Program Aid Full Time

PURPOSE OF POSITION

This position works as a part of a team to assist in activities in the classroom, kitchen and/or serve as an extra support for classroom. This position may work with infants and toddlers with developmental/physical delays. The position will require travel to various classrooms/centers as deemed necessary for program operations.
Role and Responsibilities

The duties of the position are described in the major functional areas listed below. Additional duties may be assigned.

EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC DUTIES-- ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Classroom Aide

• Assists classroom staff in all center activities, implementing classroom daily schedules, lesson plan experiences (both indoor and outdoor), and daily routines such as diapering, mealtimes, and naptimes.
• Helps supervise at mealtime, eating with the children to encourage good nutrition and social skills.
• Helps keep the classroom and its contents clean and orderly.
• Assists the teacher in any aspect of the program as needed (e.g., at Family Nights, copying newsletters, cutting out classroom materials, etc.).

• Supports the work of the classroom staff and managers, specialists, and/or mental health consultants in carrying out individual plans for children with special needs according to the child's IFSP.

Janitorial Aide Services

• Empties trash or garbage containers if needed before the custodian or janitor services.
• Follows cleaning policies and procedures: including but not limited to sanitizes surfaces, picks up and puts away materials in the classroom or kitchen to maintain a safe and organized environment.
• Ensuring outdoor playground is safe and free from debris including blowing off the playgrounds.

Kitchen Aide

• Assisting the Floater in keeping the kitchen clean and sanitized and completing routine kitchen/food chores as assigned.
• When Substituting for Floater, follow the floater's daily schedule and checklist.
• As requested, support staff/parents in preparing and cleaning up after meals/snacks for meetings, planning sessions, and other special events.
• Ensures dishes are returned to the kitchen or food service vendor transport boxes for cleaning and preparation for the next meal.
• Notifies direct supervisor of any safety, health issues, or concerns.
• Participates in ongoing training in food nutrition as requested.
• Follows the established system for cleaning to ensure that the kitchen and storage rooms are kept clean and sanitary.
• Responsible for complying with all local, state, and federal standards regarding hygiene and sanitation.

EXAMPLES OF GENERAL JOB DUTIES--ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Attends all workshops, meetings, and activities as deemed necessary by the immediate supervisor.
• Responsible for understanding Head Start Performance Standards and local childcare licensing regulations.
• Maintains strict confidentiality concerning Head Start/Early Head Start children, families, and staff, following established policies and procedures.
• Becomes thoroughly familiar with Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana Employee Handbook and Children's Coalition Early Head Start Operations Manual
• Will need to be available at least 21 hours per week (3.5 hr or 7 hr shifts)

• Must have reliable transportation and, if/when using own vehicle, must have minimum automobile coverage required by state of employment.

Education and Experience

• The minimum requirement is that the individual be 17 years of age with a High School Diploma or GED. This is an entry-level position.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide with simple fractions.

• Requirements for employment with Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana Head Start may differ from those required by the former grantee or a replacement grantee. If applicable federal, state, or local Head Start or childcare regulations, now or as amended in the future, contain additional requirements or qualifications for this position that are not explicitly stated in this Job Description, the requirements, and qualifications will apply, even if not explicitly outlined in this Job Description.
• Acceptable tuberculosis screening results, a clear criminal records check (including a child abuse registry check if required by state regulations), and an initial health exam are required post-job offer and before employment. Current and former Early Head Start parents will receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are qualified.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• May be required to lift to 40 pounds.
• Will be required to perform physical activities to engage with toddlers/Infant including bending, squatting, getting down and up of the floor.
• Travel by car, bus, airplane, or train may also be required to attend conferences, meetings, and other duties carried out at distant locations in and out of state, and in some cases, overnight travel may be required.
• Some exposure to communicable diseases.
• The noise level in the work environment may be moderate to loud.
• Work is typically performed in a classroom, kitchen, and some office work will be required.
• Evening and weekend work may occasionally be required for training and program events.

The requirements of your Job Description are important in providing services to children and families and keeping you, children, and co-workers safe during the workday. If you are unable to perform any of the functions required in your job description due to a disability, you are invited to direct any requests for accommodation to the Program Director.