Program Aide On-Call

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 On-Call, you’ll create positive, irreversible change for children and the future we all share.

About the Role

Program Aides On-Call 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. This position reports to the Education and Inclusion Manager or Center Director and may require travel to various program sites and/or home visits. You may be assigned to classrooms, centers, bus routes, cafeterias, or kitchens as needed to support program operations. As a frontline representative of Save the Children, you’ll ensure the safety and security of children and families while adhering to the agency’s values of Accountability, Ambition, Collaboration, Creativity, and Integrity.

Responsibilities

• Apply clear practice and procedure in day-to-day execution of the job.
• Organize and manage time effectively to complete tasks.
• Keep your manager informed of important issues.
• Build effective relationships within your workgroup and with children and 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 classroom materials, making phone calls).
• Serve as a temporary substitute in the absence of the Assistant Teacher or Teacher.

Janitorial Assistance

• Provide custodial support, including picking up trash, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, cleaning and stocking bathrooms, securing buildings, cleaning windows, and minor maintenance or repairs.
• Serve as custodian in the absence of the regular custodian.

Kitchen Assistance

• Complete routine kitchen, dining room, or food chores (e.g., dishwashing, portioning foods, logging food 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 local, state, and federal hygiene and sanitation standards.

Other General Duties

• Serve as a Bus Monitor when required.
• Attend workshops, staff meetings, parent meetings, and activities as necessary.
• Understand Head Start Program Performance Standards and local childcare licensing regulations.
• Follow regulations for occupational disease and injury prevention, including universal precautions and contamination prevention.
• Promote Head Start positively in the community.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff.
• Familiarize yourself with Save the Children’s Head Start Employee Handbook, HR policies, and procedures, and adhere to them.

Requirements

• Minimum age of 18.
• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• Certification as required by federal, state, or local Head Start or childcare regulations (current or obtained post-hire).
• Must obtain and maintain basic first aid and pediatric CPR certification within 90 days of employment (or sooner if required by local/state regulations).
• 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.
• Proven ability to follow directions and take initiative.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding families and children.
• Experience working 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.
• Perform activities such as sitting, crawling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, and grasping.
• Repetitive motion skills, including keyboarding and computer use.

This role requires a clear pre-employment background check, including criminal records, sex offender registries, employment and education verifications, and child abuse registry checks (if required by state regulations). You must also pass all state and local health requirements post-offer and prior to employment.

You may be required to operate a motor vehicle for certain essential functions. A valid driver’s license and compliance with Save the Children’s vehicle safety policies are required.

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