to guidelines established in Admissions, Reviews, and Dismissals (ARDs). 4. Assist with the creation of classroom environments conducive to learning appropriate for the physical, social and emotional development of young children. 5. Ensure that classrooms, toys, tables, and cots are cleaned and sanitized daily; and assist Teacher in maintaining all classroom documents. 6. Follow all directives given by supervisors in accordance with Head Start, agency and licensing; and follow all guidelines and policies and procedures as set forth by Head Start, licensing and the agency.
1. Communicate frequently with parents regarding their child’s instruction and assessment, and engage parents in their child’s education in the absence of the Head Start Teacher. 2. Collaborate with Parent Advocates to ensure children’s information is accurate, up-to-date, and correct for smooth delivery of services; and to ensure families of children with special needs are receiving information about trainings and events so they are fully included.
1. Attend agency, program and Head Start Center staff meetings and/or trainings as required. 2. Maintain good relationships with stakeholders, current and potential Head Start children and their families, community and co-workers, focusing on providing excellent and culturally sensitive customer service and always presenting a positive image of the agency. 3. Maintain a working environment which encourages mutual respect, promotes respectful and congenial relationships between employees and is free from all forms of harassment. 4. Perform other duties as assigned, including presentations to community groups and organizations, in accordance with the agency’s “team” philosophy.
This is a 10 month position meaning you will not work in June and July, and will return to work in August.
Qualifications: Education Required
High School or better.
1. One year of serving children with special needs.
Licenses & Certifications Required
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
Requires a High School Diploma or GED and at least one year of experience serving children with special needs. Must hold current Pediatric CPR and First Aid certifications and possess a valid driver's license.
Market context
In Texas, inclusion aide openings are often tied to schools and programs that support students with special needs, so employers usually look for candidates who can work closely with classroom staff and families. This role is competitive because it requires both hands-on experience with children and current Pediatric CPR, First Aid, and a valid driver’s license. Before applying, confirm your certifications are current and tailor your resume to show specific support experience; job requirements and benefits here are AI-summarized from the original job description, saving you research time.