Program Assistant

AVANCE Houston•Houston, TX

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Center Administrator, the Program Assistant supports professional duties that include planning, developing, coordinating, implementing, and supervising Center staff and children, as well as developing and implementing agency programs. The Program Assistant helps oversee day-to-day operations at Early Head Start and Head Start sites and may be responsible for site operations in the Center Administrator’s absence. The role may provide classroom coverage, maintain children’s health and safety, support facility compliance, assist with records and office duties, and work with parents, staff, and community partners. The work takes place in an early childhood learning facility, office, and classroom setting. It involves regular communication and computer and office-equipment use, physical activity including occasional lifting of 30–50 pounds, and travel to meetings, training, and other business activities. Evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
At least two years of experience in an early childhood facility.
Two to three years of related work experience in a childcare classroom.
Three years of clerical experience.
Knowledge of local, state, and city facility permits.
Knowledge of policies and standards governing childcare and early childhood programs, including Texas Child Care Regulation, Head Start Program Performance Standards, and NAEYC standards.
Knowledge of facility inspections, including gas, fire, grease trap, and health inspections.
Ability to travel for business-related activities, including air travel as necessary.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including occasional lifting, pushing, pulling, and moving objects weighing 30–50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Four years of experience within the AVANCE system, or four years of management or supervisory experience working with high-risk children and families.
CPR/First Aid certification for infants and toddlers and preschool-aged children.
Bilingual English/Spanish.

Responsibilities

Assist the Center Administrator with planning, organizing, developing, scheduling, monitoring, and overseeing day-to-day operations at Early Head Start and Head Start sites.
Provide classroom coverage as needed, including during breaks, planning time, lunch, and teacher absences.
Maintain and ensure the health, safety, and supervision of children, including during drop-off, dismissal, special events, and transitions.
Act as Center Administrator and oversee site operations in the Center Administrator’s absence, including responding to parents, staff, Center Managers, and AVANCE Support Services staff.
Support facility compliance by helping ensure required permits, inspections, policies, and standards are addressed.
Understand and report employee relations matters, child incidents, injuries or accidents, and parent concerns; document or report matters as needed or advised by program management.
Assist with data entry, record keeping, and clerical duties, including CAP60, children’s folders, Meal Count forms/CACFP, attendance tracking, and monthly reports.
Assist with kitchen, classroom, and custodial duties at the assigned facility when needed.
Conduct and attend training seminars, staff meetings, and community and recreation meetings as needed.
Communicate effectively with collaborative and community partners, AVANCE Support Services, staff, and parents.
Work to enhance parent engagement at Early Head Start or Head Start facilities.
Travel for business-related activities, including meetings, classes, workshops, training, and conferences.
Perform other duties as assigned.