Program Aide

Save the Children 2022•Opelousas, LA

About The Position

Save the Children is hiring a full-time Program Aide for its Head Start, U.S. Programs division. Program Aides are generalists who provide educational, relational, and social experiences for infants, toddlers, and/or preschool-aged children to foster development across all domains. They may be assigned to different classrooms, centers, bus routes, cafeterias, or kitchens, and may travel to program sites or home visits as needed. They report to the Education and Inclusion Manager or Center Director. The role includes classroom, custodial, and kitchen support, as well as other duties needed for program operations. Program Aides are frontline representatives responsible for promoting the safety and security of children and families, preventing and reporting child abuse, maintaining confidentiality, and following Save the Children policies and applicable Head Start, childcare, health, and safety requirements. The position may require operating a motor vehicle, for which the employee should maintain a valid driver’s license and comply with agency policies.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old.
High school diploma or GED.
Certification required by applicable federal, state, or local Head Start or childcare regulations.
Obtain and maintain basic first aid and pediatric CPR certification within 90 days of employment, or sooner if local or state regulations require it.
Demonstrated basic knowledge of working with infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children.
Professional proficiency in spoken and written English.
Ability to relate sensitively to children and communicate and work effectively with staff, parents, and families.
Ability to follow directions and take initiative.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of family information.
Ability to work with children with disabilities.
Pass required pre-employment background checks, including applicable criminal-record, sex-offender-registry, employment, education, and child-abuse-registry checks, and satisfy state and local health requirements after the offer and before employment.
Maintain a valid driver’s license and comply with Save the Children motor-vehicle policies if operating a vehicle for essential job functions.
Ability to perform medium to heavy physical work: exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and 5–10 pounds constantly; perform activities including sitting, crawling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, and grasping; and perform repetitive motions, keyboarding, and computer use.

Nice To Haves

Current and former Head Start/Early Head Start parents receive preference for qualified vacancies.

Responsibilities

Assist classroom staff with classroom activities and support the Teacher as needed, including at Family Nights and with classroom materials or phone calls.
Serve as a temporary substitute for the Assistant Teacher or Teacher during periodic absences.
Provide custodial support as needed, including cleaning floors and bathrooms, removing trash, securing buildings, cleaning windows, and performing minor maintenance or repairs.
Complete kitchen and dining-room tasks such as dishwashing, portioning food, taking and logging food temperatures, preparing and serving food, cleanup, and inventory.
Prepare food and serve items in ways that meet the needs of children with special needs or disabilities.
Substitute for or assist the Cook or Assistant Cook as needed.
Comply with local, state, and federal hygiene and sanitation standards.
Serve as a Bus Monitor when required.
Attend workshops, staff and parent meetings, and other required activities.
Learn and follow Head Start Program Performance Standards, local childcare licensing regulations, occupational health and safety requirements, and Save the Children policies and manuals.
Promote Head Start positively in the community and maintain strict confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff.
Protect children by minimizing risks, taking appropriate steps when a child may be at risk, and reporting and responding to instances of child abuse.
Keep the manager informed of important issues, manage time and tasks, follow oral and written instructions, and build effective relationships with colleagues, children, and families.

Benefits

Paid time off: 10 days of winter break, 5 days of spring break, 5 personal days, 11 holidays, and 2 floating holidays per year.
Health, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families.
Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability benefits.
Health Savings Account option for employees enrolled in a High-Deductible Health Plan, with an employer match on a portion of contributions.
Flexible Spending Account options for health care and dependent care.
Agency-paid life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment benefits.
Parental, adoption, and fertility benefits.
Annual merit increases and/or additional incentives for eligible employees.
Retirement savings plan with employer contributions after one year.
Wellness support through Calm and company-hosted events.
Free and confidential Employee Assistance Program assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services.
Internal and external learning and development opportunities, mentorships, certification assistance, and tuition assistance.