Program Support Aide (PSA)

Saginaw Intermediate School District•Saginaw, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position works as part of a team to assist in activities in all areas of the program, such as building, classroom, and kitchen, and/or to serve as an individualization assistant as needed. The position may be reassigned to various classrooms/centers as deemed necessary for program operations. This position may receive technical support and training in the content area from the Lead Teacher/Teacher, Associate, or Education Coordinators.

Requirements

Must be 18 years of age.
Must have a high school diploma or G.E.D.
Must be willing and able to obtain Basic First Aid and CPR Certification and maintain certification.
Acceptable tuberculosis and drug screening results, a clear criminal records check, and an initial health exam are required after the job offer and prior to employment.
Knowledge of the basics of working with children from birth to five.
Knowledge of Active Supervision strategies to keep children safe by: Setting up the environment to be able to see children around the room at all times, Position yourself to see and hear all children in your care, Count and using Face to Name while transitioning in and out of the classroom, Listen for potential danger, Anticipate children’s behavior to predict what the child will do next, and Engage and Redirect to assist the children and help solve problems.
The ability to maintain strict confidentiality with respect to Head Start children, families, and staff in accordance with established policies, procedures, and other legal requirements, i.e., FERPA and HIPAA.
Knowledge of the purpose of Head Start/Early Head Start Programs.
Knowledge of basic food preparation, serving, and sanitation practices.
Basic computer knowledge of Word and Excel.
Ability to access e-mail and the willingness to learn new programs as needed.
Ability to read and follow program procedures and e-mails daily.
Ability to follow directions and take initiative.
Ability to work in diverse environments.
Ability to work with children with disabilities.
Ability to respect and respond appropriately to the culture, language, values, and family structures of each family served.
Ability to support family safety and health.
Ability to engage in mutually respectful goal-oriented partnerships with families to promote parent-child relationships and family well-being.
Ability to enhance the parent-child relationship and support parents’ role as the first and life-long educators of their children.
Ability to act as a member of a comprehensive services team so that family service activities are coordinated and integrated throughout the program.
Knowledge of state and federal regulations pertaining to child abuse and neglect reporting and child care licensing requirements.
Personal qualifications require emotional maturity, willingness to cooperate with the aims of the program, respect for children and adults, flexibility, patience, good personal hygiene, and physical and mental health that does not interfere with responsibilities.
Education or experience in collaborating with parents in the education of their children.

Nice To Haves

Some past experience working with preschool children is preferred.
Obtain within 2 years of being notified if current or within 2 years of the date of hire if new employee and/or maintain CDA credential.

Responsibilities

Assists classroom staff in all classroom activities, including implementation of lesson plans, field trips, outdoor activities, meal times, and transportation.
Assists in developing materials and providing activities related to the cultural background of the children and families served.
Helps supervise at mealtime, eating with the children to encourage good nutrition and proper social skills.
Helps keep the classroom and its contents clean and orderly, helping to maintain a safe, healthy learning environment.
Assists in keeping learning environments safe from hazards and free from clutter and allows for visibility of children by utilizing the Daily Health and Safety Checklist.
Assists the teacher in any aspect of the program as the need arises.
Serves as a substitute in the absence of the teacher or associate teacher.
Participates in the screening, assessment, observation, and documentation of children.
Works in a diverse environment with children and families of various developmental levels and needs.
Fosters self-esteem, self-direction, self-control, and school readiness skills with preschool children by using positive methods and modeling and participating in curriculum development and curriculum.
Participates in recruitment activities.
Empties trash or garbage containers if needed before the custodian or janitor services.
Sanitizes surfaces and picks up and puts away materials in the classroom or kitchen in order to maintain a safe and organized environment.
Serves as custodian in the absence of the regular custodian as required.
Completes routine kitchen/food service area/food chores as assigned.
Prepares necessary food and serving items or services prior to or after use.
Participates in kitchen clean-up, inventory, and other kitchen tasks as required.
Completes Food Service paperwork as needed.
Completes Bus Aide paperwork as necessary.
Rides the bus and buckles children into the seats.
Assists with children getting on and off the bus.
Make sure that students are safe while riding the bus.
Attends all required training and workshops, including online training and cluster meetings as required by Head Start and State Licensing.
Remains up-to-date on information that pertains to the needs of the children in the program, including Head Start Performance Standards, Michigan child care licensing regulations, and other applicable regulations and practices.
Keeps up to date on Developmentally Appropriate Practice
Maintains knowledge of the regulations associated with the prevention of occupational disease and injury, including the exercise of universal precautions and the prevention of contamination.
Able to work with children at all levels of development.
Maintains professional certification that the employee was hired with or obtained to meet Head Start and ISD standards.
Successfully completes and maintains basic First Aid, CPR certification, and required licensing training.
Actively participates in opportunities for continuous professional development.