HEAD START - RXII - CDA Trainee

SUMMARY OF PRIMARY FUNCTION The CDA Trainee is responsible for assisting the Classroom Staff in the implementation of a classroom program designed to give each child an opportunity to participate in experiences that will enrich his/her development in a safe environment. The CDA Trainee will be a third person in the classroom whose primary responsibility is to observe and learn about effective early childhood practices. They also help recruit potential parents by providing information to them about the various program services and benefits offered to enrolled children and families. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Classroom OperationsAssists classroom staff with implementation of daily activities and classroom management principles.Assist in implementing classroom activities around concepts that incorporate the interests of the classroom community and meet goals and objectives outlined in the Creative Curriculum.Maintain enough flexibility to allow children's interests to guide classroom direction.Be responsible for and lead some activities as requested by the Teacher, Assistant Teacher or Education Supervisor.Establish and maintain positive, pleasant and trusting relationships with parents, respecting their individual needs and maintaining professional and appropriate boundaries.Tends to children's personal hygiene needs, including diaper changing, cleaning, feeding, and changing soiled or wet clothes.Know all medical conditions/needs of the children in the classroom (including allergies) and how to respond to these needs.Discuss what will be communicated to parents with the classroom team in order to give parents consistent messages in accordance with the Data Privacy policy.Tends to children's personal hygiene needs, remaining especially attentive to them during routines such as diaper changing, cleaning, feeding, and changing soiled or wet clothes.Assume other duties as requested by the classroom staff or Education Supervisor. Safety & SanitationMaintains a safe, clean, care-giving environment, practices good personal hygiene and hand washing, and assures the well-being and safety of all of the children in that environment.Utilizes disciplinary measures appropriately as outlined in the Behavior Guidance Policies and Procedures.Protects all children from physical punishment or verbal abuse by anyone in any program activity, and immediately reports any such incident to the person in charge.Provides for the physical safety of each child from arrival time until departure time.Assures that safety and sanitation policies and procedures are followed appropriately.Assures that children are dressed appropriately for the weather and type of play in which they are engaged.Assures that children are supervised at all times.Have or obtain within 90 days of hire a First Aid and CPR Certification as well as maintain the certification during employment. Administers First Aid and/or CPR (if trained) when necessary. CommunicationGreets children and their parents warmly and with enthusiasm.Maintains a cooperative attitude of working together with other staff, parents and volunteers in planning and implementing activities for the program/classroom.Maintains a positive, calm attitude and a pleasant, soothing voice, and models this attitude and voice for parents and others working or volunteering in the program. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTSMust be at least 18 years of age.Must have a High School Diploma or GED.Excellent communication skills, verbal and in writing.Must enjoy and respect young children and their families.Comfortable working with computers, willing and able to learn program specific systems as needed for position.Must be willing and committed to participating fully in the Tri-Valley Child Development Associate (CDA) Trainee Program and achieve credential within 4 months of hire. Tri-Valley is a non-profit community action agency. We believe in the value of all human beings. It is that belief that drives our efforts to identify needs, seek resources and provide opportunities for people to thrive. Our work is committed to strengthening our communities so that its citizens have better places to live, work, worship and enjoy. The mission of Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. is to provide opportunities to improve the quality of life for people and communities. If you are an applicant with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact Human Resources at 218-281-0536 or hr@tvoc.org. Application Deadline: 2 weeks - Until 6/10/2026 Employee Type: Reg Temp. Hours per Week: 40 Shift Schedule: M-F 7:00 am - 3:30 pm Service Area Coverage: Owatonna, MN Benefits: 401K/Roth, Paid Holidays, and ESST If any questions about the position, please contact: Aracely Valencia, aracely.valencia@tvoc.org