Program Aide

Save the Children US • Opelousas, LA

3d

About The Position

Program Aides are generalists who provide educational, relational, and social experiences for infants, toddlers, and/or preschool-aged children to support growth and development across all developmental domains. The role reports to the Education and Inclusion Manager or Center Director and may involve travel to program sites and home visits. Aides may be assigned to different classrooms, centers, bus routes, cafeterias, or kitchens and assist with classroom management and other operational duties as needed.

As a frontline representative of Save the Children, the Program Aide helps ensure the safety and security of children and families and follows the organization’s values of Accountability, Ambition, Collaboration, Creativity, and Integrity. Employees who routinely come into contact with children are expected to help prevent child abuse, take steps to protect children who may be at risk, report and respond to concerns or incidents, and promote awareness of child-safeguarding obligations.

The position includes classroom, janitorial, and kitchen assistance, along with other general duties. Aides may substitute periodically for teachers, assistant teachers, custodians, cooks, or assistant cooks. They must follow hygiene and sanitation standards, maintain confidentiality, attend required meetings and workshops, and become familiar with Head Start standards, childcare licensing regulations, and Save the Children policies and resources.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Minimum high school diploma or GED.
• Certification required by applicable federal, state, or local Head Start or childcare regulations.
• Obtain within 90 days of employment and continually maintain basic first aid and pediatric CPR certification, or obtain sooner if required by local or state regulations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the basics 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 keep family information strictly confidential.
• Ability to work with children with disabilities.
• Pass required pre-employment background checks, including applicable local, state, and national criminal records checks, sex offender registry checks, employment and education verifications, and child-abuse registry checks where required.
• Pass state and local health requirements after a job offer and before employment.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license and comply with Save the Children motor-vehicle safety policies if operating a vehicle is required for essential job functions.
• Physical ability to perform medium to heavy work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and 5–10 pounds constantly; duties may include sitting, crawling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, and grasping.
• Ability to perform duties requiring repetitive action and motion, keyboarding, and computer use.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Apply established practices and procedures in day-to-day work, manage time and tasks, keep the manager informed of important issues, build effective relationships, and follow oral and written instructions.
• Assist classroom staff with classroom activities and support the Teacher with program needs, including Family Nights, preparing newsletters and classroom materials, and making phone calls.
• Serve periodically as a temporary substitute for an Assistant Teacher or Teacher.
• Provide custodial support as needed, including picking up trash, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, using industrial cleaning equipment, cleaning and stocking bathrooms, securing buildings, cleaning windows, and performing minor maintenance and repairs.
• Periodically substitute for the regular custodian when needed.
• Complete assigned kitchen and dining-room chores, such as dishwashing, portioning food, and taking and logging food temperatures.
• Prepare and serve food, including preparing food to meet the needs of children with disabilities or special needs.
• Assist with food-service cleanup, inventory, and other food-service tasks; substitute for or assist the Cook or Assistant Cook as needed.
• Comply with applicable local, state, and federal hygiene and sanitation standards.
• Serve as a Bus Monitor if required.
• Attend workshops, staff and parent meetings, and other necessary meetings and activities.
• Gain an understanding of Head Start Program Performance Standards and local childcare licensing regulations.
• Understand and follow regulations for preventing occupational disease and injury, including universal precautions and contamination prevention.
• Promote Head Start positively in the community.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding Head Start and Early Head Start children, families, and staff, and follow applicable policies and procedures.
• Become familiar with and adhere to Save the Children Head Start handbooks, human resources policies and procedures, manuals, and resources.
• Help protect children by minimizing risks, taking positive steps when a child may be at risk, reporting and responding to child-abuse concerns or incidents, and promoting safeguarding awareness.

Benefits

• Paid time off, including 10 days of winter break, 5 days of spring break, 5 personal days, 11 holidays, and 2 floating holidays per year.
• Competitive health care coverage for employees and their families.
• 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 the company matching a portion of contributions.
• Flexible Spending Account options for health care and dependent care.
• Agency-paid life and accidental death and dismemberment benefits.
• Parental and adoption benefits.
• 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.
• Access to internal and external learning and development opportunities and mentorships.
• Certification and tuition assistance.

What This Job Offers

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