Community Action Agency: Tri-County Opportunities Council

Program: Early Head Start/Head Start Program

Tri-County Opportunities Council Community Action Agency

History: On May 18, 1965, Tri-County Opportunities Council, Communication Action Agency, was incorporated as a not for profit corporation in the State of Illinois for the following purposes

• To investigate the incidence, location and character of poverty in the counties of Lee, Ogle and Whiteside
• To develop a program for the elimination of poverty in those counties through the cooperative efforts of public agencies, private organizations and interested citizens under the terms and employing of the facilities of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 (The War on Poverty as envisioned by President Lyndon B. Johnson)

Although the Articles of Incorporation have been amended four times in order to increase the number of counties served and new program options, the purpose of the Agency remains essentially the same.

Mission Statement: Tri-County Opportunities Council will investigate the impact of poverty throughout our nine county service area and will work, in partnership with individuals, families and communities to provide opportunities that supports movement towards stability and self-sufficiency.

Early Head Start/Head Start Program

The Tri-County Opportunities Council Early Head Start/Head Start Program serves 633 expectant mothers and children ages birth to five in the nine Illinois Counties of Bureau, Carroll, LaSalle, Lee, Marshall, Ogle, Putnam, Stark and Whiteside. The program offers comprehensive child and family development services to those deemed eligible. The program’s main goals are to work in partnership with parents to promote self-esteem, increase self-confidence and advance school readiness skills for children. Comprehensive programing includes: education, medical, dental health, mental health and nutritional services, welcomes children with disabilities or special needs; and provides family education, advancement and social service support while connecting enrolled families to community resources and transportation assistance. The program provides a variety of options to meet the needs of children, families and communities throughout all nine counties.

Mission Statement: T.C.O.C. Head Start is committed to taking the leadership role in developing partnerships to build stronger communities. We create and nurture supportive experiences that lead to successful outcomes for children, families and staff.

Tri-County Opportunities Council: Early Head Start/Head Start

LOGO

Agency Name: Tri-County Opportunities Council

Program Name: Early Head Start/Head Start Program

Job Title: Food Service Worker/Bus Monitor

Reports to: Site Supervisor

Status: Exempt, hourly. Weekly and yearly employment schedule is based on site assignment and program needs.

Educational Requirements: As prescribed in section 648A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Act, a program must ensure staff and consultants that serve as education managers or coordinators, including those that serve as curriculum specialists, have a baccalaureate or advanced degree in early childhood education or a baccalaureate or advanced degree and equivalent coursework in early childhood education with early education teaching experience.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance
• Not essential but may be required as needed; sufficient strength and flexibility (ability to stoop, bend, twist, etc.) to frequently bend down to a child’s level, sit on the floor with them, stand for prolonged periods of time, respond to a child’s quick and frequent movements and when necessary lift a child, must have manual dexterity
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Must have the ability to safely enter and exit the center and family’s home
• Must pass a general physical examination and TB screening at the time of hire and every two years thereafter
• Must obtain and maintain certification in First Aid and CPR
• Employment in this position is contingent on cleared criminal background check, clear background check as per the Department of Children & Family Services Licensing Standards and Policy Council approval
• Effective and Responsive Interpersonal skills
• Anticipate happenings and problem solve solutions
• Technology Proficient
• Ability to manage time and multitask
• Adaptable
• Innovative Change Agent
• Other duties as assigned

Confidentiality: The person filling this position must abide by the program’s confidentiality policy and Code of Ethics regarding children, family, staff and/or agency matters

Accountabilities: Ensuring safe, supportive, intentional and engaging environments for children birth to five. Ensuring that environments and experiences provide natural and developmentally appropriate skill development opportunities to children with various skill levels. Ensure that equitable practices are in place to reduce achievement gaps. Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development resulting in improved teaching and learning.

Essential Duties: Ensuring child focused, emotionally supportive, safe and responsive experiences that support: emotional connection, progressive communication, shared respect, autonomy, expression, higher order thinking skills/cognition and that reduces racial, ethnic and linguistic disparities.

• Create menus that comply with Child and Adult Care Food Program and Head Start regulations
• Ensure food is served safely at proper temperatures
• Complete monthly Pest Management Checklist
• Shop/Order weekly, within outlined budget
• Complete weekly/monthly paperwork
• Maintain food service areas per Health Department expectations
• Follow outlined process for diagnosed food allergies
• Assist children in boarding and exiting the bus. Monitor Child safety during route
• Complete daily paperwork and bus check at the completion of each route ensuring no children are left on the bus. Participate in bus drills.
• Supports the mission, goals, and objectives of Tri-County Opportunities Council.

Non-Essential Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

• Serve as a member on one or more of the T.C.O.C. Head Start/Early Head Start special committees or participate in special initiative projects other than those listed in the essential duties section of this position description.
• In accordance with the team philosophy of the T.C.O.C. Head Start/Early Head Start Program, the person filling this position may be requested to carry out other tasks in addition to the duties listed in this job description.
• The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not intended to represent an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

I have read and understand this job description and agree to abide by it. Signing this document is not a guarantee of employment.

Print Employee Name: _________________________________________________________

Employee Signature: __________________________________ Date: __________________

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Tuition reimbursement

Shift:

• Day shift

Weekly day range:

• Monday to Friday

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Peru, IL 61354: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person