Head Start Classroom Aide

Pay rate

$17.00 to $17.50 per hour (depending on experience)

Sign on bonus $1,000 (external candidates only)

Head Start of Baltimore City is a child and family development program serving nearly 500 low-income families in west, south and southwest Baltimore City, for their children to be well prepared when entering kindergarten and thus more successful in school and later in life.

Catholic Charities of Baltimore, is currently seeking a Classroom Aide who will be responsible for support and assistance in providing a safe, stimulating, and nurturing environment for the growth, well-being, and development of the child. Responsible for incorporating Catholic Charities mission, vision, values, and philosophies into daily work and demonstrating a positive attitude and commitment to excellence. The work schedule is Monday-Friday 8:00am-2:30pm

Catholic Charities Head Start of Baltimore City is a child and family development program targeted to low-income families in southwest Baltimore City, for their children to be well prepared when entering kindergarten and thus more successful in school and in life.

Head Start Classroom Aides assignments are based on the needs of the program, including enrollment, staffing levels, and vacancies at each location. Because these needs can change, site placement decisions are finalized during the hiring process to ensure staff are assigned where they are needed most.

Job duties & responsibilities

• Conveys messages that are respectful, patient, relaxed, and demonstrate an interest in the child, resulting in children feeling valued and fostering positive self-esteem.
• Assists the teaching team in selecting materials and equipment and arranging the classroom to provide a well-managed, welcoming environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the developmental level of the children, which supports optimal engagement and respects each child’s culture and home environment.
• Supports the teaching team in addressing the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional needs of children in a manner consistent with Head Start Performance Standards and Catholic Charities mission, vision, and values, thereby promoting holistic child development and school readiness.
• Assists in maintaining a classroom environment that incorporates the principles of the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS), resulting in enhanced emotional support, classroom organization, and instructional quality for improved learning outcomes.
• Emotional
• Support: foster a classroom where children are motivated, nurtured, and connected, leading to increased emotional security and willingness to engage in learning.
• Classroom
• Organization: ensure children consistently have meaningful activities and are interested and engaged in learning tasks, promoting better focus and academic achievement.
• Instructional
• Support: implement a curriculum that effectively supports cognitive and language development, resulting in measurable gains in children’s academic skills.
• Assists in providing appropriate classroom support for children with additional support needs, enabling their successful inclusion and participation in classroom activities.
• Models and demonstrates positive guidance and collaboration in interactions with children, co-workers, and caregivers, which fosters a respectful and cooperative classroom environment.
• Participates in team planning sessions with the teaching team to ensure coordinated instruction and consistency in meeting children’s developmental goals.
• Assists teaching staff to ensure that guidelines for appropriate behaviors are followed, supporting a safe and orderly learning environment.
• Complies with federal, state, and local guidelines and with the policies and procedures of the Maryland State Office of Child Care, Head Start, and Catholic Charities to ensure legal and programmatic compliance and high-quality service delivery.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings and staff development activities to enhance professional skills and contribute to continuous program improvement.

Education & experience requirements

Classroom Aide (501000) ($17.00 per hour)

• High School Diploma/GED.

Classroom Aide II (501500) ($17.50 per hour)

• High School Diploma/GED.
• 90 Hour Child Care Certification

Required skills & abilities

• Demonstrates accountability by consistently being punctual and maintaining reliable attendance.
• Exhibits strong interpersonal skills with a courteous and professional demeanor towards staff, clients, and visitors.
• Demonstrates patience and composure when working with children and interacting with parents, fostering positive relationships.
• Effectively connects with children, creating an engaging and enjoyable environment.
• Ability to use, or willingness to learn computer systems and software, necessary to perform the duties of the position. This includes, but is not limited to, basic computer skills, web browsing, online training, and email usage.
• Ability to use, or willingness to learn computer systems and software, necessary to perform the duties of the position. This includes, but is not limited to, basic computer skills, web browsing, online training, and email usage.

Physical requirements & work environment

• No remote or hybrid work availability based on core and essential functions of the position.
• Ascending or descending stairs, as required to perform job tasks.
• Positioning oneself in ways to accomplish tasks in various environments, including navigating tight or confined spaces as needed to complete job responsibilities.
• Remaining in a stationary position, which may involve standing or sitting for extended periods, as required to complete tasks or duties associated with the role.
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or transitioning between different work sites, which may involve walking, standing, or traveling to various locations as required by the role.
• Adjusting or moving objects up to 40 lbs. in all directions, which may include lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or repositioning items as necessary to perform job duties.
• Engaging in communication with others to exchange information, which may involve speaking, listening, writing, or using electronic communication methods to ensure clear and effective understanding. This includes both verbal and non-verbal interactions with colleagues, clients, or external parties.
• Repetitive motions involving the wrists, hands, and/or fingers, including tasks such as typing, data entry, or handling small objects. These repetitive activities may occur throughout the workday and require attention to ergonomics to ensure comfort and minimize strain.
• Assessing the accuracy, neatness, and completeness of assigned work to ensure it meets quality standards and adheres to established guidelines.
• Hearing and vision abilities, with or without correction, sufficient to drive safely and effectively observe and communicate with others.
• May involve working in various outdoor weather conditions with children.

• Catholic Charities offers a competitive salary and benefits program.
• Health/Dental/Vision
• Vacation/sick/holiday pay
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with a discretionary employer contribution
• Tuition Advancement
• Paid Parental Leave

Join Catholic Charities of Baltimore where you will be an important member of a trauma-informed care organization that promotes a culture of safety, empowerment, healing, and self-care, and that believes that every person has infinite worth and promise.

Catholic Charities is an equal opportunity employer