Program Aide

Classroom, Bus, and Kitchen Aide

This position works as a part of a team to assist in activities in the areas of the classroom, kitchen and bus and/or to serve as a disabilities aide as needed. The position contains elements of the job descriptions of positions titled Classroom Aide, Bus Aide, Custodial Aide and Kitchen Aide as well as requiring some light cleaning duties and as a disabilities aide providing support for children with disabilities. Works with typically developing children and/or children with special needs. The position may be reassigned to various classrooms/centers/bus routes as deemed necessary for program operations. This position may receive content area technical support and training from the Teacher, Bus Driver, Cook and Program Managers/Specialists.

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

• 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. Serves as a substitute in the absence of the Teacher or Assistant Teacher. Performs other duties as assigned.
• 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 checklist of the interior of the bus, including maintenance of fire 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 experiences. Ensures that children remain seated and with seat belts on at all times. Assists with parents/families signing children on and off the bus. Communicates with parents/families as needed. Performs other duties as assigned.
• 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. Substitutes for regular Cook or Assistant Cook as needed. Performs other duties as assigned.
• Disabilities Aide: Works with assigned children with disabilities. Supports the work of the classroom staff, Specialists, Managers and/or the Mental Health Consultant in carrying out individual plans for children with special needs. Performs other duties as assigned.

Training and Other:

• Attends all workshops and meetings as deemed necessary by the supervisor.
• Attends all required staff and parent meetings and activities.
• Responsible for understanding Head Start Program Performance Standards and other required local regulations.
• If working in a Pre-K Counts classroom, responsible to understand the state regulations as determined by OCDEL.
• Successfully completes and maintains Basic First Aid and CPR certification.
• Is knowledgeable of the regulations associated with prevention of occupational disease and injury, including the exercise of universal precautions and the prevention of contamination.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Training:

• Participate in all training and professional development activities as required under the Head Start Program Performance Standards, the Head Start Act, OCDEL, and as planned for by the program.

Knowledge and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the basics of working with preschool children.
• Knowledge of the purpose of the respective program employed to work under (HS/EHS/PKC).
• Knowledge of basic food preparation, serving and sanitation practices.
• Knowledge of local resources, customs and language helpful.
• Ability to relate sensitively with children and to work well with staff and parents and families.
• Ability to follow directions and take initiative.
• Ability to keep all information on families strictly confidential.
• Ability to communicate effectively with children and staff.
• Must have the physical, emotional and mental ability to assist the Bus Driver with a vehicle full of children in a safe and pleasant manner when riding the bus.
• Ability to work with children with disabilities.

Language Skills:

• Ability to communicate both written and orally.
• Ability to follow directions from both written and oral instructions.
• Ability to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence and memos.
• Ability to write simple correspondence.
• Ability to communicate with families and children in a positive and helpful manner.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from community.
• Bilingual skills helpful (English/Spanish).

Mathematical Skills:

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide.

Reasoning Skills:

• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Other Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to exhibit patience and tact when communicating with children, families, staff, management, referral sources and the public.
• Ability to project professionalism in conducting daily activities.

Education and Experience:

• This is an entry-level position.
• The minimum requirement is that the individual be 18 years of age.
• Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• Must be willing and able to obtain Basic First Aid and CPR Certification and maintain certification.
• The program will verify references and complete a sex offender registry check. An initial health exam with acceptable tuberculosis screening results, a clear criminal records, FBI, and Child Abuse clearances check. These are required post job offer and prior to employment.
• Current and former Head Start/Early Head Start parents will receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are qualified.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• Time spent riding on public roads in changing weather conditions.
• Requires riding in all weather conditions including rain, snow, ice, wind, heat, etc.
• Must be able to assist in changing tires and make other minor repairs as necessary.
• May be required to lift up to 45 pounds.
• Some exposure to communicable diseases.
• Noise level in work environment may be moderate to loud.
• Work is typically performed in a classroom, kitchen or bus setting and some office work may be required.
• Some evenings and weekend work may occasionally be required for events such as home visits, parent teacher conference, Parent Committee meetings, community and social events.

Standards of Conduct:

• By signing this job description, I agree to abide by the following Standards of Conduct as outlined in Head Start Program Performance Standards 1302.90 (c):
• I agree to not use corporal punishment.
• I agree to not use isolation to discipline a child.
• I agree to not bind or tie a child to restrict movement or tape a child's mouth.
• I agree to not use or withhold food as a punishment or reward.
• I agree to not use toilet learning/training methods that punish, demean, or humiliate a child.
• I agree to not use any form of emotional abuse, including public or private humiliation, rejecting, terrorizing, extended ignoring, or corrupting a child.
• I agree to not physically abuse a child.
• I agree to not use any form of verbal abuse, including profane, sarcastic language, threats, or derogatory remarks about the child or child's family.
• I agree to not use physical activity or outdoor time as a punishment or reward.
• I agree to respect and promote the unique identity of each child and family and refrain from stereotyping on the basis of gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, disability, sexual orientation or family composition.
• I agree to follow program confidentiality policies concerning information about children, families, and other staff members.
• I agree to never leave a child alone or unsupervised while under my care.

Application Procedure: Apply Online Selection Procedure: