Health Nutrition Assistant at Head Start

Health and Nutrition Classroom Aide

Part Time

Qualifications:

High School Diploma or GED. Working knowledge of typical behaviors/expectations of three and four-year-old children.

Reports To:

Head Start Early Learning Director or Designee

Job Summary:

To assist the educational staff with education and health needs of children as well as set up, serve, and clean-up of meals to the Head Start children. Carry out proper safety and sanitation practices in the handling of food according to Head Start Policy and Procedures.

Essential Functions:

• Adhere to agency policies and procedures including Head Start Performance Standards and state regulations.
• Responsible for providing the set-up, serving, clean-up, and disposing of extra food at the end of each mealtime for all classroom meals/snacks.
• Receive food from the caterer or kitchen staff and store properly to maintain temperature until service time, when applicable.
• Dish food into appropriate serving containers for small group meal settings in compliance with food safety and sanitation standards.
• Record number of children eating at point of service (while children are eating) as required by the Child and Adult Care Food Program for reimbursement as directed by classroom staff.
• Assist children with tooth brushing procedures and maintain caddy and caddy cover with education staff.
• Assist students for preparation to transition in and out of classroom at arrival and dismissal time.
• In full day programs, provide coverage for lunch breaks for the educational staff.
• Assist with supervising and monitoring of children at all times throughout the program environment (indoors/outdoors) to insure child safety.
• Assist children with diapering and toileting procedures/accidents and if necessary, change clothing.
• Ensure adult/child ratio is maintained at all times.
• Assist educational staff in preparing/laminating/cutting materials and preparing the environment for children.
• Support a classroom community by promoting positive relationships, independence, and self-regulation skills by carrying out established routine and guidelines.
• Support learning environment through appropriate and positive interactions with children, staff, and families.
• Strive for efficient data collection by using technology, when appropriate.
• Promote effective relationships within the community by speaking knowledgably about the programs' philosophy, mission, and goals, positively about its staff, services, children, and families and by viewing the program as a valuable part of the community.
• Recognize and monitor each child's health and well-being.
• Demonstrate flexible and efficient time management and ability to prioritize workload.
• Collaborate with colleagues to develop cohesive working relationships within the classroom, district, and agency environments.
• Physical ability to respond to children quickly in emergency.
• Assist in the clean-up of classroom centers and setup of materials between centers.
• Wiping out weekly or clean-up of any spills immediately in the classroom refrigerator.
• Demonstrates respect for others when communicating by sharing information objectively, non-judgmentally, and by following established program protocols.
• Facilitates communication with their staff and supervisors by using technology if/when available.
• Participate in program planning efforts by contributing ideas for program improvement, material, and supply needs, and suggesting products and sources.
• Follow School District procedures (e.g., emergency plans, school closings, evacuations)
• Maintains professional boundaries in relationships with staff and families by distinguishing between others' needs and one's own, guarding against abuse of power and sexual misconduct, and using appropriate language.
• Furthers professional growth by…