Program Assistant

Southern Seven Health Department•Elizabethtown, IL

20d•$15 - $17•Onsite

About The Position

The Head Start Program Assistant works full time at the Hardin County Early Learning Center in Elizabethtown, Illinois. Duties vary according to the center’s needs and may include supporting a child or children with special needs in a safe, nurturing environment; providing classroom assistance under a Teacher’s guidance; helping in the kitchen, with custodial work, or in the office; and riding a Head Start bus while following safety rules and procedures. The role includes supporting children’s daily needs and development, collaborating with families and staff, and contributing to program safety and operations.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Knowledge of and ability to use modern office practices and procedures, including basic computer skills.
Ability to work with people from diverse socioeconomic, educational, and cultural backgrounds.
Knowledge of appropriate telephone etiquette.
Ability to carry out detailed but basic oral and written instructions.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic calculations.
Self-motivated, able to work independently, and able to initiate programmatic ideas.
Required DCFS criminal background check.
Required DCFS physical assessment.
Required Mandated Reporter certification.
Required completion of DCFS licensing courses.
Required CPR/First Aid certification.
Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds occasionally and 20 pounds frequently.
Ability to sit, walk, or stand for prolonged periods; lift horizontally and vertically; bend, stoop, push, pull, twist, carry, crouch, squat, kneel, and reach above shoulder level.
Ability to hear and understand speech at normal room levels and on the telephone.

Nice To Haves

Some experience working with children is preferred.
Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended.
Head Start Teacher Aide Qualified status is recommended.

Responsibilities

Encourage and assist children with personal care and hygiene; when assigned to a specific child, assist with special medical or feeding needs.
Ensure the safety of an assigned child during safety evacuations and drills.
Work cooperatively with the Teacher and other staff using a team approach to classroom management.
Maintain an appropriate modified daily schedule for an assigned child, adjusting it as needed to meet the child’s needs.
Incorporate IEP or IFSP goals into the daily routine and attend therapy sessions with an assigned child as appropriate to learn techniques for supporting individual goals.
Participate in IEP/IFSP meetings when appropriate.
Ride the Head Start bus when assigned and follow applicable safety rules and procedures.
Observe children daily to assess their skills, interests, and needs, and use that information to support learning and growth.
Ensure children are supervised at all times.
Participate in family-style meals and snacks at the table with children.
Build partnerships with parents and caregivers and encourage their active participation in their child’s Head Start experience.
Assist in the kitchen as needed, including washing dishes and preparing and serving meals.
Assist with center cleaning as needed, including vacuuming, sweeping, mopping, and cleaning bathrooms.
Assist in the office as needed, including copying newsletters, filing, answering phones, and taking messages.
Participate in staff meetings, center activities, staff development, and federal and annual program reviews.
Maintain confidentiality of child, family, and employee information.
Help recruit Head Start-eligible children for enrollment in coordination with other Head Start staff.
Follow and help assess and improve safety practices concerning children, staff, families, and community members.
Promote positive public relations and a positive image of the program and agency.
Comply with and remain familiar with Southern Seven Health Department policies and procedures required by HIPAA.
Report potential problems and concerns to the Site Supervisor.