Program Aide (3153)

Lutheran Services Florida • South Bay, FL

8d

About The Position

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

The position supports classroom activities, field trips, outdoor activities, meal service, classroom preparation and upkeep, and other program needs. With direction from professional staff, the aide may support children with disabilities and follow their IEP/IFSP plans. The role may also include food preparation and documentation, cleanup, inventory, and janitorial assistance. The Program Aide maintains confidentiality, attends required meetings and training, and performs other assigned duties.

The schedule is Monday through Friday, with an assigned eight-hour shift scheduled within the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This is an entry-level position. A high school diploma or GED is required. Required training, certifications, and screenings include completion of 45 hours of Florida Child Care Facility Training within the specified timeline, First Aid and CPR certification within 90 days of hire, and successful completion of required background, criminal record, health, TB, and drug screenings before hiring. The role requires the ability to lift at least 45 pounds and physically assist in transporting children with special needs.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing.
• 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 lifting a child into a seat and fastening a safety belt.
• Complete 45 hours of Florida Child Care Facility Training within 12 months of hire; enrollment in coursework is required within 90 days, subject to the stated childcare-industry timeline.
• Obtain First Aid and CPR certification within 90 days of hire.
• Successfully complete a 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.
• This is an entry-level position.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual ability, preferably English/Spanish or English and another language present in the local area.
• Current and former Head Start/Early Head Start parents receive preference for vacancies for which they are qualified.

Responsibilities

• Assist classroom staff with classroom activities, field trips, and outdoor activities in lesson plans.
• Assist in developing materials and providing activities related to the cultural backgrounds of children and families served.
• Help supervise mealtimes and eat with children to encourage nutrition and social skills.
• Keep the classroom and its contents clean and orderly.
• Assist the teacher 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 the teacher assistant or teacher.
• Support assigned children with disabilities and assist staff and specialists in carrying out individual plans for children with special needs.
• Follow IEP/IFSP plans 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 in accordance with USDA/CACFP documentation requirements.
• Participate in food service cleanup, inventory, and other food service tasks as requested.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding Head Start/Early Head Start children, families, and staff.
• Attend required staff and parent meetings and activities, workshops, and training.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Demonstrate teamwork with coworkers and Head Start staff and adhere to LSF and HS/EHS policies and practices.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 24/7 online telehealth access to doctors.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Employer-paid life insurance equal to one times salary.
• 13 paid holidays and one floating holiday.
• Paid time off starting at 16 working days per year; Head Start employees' paid time off and holiday 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