Floater

POSITION SUMMARY

The HS/EHS Floater provides flexible support throughout the Head Start and Early Head Start program to help maintain safe, consistent, and high-quality services for children and families. The Floater may be assigned to Head Start or Early Head Start classrooms, transportation routes, the kitchen, front office, or other program areas based on daily staffing and operational needs.

The Floater assists teaching staff with classroom routines, curriculum implementation, active supervision, individualized child needs, and transitions. The position also serves as a bus monitor and may provide support during children's transitions between classrooms, program options, or educational settings. Flexibility, dependability, teamwork, and the ability to work effectively with children, families, and staff are essential functions of this position.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

High school diploma or GED required. Experience working with preschool-age children is preferred. A center-based Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or associate degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field is preferred.

Experience working with children and families from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds is preferred.

Must possess a valid Tennessee driver's license and have access to reliable transportation. Bus Monitor duties are required. An employee who obtains and maintains the appropriate Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and meets program requirements to serve as a Bus Driver is eligible for a 3% pay increase in accordance with agency policy.

Must meet all applicable Head Start/Early Head Start, Tennessee child care licensing, health and safety, background check, training, and other employment requirements applicable to the position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The employee must be punctual, dependable, flexible, and willing to accept assignments based on program needs. Must demonstrate initiative, accept supervision and feedback, complete assigned tasks, and work cooperatively as a member of a team.

Must be able to interact effectively and respectfully with children, families, coworkers, and community members and communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Basic computer literacy is required.

The employee must demonstrate an understanding of child development, confidentiality, professional boundaries, active supervision, positive guidance, and the importance of maintaining consistent routines for young children. Must be self-motivated and able to work independently when appropriate while following established program policies, procedures, and supervisory direction.

PERFORMANCE PLAN/JOB ELEMENTS

1. Classroom and Curriculum Support — 20%

Assists Head Start and Early Head Start teaching staff with implementation of approved curricula and developmentally appropriate classroom activities.

Supports daily classroom routines, learning experiences, small- and large-group activities, meals, outdoor play, rest periods, and other classroom activities as assigned.

Follows established classroom schedules and teaching plans and assists staff in maintaining a safe, organized, welcoming, and developmentally appropriate learning environment.

Practices active supervision at all times and follows program procedures for child accountability, health, safety, sanitation, and emergency preparedness.

2. Individual Child and Teaching Support — 20%

Performs instructional and supportive tasks to assist teaching staff in meeting the developmental, educational, social-emotional, health, and safety needs of individual children.

Assists with implementation of individualized strategies and accommodations as directed by teaching staff and appropriate content-area personnel.

Uses positive guidance and developmentally appropriate practices when interacting with children and supports children's independence, self-regulation, and successful participation in classroom routines.

Assists children during arrival, departure, movement between activities, and other daily transitions to promote consistency and minimize disruption.

Provides classroom coverage as assigned while maintaining required staff-child ratios and complying with applicable Head Start Performance Standards and Tennessee child care licensing requirements.

3. Center Operations and Child Transitions — 15%

Assists with daily center operations and provides support in areas of the program where coverage is needed. Assignments may include classroom support, front desk coverage, kitchen assistance, preparation of materials, cleaning and sanitation tasks, or other duties necessary for safe and effective program operations.

Assists with planned transitions for infants, toddlers, and preschool children, including transitions between classrooms, age groups, program options, Head Start/Early Head Start services, Pre-K, kindergarten, or other educational settings, as applicable.

Transition responsibilities may include assisting staff with preparing children for visits or transition activities; accompanying or supervising children during classroom visits; helping children become familiar with new routines, staff, and environments; preparing materials; and supporting other transition activities identified in the child's or program's transition plan.

Works cooperatively with teaching staff, Family Services, Education staff, parents/guardians, and other appropriate personnel to help provide children with safe, supportive, and developmentally appropriate transitions.

4. Transportation/Bus Monitor Responsibilities — 25%

Serves as a Bus Monitor in accordance with the program's Transportation Plan, applicable Head Start Performance Standards, Tennessee requirements, and agency transportation policies and procedures.

Maintains active supervision of children during transportation and assists with safe loading and unloading, child restraint systems, attendance and child accountability procedures, and required transportation documentation.

Conducts required name-to-face and child accountability procedures and assists in ensuring that no child is ever left unattended on a vehicle.

Assists the Bus Driver during emergencies and evacuation drills and follows established procedures for authorized release of children, emergency contacts, and unusual transportation situations.

Maintains professional and appropriate communication with children, families, drivers, and other program staff while representing the agency.

5. Documentation, Meetings, and Training — 5%

Assists with preparation and submission of reports, records, logs, and other documentation as assigned. Ensures information is complete, accurate, timely, and maintained in accordance with confidentiality requirements.

Attends staff meetings, pre-service, in-service, transportation training, child safety training, professional development, and other required training.

Maintains required credentials, certifications, and training applicable to assigned duties.

6. Professionalism, Teamwork, and Agency Responsibilities — 15%

Demonstrates professional work habits consistent with agency personnel policies, Standards of Conduct, confidentiality requirements, and Head Start/Early Head Start policies and procedures.

Works cooperatively with Education, Family Services, Health, Nutrition, Disabilities, Mental Health, Transportation, ERSEA, and other program staff to support coordinated and integrated service delivery.

Demonstrates flexibility in daily assignments and willingly provides coverage in different classrooms, age groups, centers, transportation routes, and program areas based on operational needs.

Maintains appropriate professional relationships with children, families, coworkers, and community partners and protects confidential information obtained through employment.

Completes special assignments and other duties as assigned by the supervisor or Head Start Director that are consistent with the general scope and responsibility of the position.

Pay: From $12.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $12