Classroom Assistant- Smithfield

This Classroom Assistant position is full time, fixed hours Monday-Friday. Rate of pay is $14.52 hourly.  Eligible for medical benefits including health, vision, dental insurance and life insurance. SEP retirement plan after 13 months of employment. Must be proficient in speaking, reading, and writing in English, must also have a GED or high school diploma.

KEY FUNCTION:

Under the general direction of the PHS Center Based Coordinator, direct supervision may be assigned according to program needs. The PHS Classroom Assistant will assist in providing high quality, individualized education to Head Start children in a developmentally appropriate environment.  The Classroom Assistant will assist the Head Start Teacher and Teacher Assistant in keeping the Head Start classroom clean and organized and will be responsible for serving and cleaning up after each meal and snack. The classroom assistant will carry out the objectives and philosophy of nutrition components and work closely with staff in following program objectives.  The Classroom Assistant will assist in recruiting families and children to Head Start for the current school year and the upcoming year.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Prepare, serve and clean-up meals and snacks.
• Be responsible for CACFP paperwork and documentation.
• Be responsible for daily health and safety checklist.
• Responsible for cleaning checklist each day in the classroom.
• Assist in establishing and maintaining a safe, healthy, learning environment to prevent injuries, minimize hazards, and provide adequate supervision.
• Assist in ensuring program responsiveness to participant’s needs.
• Have an understanding of and an ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Assist in actively recruiting Head Start families for the current school year and the upcoming school year in the area assigned by the supervisor. 
• Arrive at least 30 minutes before class starts to assist with class preparation.
• Maintain a commitment to professionalism.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Deliver breakfast and lunch from the school to the head start classroom.
• Wash, rinse and sanitize all equipment used for prep and service and return to proper storage area.
• Clean kitchen after each use.
• Return dishes to school after use.
• Sit down and assist the teacher and assistant during mealtime.
• Clean up after each meal or snack.
• Work with children.

QUALIFICATIONS:

PERSONAL QUALITIES

• Attention to detail and able to complete required paperwork.
• Ability to understand the economically disadvantaged and basic philosophy of the Head Start program.
• Ability to work productively under stress.
• Desire to help people find ways to succeed.
• Proactive attitude.
• Integrity and strong ethical principles.
• Good organizational skills.
• Demonstrate ability to enjoy working with families of diverse backgrounds and a variety of cultures.
• Demonstrate ability to be innovative and resourceful.
• Need to have a sense of humor.
• Must pass a background check.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds, be in good physical condition, and be able to get down on a child’s level.
• Have reliable transportation
• Must have a valid driver’s license and have proof of insurance.
• Computer skills

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Basic knowledge of Child Development.
• Able to become CPR (adult, child, and infant) and First Aid certified, TB tested, free of communicable diseases, and obtain a Food Handler’s Permit.

All employment with Bear River Head Start is contingent upon Policy Council approval, and successful results of a background check. All applicants must also pass a drug test prior to hire including working with children and families. Refusal to submit to testing will result in disqualification of further employment consideration. 

Salary : $15