Program Aide (Linda Vista)

Location: San Marcos, CA. Hourly: $21.28 - $25.30. 50 Weeks.

MAAC STORY

Since 1965, MAAC has been maximizing self-sufficiency with families and individuals through high-quality programs and advocacy in our communities. MAAC employs dedicated staff who provide life-changing services to thousands of individuals annually through programs in five core focus areas: Education, Economic Development, Health & Wellbeing, Housing, and Advocacy & Leadership Development. Through a wide variety of programs, MAAC has grown to become one of the largest nonprofit social service organizations in the community. Learn more about the great things happening with MAAC at

DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Head Start (HS) and Early Head Start (EHS) are comprehensive federally funded school-readiness programs for low- income and special needs children that promote parents as the primary educator of the child. MAAC currently serves a diverse group of low-income children and their families in North County; the majority of the participating families are of Latino/Hispanic ethnicity. These programs ensure that children ages 0-3 (EHS) and 3-5 (HS) and their families are provided with comprehensive services to promote optimum physical, cognitive, social and emotional growth. MAAC’s California State Preschool program provides educational and developmental services to qualifying children ages 3 to 5; parents are encouraged to participate with their children and to be involved in their children’s development.

DEFINITON

This position works as an integral member of a team to assist in activities in the areas of the classroom, kitchen and bus services on an as needed basis. The position contains elements of the job descriptions of positions titled teacher assistant, classroom aide, bus aide, custodial aide and kitchen aide as well as requires the incumbent to perform some light cleaning duties. This classification typically works with developing children and/or children with special needs. The position may be assigned to various classrooms/centers/bus routes as deemed necessary for program operations. This position may receive content area technical support and training from the Center Director, Teacher, Bus Driver, Cook and/or Program Managers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

Teacher Assistant/Classroom Aide

• Assists classroom staff in all classroom activities, field trips and outdoor activities including lesson plans.
• Assists in developing materials and providing activities related to the cultural background of the children and families served.
• Helps supervise at mealtime, eating with the children to encourage good nutrition and proper social skills.
• Helps keep the classroom and its contents clean and orderly.
• Assists the teacher in any aspect of the program as the need arises.

Custodial Aide Services

• Empties trash or garbage containers if needed before the custodian or janitor services.
• Sanitizes surfaces, picks up and puts away materials in the classroom or kitchen in order to maintain a safe and organized environment.
• Serves as custodian in the absence of the regular custodian on a periodic basis.

Bus Aide

• Assists driver in keeping the interior of the vehicle clean at all times.
• Assists with cleaning the exterior of the vehicle as weather allows.
• Maintains accurate record keeping for program requirements.
• Reports any damage or malfunction immediately to the Bus Driver.
• Assists, as requested, to perform safety supplies and seat belts.
• Ensures that the bus is empty at the end of each run and that all children are accounted for.
• Interacts with children during bus route for socializing and educational experience.
• Ensures that children remain seated and with seat belts on at all times.
• Assist with parents/families signing children in and off the bus.
• Communicates with parents/families as needed.

Kitchen Aide

• Completes routine kitchen/dining room/food chores as assigned.
• Prepares necessary food and serving items or service prior to or after use.
• Participates in kitchen clean up, inventory and other kitchen tasks as requested.
• Places food orders.
• Prepares Menu Production Records in Compliance with CACFP requirements.
• Maintains inventory of food and supplies.
• Other assigned duties related to food services.

Additional Duties

• Attends all workshop and meeting as deemed necessary by the supervisor.
• Attends all required staff and parent meetings and activates.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/CERTIFICATION

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum of six (6) units in Child Development or Early Childhood Development.
• Six (6) months of experience in a preschool classroom setting
• Bilingual (English / Spanish) speaking, reading, and writing preferred.
• Valid CPR, First Aid, and Food Handlers certifications must be obtained within first two months (2) of employment and maintained throughout employment (paid, designated training available through MAAC). In the event employees do not attend the scheduled training, they must obtain the cards through outside resources and costs will not be reimbursed. The certifications must be obtained and maintained within prescribed timelines.

VALUE-BASED BEHAVIORS

Listens attentively to others. Asks clarifying questions to gain a better understanding of the other person’s views and underlying assumptions
Works effectively in a team environment and actively participates in joint problem solving; willingly cooperates with co-workers
Identifies and takes advantage of opportunities for personal and professional development
Attends work consistently and punctually. Arrives to meetings prepared and on time; honors work commitments; follows through on what was agreed upon; meets deadlines
Honors the private and confidential matters of co-workers. Protects the proprietary information of MAAC systems
Follows rules, regulations, and policies; positively contributes to implementing changes
Deals with issues directly, in a respectful and timely manner. Focuses on resolving the issue while not criticizing the person. Follows rules, regulations, and policies; positively contributes to implementing changes

HEALTH STATUS

Must have a physical examination, TB clearance and a drug screen by a doctor/clinic designated by MAAC as well as immunization records for influenza*, pertussis and measles as required by state and federal regulations prior to the first day of employment.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this class, an employee is regularly required to stand, walk and sit, talk or hear both in person and by telephone, uses hands to finger, handle or feel objects or controls, reach with hands and arms. An employee also is regularly required to stoop, kneel, bend, crouch or crawl, climb or balance and lift up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, color vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret information; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret people and situations; use basic math; learn and apply new information or skills; work under intensive deadlines and interact with MAAC management, administrators, staff, teachers, parents, family members, children and others encountered in the course of work.

BACKGROUND CLEARANCE

All positions are subject to a background/education check, DMV check, NSOR, exclusion and debarment checks prior to hire and periodically throughout employment as required by various funding sources.

Note: California Start law requires background criminal checks on anyone who works in a licensed childcare facility who is not a client. Must have or obtain a current criminal background check clearance, signed criminal record statement, and signed Acknowledgement to Report Child Abuse form prior to the first day of employment.

TRANSPORTATION

Must have and maintain a valid California Driver’s License, daily use of a personal, insured vehicle, and have and maintain a motor vehicle driving record acceptable to MAAC’s insurance carrier. Incumbents will be enrolled in the California DMV Pull Program.