Program Aide Preschool

About the role

This position works as a part of a team to assist in activities in the areas of the classroom, kitchen and bus and/or to serve as a disabilities aide as needed. The position contains elements of job descriptions of positions with titles similar to classroom aide, bus monitor, janitor and kitchen aide and as a disability’s aide providing support for children with disabilities.

Works with typically developing children and/or children with special needs/disabilities. The position may be reassigned to various classrooms/centers/bus routes as deemed necessary for program operations.

Responsibilities

• Aids classroom staff in all classroom activities, field trips and outdoor activities included in lesson plans.
• Dress in clothing which is appropriate for outdoor activity and all-weather conditions and be prepared to go outdoors daily.
• Helps develop materials and provide 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.
• Aids the teacher in any aspect of the program as the need arises (e.g., at Family Nights, copying newsletters, cutting out classroom materials, making phone calls, etc.).
• Serves as a temporary substitute in the periodic absence of the assistant teacher or teacher.
• Empties trash or garbage containers if needed before the custodian or janitor services.
• Sanitizes surfaces, picks up and puts away materials in the classroom or kitchen in order to maintain a safe and organized environment.
• Serves as janitor in the absence of the regular custodian or janitor on a periodic basis.
• Does light yard work or snow removal.
• Completes routine kitchen/dining room/food 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 or after use.
• Participates in food service clean up, inventory and other food service tasks as requested.
• Substitutes for regular Cook or Assistant Cook as needed.
• Aids in inventory maintenance of all necessary supplies, food and equipment used for food services operations.
• Aids in the processing and storage of food and food related items as they are delivered.
• Aids in controlling food and labor costs.
• Logs meals/snacks in the menu book following USDA/CACFP required documentation for food purchased, prepared and served.
• Supports staff/parents in preparing and cleaning up after meals/snacks for meetings, planning sessions and other special events as requested.
• Notifies supervisor of any safety, health issues or concerns.
• Participates in ongoing training in food preparation and nutrition as requested.
• Ensures that dishes are returned to the kitchen or food service vendor transport boxes for cleaning and preparation for the next meal.
• Prepares food in a safe and sanitary manner.
• Complies with all local, state and federal standards regarding hygiene and sanitation.
• Reports any kitchen equipment not in good working order to supervisor to ensure the kitchen remains safe and hazard free.
• Understands, generates and documents in-kind and other allowable costs applied toward the non-federal share requirement.
• Attends all workshops and meetings as deemed necessary by the immediate supervisor.
• Attends all required staff and parent meetings and activities.
• 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.
• Becomes thoroughly familiar with UCC Head Start Employee Handbook: Human Resources Policies and Procedures, UCC Head Start Operations Manual and all other UCC HS handbooks, manuals and resources and adheres to them.
• Comply with all Health and Safety policies including ensuring no child is left alone or unsupervised by staff, consultants, contractors, or volunteers while under my care.

Qualifications

• The minimum requirement is that the individual be 18 years of age.
• A high school diploma or G.E.D. is preferred.
• Requirements for employment with UCC Head Start may be different than those required by the former grantee or a replacement grantee.
• If applicable federal, state, or local Head Start or childcare regulations, now or as amended in the future, contain additional requirements or qualifications for this position which are not specifically stated in this Job Description, the requirements and qualifications will apply, even if not specifically set forth in this Job Description.
• Bilingual preferred (English/Spanish or English and other languages present in the local area).
• Within 90 days of employment, must obtain and continually maintain basic first aid and pediatric CPR certification (or sooner if required by local/state regulations).
• Acceptable tuberculosis screening results, and an initial health exam are required post job offer and prior to employment.
• Current and former Head Start/Early Head Start parents will receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are qualified.