Head Start Aide

Deadline to Apply:  February 5, 2026

POSITION SUMMARY:

  This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Aide position works as part of a team to assist in activities in the areas of the classroom and kitchen as required. This position may be required to work with typically developing children and/or children with special needs/disabilities. The position may be reassigned to various classrooms/centers as deemed necessary for program operations.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

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.
• Some Bilingual fluency (English/ Spanish)
   
  Mathematical Skills:

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide.

 Reasoning Ability:

• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Preschool Classroom Activities

• Assists the team 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.
• Participates in the screening, observation and documentation of children.
• 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.
• Uses initiative and imagination to assist the child and be perceptive and knowledgeable about the needs of each child.
• Assists the teacher in any aspect of the program as the need arises.
• Serves as a temporary substitute in the periodic absence of the assistant teacher or teacher Understands, generates and documents in-kind and other allowable costs applied toward the non-federal share requirement.
• Attends all workshops and meetings, including monthly parent meetings, as required.
• Responsible for understanding Head Start Performance Standards and local child care licensing regulations.
• Expected to be knowledgeable of the regulations associated with prevention of occupational disease and injury, including the exercise of universal precautions and the prevention of contamination.
• Positively promotes Head Start in the community.
• Maintains strict confidentiality with respect to Head Start children, families and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Uses developmentally appropriate practices when speaking to and interacting with children in the classroom.
• Remains professional and respectful with all Head Start parents and families.
   
  Food Services Duties (if assigned to this position)

• Completes routine kitchen chores as assigned (e.g., dishwashing, portioning foods, taking and logging temperature of foods received from vendors, etc.).
•  Prepares necessary food and serving items for service prior to and after use. These duties may include the preparation of food to meet the needs of children with special needs or disabilities.
• Participates in food service clean up, inventory and other food service tasks as requested.
• Assists with all meal counts and documentation of menus and necessary changes as required by CACFP and or FCPS.
• Notifies supervisor of any safety, health issues or concerns
• Participates in ongoing training in food preparation and nutrition as requested.
• Follows the established system for cleaning to ensure that the kitchen and storage rooms are kept in a clean and sanitary manner.
• Reports any kitchen equipment not in good working order to supervisor to ensure the kitchen remains safe and hazard free.
• Prepares food in a safe and sanitary manner.
• Responsible for complying with all local, state and federal standards regarding hygiene and sanitation.
• May be required to transport meals daily from food vendor, FCPS, and use personal vehicle.
• Ensures that all FCPS food service equipment and completed documents are returned the following day.
• Becomes thoroughly familiar with YMCA Employee Handbook, Human Resources Policies and Procedures, and all other YMCA HS handbooks, manuals and resources and adheres to them.
   
  Parent/Family Involvement and Community Relations

• Assists the teacher in meeting the program's needs for parent/family involvement in each classroom.
• Establishes a relationship of trust and rapport with the families of the children.
• Communicates with families to facilitate positive interaction with the program, awareness of the child’s needs and development, how the activities of the program promote positive development and their roles in the child’s overall education and development.
• Participates in the training of families as requested.
• Assists with identifying and arranging for parents to volunteer in the classroom as volunteers and substitutes.
• Assists the teacher with collecting monthly in-kind records from parents and community members participating in the program.
• Assists with the supervision of all assigned volunteers in the classroom

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum requirement is a high school diploma or GED. Must be at least 18 yrs. of age.  Some experience working with preschool children is preferred.
• 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 staff, children and their families.
• Willingness to work with children of differing abilities

Salary : $15