General Summary

To assist the teacher and cooperate in a supportive role carrying out developmentally appropriate activities. To promote the health, nutrition and education of the children and to attend to their safety and welfare. Complies with the Head Start Program Performance Standards, TDPRS Minimum Standards, School Readiness Goals and other Federal, State and any local regulations, policies and procedures. This position is a part-time (3 hours per day), temporary position and will end on 05/31/2026.

Primary Responsibilities

Assists in implementing screening procedures that identify concerns in the developmental, behavioral, motor, language, social, cognitive, and emotional skills of each child in the classroom within 45 calendar days of the child’s entry into the Program.
Assists in implementing with fidelity a research-based curriculum with effective teaching practices that promote positive outcomes by promoting growth in the developmental progression described in the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five. Integrate child assessment data and developmentally appropriate learning experiences in planning and implementing a collaboratively designed lesson plan.
Community Action Corporation of South Texas provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.
Assists in conducting Parent-Teacher conferences at least two center visits and two home visits, with more frequent conferences conducted as appropriate.
Assists in implementing the classroom’s emergency procedures, including the posting of procedures, locations and telephone numbers of emergency response systems, emergency evacuation routes and other procedures and the maintenance of up-to-date family contact information and authorization for emergency care. Conducts and documents monthly fire drills. Conducts and documents severe weather and lock down drills four times per year.
Assures that the child’s outdoor and indoor environments are safe and clean at all times, including storing outdoor equipment such as wagons and tricycles and storing dangerous materials and potential poisons under lock and key. Sanitize classroom equipment and supplies and maintain a clean classroom including restrooms and kitchen area.
Supervises and ensures the safety and well-being of all children in the classroom at all times. Assures that the classroom’s environment is developmentally appropriate for each child.
Assists in conducting activities in the classroom to conform to the Program’s written program plans, Performance Standards, Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five, Minimum Standards for Licensing, CACOST’s Head Start Birth to Five Program policies and procedures, School Readiness Goals and the Parent, Family and Community Engagement Framework.
Assists in the implementation of children’s IEPs or Plans of Care for children with Disabilities.
Maintains a cooperative attitude of working with the teacher, volunteers, parents and program staff.
Assists with meal service as needed.
Assists with children arriving late and facilitate activities.

Work Experience

Prior supervisory experience is preferred.
Valid Texas Driver's License.
Must pass DFPS background check.
Must pass an annual physical.

Must attend 24 clock hours of professional development and staff training per year to include: active supervision, safety practices, training that improves child and family outcomes, training on methods to handle suspected or known child abuse and neglect cases that comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, and any other trainings as outlined by the Head Start Performance Standards and Child Care Regulation from the State of Texas.

Education/Certifications/Licensure

As prescribed in section 648A(a)(2)(B)(ii) of the Head Start Act, minimum, CDA credential or a state-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential, are enrolled in a program that will lead to an associate or bachelor's degree or, are enrolled in a CDA credential program to be completed within two years of the time of hire.
Preferred: A CDA credential or an associate degree in child development, early childhood education or equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education, with experience teaching preschool-age children.

Skills

Ability to work as a team member collaborating with staff, parents and community resources.
Assist Teacher in maintaining accurate written records, including assessments, IEP documentation, screening instruments, anecdotal observations, and other required forms.
Assure/assist in general maintenance and security of facility.
Ability to supervise pre-school children and ensure a safe environment including the ability to monitor and respond to events going on at all times in classroom and outdoor play areas. This includes the physical ability to move quickly in order to respond to children who are very active and may need restraint or redirection in order to ensure their safety or the safety of others in the environment.

Physical Requirements
If a preliminary offer of employment is extended, a physical will be required before the offer can be accepted.

Able to perform the following physical requirements of the position with or without reasonable accommodation: critical sensory requirements include general vision; specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Hear or listen in the normal range (corrected) and speak and give directions clearly. Able to walk, sit, stand, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects up to 10 lbs., and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Welcome to Community Action Corporation of South Texas (CACOST)!

CACOST is a private non-profit organization established in 1971 and funded through federal, state and local grants. CACOST currently serves 16 counties via a wide variety of community programs and services. CACOST lives its mission each day, which is to continuously improve the lives of South Texans by providing high quality health care, education, housing and economic opportunities to reduce poverty through services and partnerships.

CACOST is looking for employees who are interested in accomplishing our mission, which can be both rewarding and challenging. We count on our employees to contribute directly to the growth and success of our agency. Because the quality of our staff is the key to our success, we carefully select our new employees. Apply today to join our CACOST family and take pride in being a member of our team.

Community Action Corporation of South Texas (CACOST)

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Temporary Substitute Teacher Aide