Program Aid As Needed

Purpose of Position

This position works as part of a team to assist in activities in the classroom, kitchen, and/or serve as extra support for the classroom. This position may work with infants and toddlers with developmental/physical delays. Travel to various classrooms/centers may be required as deemed necessary for program operations.

Key Responsibilities

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 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).
• Supports the work of 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 custodian or janitor services.
• Follows cleaning policies and procedures: including sanitizing surfaces, picking up and putting away materials in the classroom or kitchen to maintain a safe and organized environment.
• Ensures outdoor playground is safe and free from debris, including blowing off playgrounds.

Kitchen Aide

• Assists the Floater in keeping the kitchen clean and sanitized and completing routine kitchen/food chores as assigned.
• When substituting for Floater, follows the floater's daily schedule and checklist.
• As requested, supports 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.

General Job Duties

• 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.

Requirements & Tech Stack

None explicitly stated.

Qualifications

• Minimum age: 17 years.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide with simple fractions.
• Reliable transportation.
• Minimum automobile coverage required by state of employment, if using own vehicle.
• Acceptable tuberculosis screening results.
• Clear criminal records check (including a child abuse registry check if required by state regulations).
• Initial health exam 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 up to 40 pounds.
• Will be required to perform physical activities to engage with toddlers/infants, including bending, squatting, and getting down and up from the floor.
• Travel by car, bus, airplane, or train may be required to attend conferences, meetings, and other duties at distant locations (in and out of state). Overnight travel may be required.
• Some exposure to communicable diseases.
• 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.