Preschool Program Aide (39633)

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant. LSF is looking for a talented Program Aide who wants to make an impact in the lives of children and families.

About the Role

The Program Aide works as part of a team to assist in activities in the classroom, kitchen, and on the bus as needed. May also assist with special needs children and be assigned to different locations for program operations. Participates in Head Start/Early Head Start Quality Assurance efforts.

Schedule

Monday - Friday from 7:30 am - 5:30 pm.

Responsibilities

• 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 the 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 needed (e.g., at family nights, copying newsletters, making phone calls, preparing classroom materials).
• Serves as a temporary substitute in the periodic absence of the teacher assistant or teacher.
• May work with assigned children with disabilities, supporting the work of the classroom staff, managers, specialists, and/or mental health consultant in carrying out individual plans for children with special needs. With direction from professional staff, follows IEP/IFSP.
• Sanitizes surfaces, picks up and stores materials in the classroom or kitchen to maintain a safe environment.
• May assist with janitorial services in the absence of the regular custodian or janitor.
• May assist in the preparation of food, logging meals/snacks following USDA/CACFP required documentation for food purchased, prepared, and served.
• Participates in food service cleanup, inventory, and other food service tasks as requested.
• Maintains strict confidentiality with respect to HS/EHS children, families, and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Attends all required staff and parent meetings and activities.
• Attends all workshops and training as directed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• Current and former Head Start/Early Head Start parents will receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are qualified.
• Bilingual preferred: English/Spanish or English and other languages present in the local area.
• Successful completion of the 45 hours of Florida Child Care Facility Training within 12 months of the date of hire (timeline dependent on candidate’s date of entering the childcare industry; must enroll within 90 days to take coursework and complete within 12 months to not exceed 15 months).
• Certification in First Aid and CPR within 90 days from the date of hire.
• Successful completion of a Level II background screening, local criminal record check, health, TB, and drug screening prior to hiring.
• Must be able to lift at least 45 pounds and provide physical assistance in the transportation of special needs children by lifting the child into a seat and fastening the safety belt. Reasonable accommodation may be made for otherwise qualified persons with disabilities.

Skills

• Ability to communicate both written and verbally.
• Ability to follow directions.
• Ability to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
• Ability to communicate with families and children in a positive and helpful manner.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide.
• Must demonstrate sensitivity to our service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.
• Telehealth (24/7 online access to doctors).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Employer-paid life insurance (1X salary).
• 13 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday.
• Generous PTO policy (starting at 16 working days a year). Note: Head Start employees' paid time off and holiday schedule may differ.
• 403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match OR 3% student loan repayment reimbursement.
• Tuition reimbursement.