Preschool Program Aide (39633)

Lutheran Services Florida•Pahokee, FL

21h•Onsite

About The Position

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) is seeking a Program Aide to join their team and make a positive impact on the lives of children and families. This role involves assisting with classroom, kitchen, and bus activities, potentially supporting children with special needs, and participating in quality assurance efforts. The Program Aide will work collaboratively with classroom staff, contribute to lesson plans, supervise children during meals, and maintain a clean and organized learning environment. This is an entry-level position with opportunities for growth within the organization.

Requirements

High school diploma or G.E.D.
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.
Successful completion of the 45 hours of Florida Child Care Facility Training within 12 months of the date of hire.
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.

Nice To Haves

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.

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 (i.e. at family nights, copying newsletters, making phone calls, preparing classroom materials, etc.)
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 the 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.
Team player with co-workers and Head Start staff.
Adherence to LSF, HS/EHS policies and practices.

Benefits

Medical
Dental
Vision
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)
403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match OR 3% student loan repayment reimbursement
Tuition reimbursement