Summary The Program Aide supports Early Head Start (infant-toddler) classrooms by assisting teaching staff in maintaining a safe, clean, and nurturing environment for children ages 0-3. This role focuses on health and safety, classroom organization, and daily routine support while promoting positive interactions and school readiness. This role assists with classroom instruction, child supervision, family engagement, food service, center cleaning, and maintaining compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and state licensing requirements to support school readiness outcomes. This position is non-exempt from overtime and is contracted on an annual basis. Key Responsibilities Classroom Support (All Age Groups) Assist teachers with daily routines including arrival, meals, transitions, and departure Always support active supervision of children Prepare, set up, and clean up classroom materials and activities Assist with transitions between activities to ensure smooth routines Infant-Toddler (0-3) Support Assist with diapering, feeding, and individualized care routines Support responsive caregiving (comforting, holding, soothing) Help maintain consistent schedules for naps and feeding Engage with children through talking, singing, and simple play Health & Safety Follow all sanitation procedures (toys, surfaces, bathrooms, diapering areas) Assist with meal service and food safety Maintain a hazard-free environment and report concerns immediately Follow active supervision and child safety protocols Classroom Environment Set up and maintain clean, organized, and developmentally appropriate spaces Sanitize toys and materials according to schedule Maintain classroom supplies and notify staff when items are needed Child Interaction Model warm, respectful, and culturally responsive interactions Respond to children's basic needs in a timely and supportive manner Encourage positive behavior and participation in activities Family Engagement Greet families warmly and professionally Support teachers by relaying basic information as directed Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all time Food Service Support Assists with meal and snack preparation according to CACFP, Head Start, and local health department requirements. Follows approved menus, portion sizes, and meal service procedures. Ensure meals are prepared and served within established timelines. Maintains current ServSafe Food Handler certification and applies food safety practices consistently. Demonstrate proper food handling, storage, labeling, and temperature monitoring procedures. Food Safety and Compliance Maintains 100% compliance with food safety regulations and center sanitation standards. Accurately completes required food temperature logs, cleaning logs, and kitchen documentation. Report food safety concerns, equipment malfunctions, and inventory shortages promptly. Uses proper personal hygiene and food contamination prevention practices at all times. Kitchen Operations Effectively assumes Kitchen Aide responsibilities during absences to ensure uninterrupted meal services. Prepares food according to recipes and dietary requirements, including accommodations for children with documented food allergies or special diets. Assists with receiving, storing, and rotating food inventory using FIFO (First In, First Out) procedures. Maintains organized and sanitary food storage areas. Center Cleaning and Sanitation Complete daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning schedules as assigned. Maintains classrooms, kitchen areas, bathrooms, and common areas in clean, sanitary, and safe condition. Properly uses and stores cleaning supplies in accordance with safety guidelines. Ensures sanitation procedures minimize health and safety risks for children and staff. Team Collaboration Follow direction from Teacher and Teaching Assistant Support multiple classrooms if assigned Participate in meetings, training, and program activities Compliance & Professionalism Follow Head Start Performance Standards and licensing regulations Maintain required certifications (CPR/First Aid) Demonstrate reliability, teamwork, and professionalism

Pay:

$15.00 per hour

Work Location:

In person