Program Aide (3153)

Lutheran Services Florida • South Bay, FL

8d

About The Position

The Program Aide works as part of a team supporting activities in the classroom, kitchen, and on the bus as needed, and may assist children with special needs. The role may be assigned to various locations to support program operations and participates in Head Start/Early Head Start (HS/EHS) quality assurance efforts. The schedule is Monday through Friday, with an assigned eight-hour shift between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

The aide supports classroom staff with classroom activities, field trips, outdoor activities, meal supervision, and preparation of materials and activities that reflect the cultural backgrounds of children and families. The role may provide temporary coverage for a teacher assistant or teacher and may support children with disabilities under the direction of professional staff, including following individual plans such as IEPs or IFSPs.

Other duties may include cleaning and sanitizing classrooms or kitchens, assisting with janitorial work when needed, helping prepare food and maintain required meal documentation, and supporting food-service cleanup and inventory. The Program Aide maintains confidentiality, attends required meetings and training, and performs other assigned duties. This is an entry-level position requiring a high school diploma or GED. Required post-hire training and certifications include Florida Child Care Facility Training and First Aid and CPR; background, criminal-record, health, TB, and drug screenings are required before hiring.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• 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 the safety belt.
• Successful completion of 45 hours of Florida Child Care Facility Training within the required timeline: enroll within 90 days and complete within 12 months, subject to the stated industry-entry timing rules and a maximum of 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 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.
• Ability to work as a team member and adhere to LSF and HS/EHS policies and practices.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual ability, preferably English/Spanish or English and another language present in the local area.
• Current or 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 included in lesson plans.
• Help develop materials and provide activities related to the cultural backgrounds of children and families served.
• Help supervise mealtimes and eat with children to encourage good nutrition and social skills.
• Keep the classroom and its contents clean and orderly.
• Assist teachers with program tasks as needed, including 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 assigned children with disabilities and assist professional staff in carrying out individual plans for children with special needs.
• Follow IEPs or IFSPs 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.
• 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 in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• 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.
• Telehealth with 24/7 online access to doctors.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Employer-paid life insurance equal to one times salary.
• 13 paid holidays plus one floating holiday.
• Paid time off starting at 16 working days per year; Head Start employees' 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