Teacher Aide - Early Head Start

Teacher AideFull-Time | Early Head Start$17.89-$22.36Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake is seeking an Early Head Start Infant & Toddler Teacher to work in partnership with families and support the healthy development of children from birth through age three.This position delivers high-quality early learning experiences in a supportive, nurturing classroom or home-based environment. The role promotes children's cognitive, physical, social, and emotional growth while meeting federal Head Start Performance Standards, Maryland licensing regulations, and organizational policies.About the RoleIn this role, you will have a meaningful impact on children's earliest learning experiences while fostering strong, collaborative relationships with families. You'll work alongside parents, colleagues, and community partners to ensure individualized, developmentally appropriate care and education for every child.Success in this position requires a commitment to early childhood education, family-centered practice, and responsive, individualized learning approaches.Key ResponsibilitiesChild 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 mealsHealth, 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 filesFamily 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 providersProgram & 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 opportunitiesSchedule & 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 attendanceRequired QualificationsEducation & ExperienceHigh school diploma or GED requiredAssociate's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferredAt least one year of supervised classroom experience with children ages birth-threeCertifications (Required or Within 90 Days of Hire)45-Hour Infant & Toddler Certificate90-Hour Child Care CertificateInfant-Toddler CDAInfant/Toddler CPR & First AidUniversal PrecautionsPreferred:9-Hour Communication CertificateValid Maryland driver's license with required insuranceAdditional Employment RequirementsEarly Head Start CJIS criminal background clearancePre-employment physical and tuberculosis screeningKnowledge, Skills & AbilitiesStrong 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 developmentPhysical RequirementsMedium 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 childrenTravel RequirementsUp to 25% travel within Goodwill's service areaWeekly and as-needed home visitsPersonal vehicle required (mileage reimbursed)Work EnvironmentModerate noise levelExposure to typical classroom, outdoor, and community-based conditionsWhy Work at Goodwill?Mission-driven work supporting children and familiesStable, federally funded programmingProfessional growth and credential developmentComprehensive benefits packageLearn more about our benefits and careers:https://goodwillches.org/about-us/goodwill-careers/