Early Head Start Teacher Aide

Early Head Start Teacher AidePAY RATE - $ 18.00JOB 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 RoleAs 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 ActivitiesCreate and maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming learning environment for infants and toddlersPlan and implement daily and weekly lesson plans aligned with MSDE and Head Start standardsConduct developmental screenings and ongoing observationsSupport individualized learning through Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs)Supervise children during classroom routines and outdoor playSupport daily care routines including diapering, toileting, handwashing, teeth brushing, and meals Health, Safety & DocumentationComplete daily health and safety checks and conduct routine fire drillsDocument injuries, incidents, and hazards according to program requirementsMaintain accurate attendance records, CACFP meal counts, and classroom inventoriesEnter observations and child progress data into Teaching Strategies GOLD or MyHeadStartMaintain organized, compliant child and family files Family Engagement & SupportConduct home visits and parent-teacher conferencesEncourage family participation in classroom and program activitiesProvide families with guidance and resources related to child development, nutrition, safety, and positive disciplineConnect families with community resources and service providers Program & Team CollaborationParticipate in staff meetings, supervision, case reviews, and required trainingsSupport recruitment, enrollment, and community outreach effortsAssist with extended-day services to meet Early Head Start grant requirementsCoordinate family-centered activities, events, and engagement opportunities Schedule & Program HoursProgram operates Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.Standard workday is 7.5 hours, with flexible scheduling based on program needsExtended hours coverage may be required depending on enrollment and attendance EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:High school diploma or GED requiredAssociate degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferredAt 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 Certificate90-Hour Child Care CertificateInfant-Toddler CDAInfant/Toddler CPR & First AidUniversal Precautions Additional Employment RequirementsEarly Head Start CJIS criminal background clearancePre-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 disabilitiesKNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:Strong interest in infant and toddler developmentAbility to build positive, respectful relationships with familiesCulturally responsive and non-judgmental communication styleStrong documentation, organization, and time-management skillsAbility to maintain confidentiality and meet program deadlinesWillingness to participate in ongoing professional development PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:Medium physical demandAbility 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 RequirementsUp to 25% travel within Goodwill's service areaWeekly and as-needed home visitsPersonal vehicle required Work EnvironmentModerate noise levelExposure to typical classroom, outdoor, and community-based conditions