Program Aide

For over 100 years, Save the Children has been fighting for the rights of children. The right to a healthy start in life, access to education, and a safe environment, protected from harm. We work in over 100 countries, including the U.S. As a Program Aide, you’ll create positive, irreversible change for children and the future we all share.

About the role

Program Aides are generalists responsible for providing educational, relational, and social experiences for infants, toddlers, and/or preschool-aged children to foster growth and development in all domains. You will report to the Education and Inclusion Manager or Center Director and may travel to various program sites and/or home visits. Assignments may include classrooms, centers, bus routes, cafeterias, or kitchens. As a frontline representative, you ensure the safety and security of children and families while adhering to our values: Accountability, Ambition, Collaboration, Creativity, and Integrity.

You must prevent child abuse in every situation by minimizing risk, reporting concerns, and promoting child-safeguarding awareness.

Responsibilities

• Apply clear practice and procedure in day-to-day execution of job duties.
• Organize self and manage time effectively.
• Keep manager informed of important issues.
• Build effective relationships within your workgroup and with children/families.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

Classroom Assistance

• Assist classroom staff in all activities.
• Support the Teacher as needed (e.g., at Family Nights, copying newsletters, preparing materials).
• Serve as a temporary substitute in the absence of the Assistant Teacher or Teacher.

Janitorial Assistance

• Provide custodial support, including trash pickup, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, cleaning bathrooms, securing buildings, and minor maintenance.
• Serve as custodian in the absence of the regular custodian.

Kitchen Assistance

• Complete routine kitchen/dining/food chores (e.g., dishwashing, portioning foods, logging temperatures).
• Prepare and serve food, including special dietary needs for children with disabilities.
• Participate in food service cleanup, inventory, and other tasks as requested.
• Substitute for the Cook or Assistant Cook as needed.
• Comply with all hygiene and sanitation standards.

Other General Duties

• Serve as a Bus Monitor if required.
• Attend workshops, staff meetings, and parent meetings.
• Understand Head Start Program Performance Standards and local childcare licensing regulations.
• Follow occupational safety regulations, including universal precautions.
• Promote Head Start in the community.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff.
• Adhere to Save the Children’s policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Minimum age of 18.
• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• Certification as required by federal, state, or local Head Start/childcare regulations.
• Obtain and maintain basic first aid and pediatric CPR certification within 90 days of employment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of working with infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children.
• Professional proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Ability to relate sensitively with children and communicate effectively with staff, parents, and families.
• Ability to follow directions and take initiative.
• Strict confidentiality regarding family information.
• Ability to work with children with disabilities.

Additional Qualifications

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform medium to heavy physical work, including lifting up to 50 pounds occasionally, 20 pounds frequently, and 5-10 pounds constantly.
• Activities may include sitting, crawling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, and grasping.
• Repetitive motion skills, keyboarding, and computer use.

• Clear pre-employment background check, including criminal records, sex offender registries, employment, and education verifications (including child abuse registry if required).
• Pass all state and local health requirements post-job offer.
• Valid driver’s license if operating a motor vehicle for job duties.

Current and former Head Start/Early Head Start parents will receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are qualified.

Pay

Base pay starts at $15/hour. Actual salary may vary based on experience, credentials, and internal equity.

Benefits

• Paid time off: 10 days winter break, 5 days spring break, 5 personal days, 11 holidays plus 2 floating holidays per year.
• Health: Competitive health care, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family. Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability.
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA): Option to select HSA with employer matching for High-Deductible Health Plans.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Health care and dependent care options.
• Life: Agency-paid life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) benefits.
• Family: Parental/adoption and fertility benefits.
• Employee Rewards Program: Annual merit increases and/or additional incentives for eligible employees.
• Retirement: Retirement savings plan with employer contributions (after one year).
• Wellness: Health benefits and support through Calm and company-hosted events.
• Employee Assistance Program: Free and confidential assessments, counseling, referrals, and follow-up services.
• Learning & Growth: Access to internal and external learning opportunities, mentorships, certification, and tuition assistance.

Learn more about how Save the Children US will invest in you.