Early Head Start Teacher Aide

Early Head Start Teacher Aide

PAY RATE - $ 18.00

JOB SUMMARY:

Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake is hiring an Early Head Start Infant & Toddler Teacher to partner with families and support the healthy growth and development of children from birth to age three.

This role provides high‑quality early learning experiences in a safe, nurturing classroom or home‑based setting, supporting children's cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development while meeting federal Head Start Performance Standards, Maryland licensing requirements, and agency policies.

About the Role

As an Early Head Start Teacher, you will play a critical role in shaping children's early experiences and strengthening family engagement. You'll work closely with parents, staff, and community partners to ensure each child receives developmentally appropriate care, education, and support.

This position requires a strong commitment to early childhood education, family‑centered practice, and individualized learning.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Child Development & Classroom Activities

• Create and maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming learning environment for infants and toddlers
• Plan and implement daily and weekly lesson plans aligned with MSDE and Head Start standards
• Conduct developmental screenings and ongoing observations
• Support individualized learning through Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs)
• Supervise children during classroom routines and outdoor play
• Support daily care routines including diapering, toileting, handwashing, teeth brushing, and meals

Health, Safety & Documentation

• Complete daily health and safety checks and conduct routine fire drills
• Document injuries, incidents, and hazards according to program requirements
• Maintain accurate attendance records, CACFP meal counts, and classroom inventories
• Enter observations and child progress data into Teaching Strategies GOLD or MyHeadStart
• Maintain organized, compliant child and family files

Family Engagement & Support

• Conduct home visits and parent‑teacher conferences
• Encourage family participation in classroom and program activities
• Provide families with guidance and resources related to child development, nutrition, safety, and positive discipline
• Connect families with community resources and service providers

Program & Team Collaboration

• Participate in staff meetings, supervision, case reviews, and required trainings
• Support recruitment, enrollment, and community outreach efforts
• Assist with extended‑day services to meet Early Head Start grant requirements
• Coordinate family‑centered activities, events, and engagement opportunities

Schedule & Program Hours

• Program operates Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
• Standard workday is 7.5 hours, with flexible scheduling based on program needs
• Extended hours coverage may be required depending on enrollment and attendance

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or GED required
• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred
• At least one year of supervised classroom experience with children ages birth–three

CERTICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Certifications (Required or Within 90 Days of Hire)

• 45‑Hour Infant & Toddler Certificate
• 90‑Hour Child Care Certificate
• Infant‑Toddler CDA
• Infant/Toddler CPR & First Aid
• Universal Precautions

Additional Employment Requirements

• Early Head Start CJIS criminal background clearance
• Pre‑employment physical and tuberculosis screening

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Strong interest in infant and toddler development
• Ability to build positive, respectful relationships with families
• Culturally responsive and non‑judgmental communication style
• Strong documentation, organization, and time‑management skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and meet program deadlines
• Willingness to participate in ongoing professional development                                                   

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Medium physical demand
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and frequently lift up to 25 lbs.
• Regular standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and floor‑level interaction with children

Travel Requirements

• Up to 25% travel within Goodwill's service area
• Weekly and as‑needed home visits
• Personal vehicle required

Work Environment

• Moderate noise level
• Exposure to typical classroom, outdoor, and community‑based conditions

REPORTS TO Director