Head Start Program Aide

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the Center Manager, the Program Aide assists in activities in the areas of the classroom, kitchen, and bus services on an as needed basis. This position will also require the incumbent to perform some light cleaning duties. The Program Aide typically works with developing children and/or children with special needs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists classroom staff in all classroom activities, field trips and outdoor activities included in 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 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 the need arises (e.g., at Family Nights, copying newsletters, cutting out classroom materials, making phone calls, etc.).
• Serves as temporary substitute in the periodic absence of the assistant teacher, teacher, custodian, cook, and cook assistant.
• Performs similar job-related duties as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This job operates in a clean, organized, and professional classroom environment.
• The Program Aide operates under the general direction of the classroom Teacher and supervision of the Center Manager and will be evaluated annually by the Center Manager in conjunction with the classroom Teacher.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear; sit; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; kneel or sit on the floor; lift approximately 50 pounds; ride on a bus; and move quickly from multiple positions and levels.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK
This is a full-time position, and days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., unless otherwise approved.

TRAVEL

May require local travel, overnight travel, out of area travel.

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Experience working with pre-school age children.
  • Valid Drivers License
• Desirable
  • 1 year of experience working with children in a Pre-school environment.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to pass a criminal history background check and submit to an initial physical drug screening and annual Tuberculin test.
• Ability to communicate in English (both verbally and in writing).
• Must be physically able to interact with preschool age children.
• Must have strong verbal organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Must demonstrate a working and theoretical knowledge of child development, classroom, and behavioral management.
• Must be knowledgeable of child abuse and neglect indicators and report suspected child abuse according to state regulation.
• Must maintain a current CPR and First Aid certificate (training will be provided by CAFI).

AAP/EEO Statement

CAFI provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, CAFI complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

CAFI expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of CAFIs employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.