Preschool Program Aide (326)

Lutheran Services Florida • Fort Walton Beach, FL

5h

About The Position

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

The aide supports classroom activities, children’s learning and routines, food service, and the maintenance of safe, orderly spaces. With direction from professional staff, the aide may support individual plans for children with special needs and follow IEP/IFSP requirements. The role requires confidentiality, participation in required meetings and training, and sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs of the people served.

This is an entry-level position requiring a high school diploma or GED. The aide must complete Florida Child Care Facility Training and obtain First Aid and CPR certification within the specified periods after hire, and must complete required background and health screenings before hiring. Current and former Head Start/Early Head Start parents receive preference when qualified. Bilingual English/Spanish or English and another language present in the local area is preferred.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to communicate in writing and verbally.
• Ability to follow directions and read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
• Ability to communicate positively and helpfully with families and children.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide.
• Sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs of the service population.
• Successful completion of 45 hours of Florida Child Care Facility Training within 12 months of hire; coursework enrollment is required within 90 days, and the stated completion timeline depends on the candidate’s date of entering the childcare industry, not to exceed 15 months.
• First Aid and CPR certification within 90 days of hire.
• Successful completion of a Level II background screening, local criminal record check, health screening, TB screening, and drug screening before hiring.
• Ability to lift at least 45 pounds and provide physical assistance transporting children with special needs, including lifting a child into a seat and fastening the safety belt.

Nice To Haves

• Current or former Head Start/Early Head Start parent; qualified applicants receive preference.
• Bilingual English/Spanish or English and another language present in the local area.

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 mealtimes, eating with them to encourage good nutrition and social skills.
• Keep the classroom and its contents clean and orderly.
• Assist teachers with program needs such as family nights, copying newsletters, making phone calls, and preparing classroom materials.
• Serve as a temporary substitute during periodic absences of a teacher assistant or teacher.
• Support children with disabilities and assist classroom staff, managers, specialists, and/or the mental health consultant in carrying out individual plans.
• Follow IEP/IFSP requirements under the direction of professional staff.
• Sanitize surfaces and pick up and store classroom or kitchen materials to maintain a safe environment.
• Assist with janitorial services when the regular custodian or janitor is absent.
• Assist with food preparation and log meals and snacks according to USDA/CACFP documentation requirements for food purchased, prepared, and served.
• Participate in food-service cleanup, inventory, and other food-service tasks as requested.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding HS/EHS children, families, and staff according to established policies and procedures.
• Attend required staff and parent meetings and activities, as well as directed workshops and training.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Telehealth with 24/7 online access to doctors.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Employer-paid life insurance equal to 1x salary.
• 13 paid holidays plus 1 floating holiday; Head Start employee schedules may differ.
• Generous paid time off policy starting at 16 working days per year; Head Start employee schedules may differ.
• 403(b) retirement plan with a 3% discretionary employer match or 3% student loan repayment reimbursement.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Growth opportunities within the organization.

What This Job Offers

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