Early Head Start Program Support Aide

Early Head Start Program Support Aide

GENERAL SUMMARY OF DUTIES:
This position works as part of a team to assist in activities in the classroom and kitchen. This position assists with implementing the early childhood education curriculum (Creative Curriculum for Infants Toddlers and Twos). The position may be reassigned to various classrooms/centers as deemed necessary for program operations. This position may receive content area technical support and training from the EHS Teacher Education Coordinator Program Manager and/or Training and Technical Assistance Network.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION:
The duties of the position are described in the major functional areas listed below. Additional duties may be assigned.

Implementation:
Classroom
1. Assists classroom staff in all classroom activities including implementation of lesson plans field trips and outdoor activities.
2. Assists in developing materials and providing activities related to the cultural background of the children and families served.
3. Participates in family-style mealtimes with the children as a curriculum activity to model good nutrition and proper social skills.
4. Helps keep the classroom and its contents clean and orderly helping to maintain a safe healthy learning environment.
5. Assists the teacher in any aspect of the program as the need arises.
6. Serves as a substitute in the absence of the teacher.
7. Participates in the screening assessment observation and documentation of children.
8. Documents and reports suspected instances of child abuse as required by law.
9. Staff may have to cover other classrooms to meet licensing ratios.

Kitchen
1. Completes routine kitchen/dining room/food chores as assigned.
2. Prepares necessary food and serving items or service prior to or after use.
3. Participation in kitchen clean-up inventory and other kitchen tasks is required.

Bus Aide
1. Completes Bus Aide paperwork as necessary.
2. Rides the bus and buckles children into the seats.
3. Assists with children getting on and off the bus.
4. Make sure that students are safe while riding the bus.

Program Development:
1. Attends all workshops and meetings as deemed necessary by the supervisor.
2. Attends all required staff and parent meetings and activities.

3. Responsible for understanding Head Start Performance Standards Head Start Act and Michigan child care licensing regulations. Knowledge of IDEA to support children with special needs.
4. Successfully completes and maintains Basic First Aid and CPR certification.
5. Is knowledgeable of the regulations associated with the prevention of occupational diseases and injury including the exercise of universal precautions and the prevention of contamination.
6. Understands generates and documents in-kind and other allowable costs applied toward the non-federal share requirement.
7. Completion of Infant/Toddler CDA within 2 years of employment.
8. Stay current and up to date on Safe Sleep and Shaken Baby Syndrome training annually along with the MiRegistry Health and Safety Refresher Course.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of the basics of working with children from birth to five years old.
Ensure that learning environments are safe from hazards free from clutter and allow for visibility of children by utilizing the Daily Health and Safety Checklist.
Knowledge of the purpose of the Head Start/Early Head Start program.
Knowledge of basic food preparation serving and sanitation practices.
Knowledge of local resources customs and language is helpful.
Basic computer knowledge of Word and Excel.
Knowledge of the state and federal regulations pertaining to child abuse and neglect and child care licensing requirements.
Ability to use Active Supervision strategies to keep children safe: Set up the environment to be able to see children around the room at all times Position yourself to see and hear all children in your care Count and use Face to Name while transitioning in and out of the classroom Listen for potential danger Anticipate childrens behavior to predict what the child will do next and Engage and Redirect to assist the children and help solveproblems.
Ability to access e-mail and the willingness to learn new programs as needed.
Ability to read and follow program procedures and e-mails daily.
Ability to relate sensitively with children and to work well with staff parents and families.
Ability to follow directions and take initiative.
Maintains strict confidentiality with respect to Early Head Start children families and staff in accordance with established policies procedures and other legal requirements i.e. FERPA and HIPAA.
Ability to communicate effectively with children families and staff.
Ability to work in diverse environments.
Ability to work with children with disabilities.
Ability to communicate effectively using written and oral language.
Knowledge of current car seat safety regulations and laws for use when transporting children and families in approved agency vehicles.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Required to lift up to 45 pounds.
Required to stand sit on the floor bend squat kneel lift children and engage in physical play in various learning environments.

Travel by car bus airplane or train may also be required as well as attendance at conferences meetings and other duties carried out at distant locations in and out of state and in some cases overnight travel may be required.
Exposure to communicable diseases.
Noise levels in the work environment may be moderate to loud.
Work is typically performed in a classroom kitchen and some office work may be required.
Some evenings and weekend work may occasionally be required for events such as home visits parent/teacher conferences Parent Club meetings and community and social events such as field trips.
Providing Child Care outside of regular work hours for scheduled events.

Personal qualifications require emotional maturity willingness to cooperate with the aims of the program respect for children and adults flexibility patience good personal hygiene and physical and mental health that does not interfere with responsibilities. Also education or experience in collaborating with parents in the education of their children.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

The minimum requirement is that the individual be 18 years of age. Individuals must have a high school diploma or G.E.D. and an Infant/Toddler CDA within two years of employment is required. Must be willing and able to obtain Basic First Aid and CPR Certification and maintain certification. Acceptable tuberculosis and drug screening results a clear criminal records check and an initial health exam are required after the job offer and prior to employment. Current and former Head Start employees students and parents will receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are qualified.

SALARY

Per ECEA CBA

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION

Saginaw Intermediate School District does not discriminate on the basis of race color religion sexual orientation gender and gender identity disability age or national origin in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Executive Director of Human Resources
Saginaw Intermediate School District
3933 Barnard Road Saginaw MI 48603
Telephone: Fax:
Email: Web: