Preschool Program Aide (326)

Lutheran Services Florida • Fort Walton Beach, FL

1d

About The Position

The Preschool Program Aide works as part of a team to assist with activities in the classroom, kitchen, and on the bus as needed. The aide may also assist children with special needs and may be assigned to various locations as needed for program operations. The role participates in Head Start/Early Head Start (HS/EHS) quality assurance efforts.

The aide supports classroom activities, field trips, outdoor activities, mealtimes, classroom preparation and upkeep, and program events. With direction from professional staff, the aide may support children with disabilities by following their IEP/IFSP plans. Kitchen duties may include food preparation, meal and snack documentation, cleanup, and inventory. The position requires confidentiality, attendance at required meetings and training, and adherence to LSF and HS/EHS policies and practices.

This is an entry-level position requiring a high school diploma or GED. Required post-hire training includes completing 45 hours of Florida Child Care Facility Training within the stated timeframe and obtaining First Aid and CPR certification within 90 days. Successful background, local criminal record, health, TB, and drug screenings are required before hiring. The aide must be able to lift at least 45 pounds and physically assist in transporting children with special needs.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing 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.
• Ability to lift at least 45 pounds and physically assist with transporting children with special needs, including placing a child in a seat and fastening the safety belt.
• Successful completion of 45 hours of Florida Child Care Facility Training within 12 months of hire; candidates must enroll within 90 days, with the timeline dependent on their date of entry into the childcare industry, and completion must not exceed 15 months.
• First Aid and CPR certification within 90 days of hire.
• Successful Level II background screening, local criminal record check, health screening, TB screening, and drug screening before hiring.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs of the service population.
• Work collaboratively with coworkers and Head Start staff and adhere to LSF and HS/EHS policies and practices.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual ability in English/Spanish or English and another language present in the local area is preferred.
• Current and former Head Start/Early Head Start parents receive preference for qualified employment vacancies.

Responsibilities

• Assist classroom staff with classroom activities, field trips, and outdoor activities included in lesson plans.
• Help develop materials and provide activities related to the cultural backgrounds of the children and families served.
• Help supervise children at mealtime and eat with them to encourage nutrition and social skills.
• Keep the classroom and its contents clean and orderly.
• Assist the teacher with program tasks, including family nights, copying newsletters, making phone calls, and preparing classroom materials.
• Serve as a temporary substitute during periodic absences of the teacher assistant or teacher.
• Support classroom staff and relevant professionals in carrying out individual plans for assigned children with disabilities.
• Follow IEP/IFSP plans under the direction of professional staff.
• Sanitize surfaces and store classroom or kitchen materials to maintain a safe environment.
• Assist with janitorial services when the regular custodian or janitor is absent, as needed.
• Assist with food preparation and document meals and snacks according to USDA/CACFP requirements, as needed.
• Participate in food service cleanup, inventory, and other food service tasks as requested.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding HS/EHS children, families, and staff.
• Attend required staff and parent meetings and activities, and attend workshops and training as directed.
• Participate in HS/EHS quality assurance efforts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 24/7 telehealth access to doctors.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Employer-paid life insurance equal to one times salary.
• 13 paid holidays plus one floating holiday.
• PTO starting at 16 working days per year; Head Start employees’ paid time off and holiday schedule may differ.
• 403(b) retirement plan with a 3% discretionary employer match or 3% student loan repayment reimbursement.
• Tuition reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED