Head Start Floater; Covington-Pike

Under the direction of the Site Manager, the Site Floater possesses a diverse set of skills that support the daily operation of our Head Start program by taking on roles from substitute teaching, maintaining the kitchen, keeping our facilities clean and making sure the children are well fed.

• High School diploma (required) and Child Development Associate (CDA), preferred
• Associate’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred
• Previous Head Start experience preferred
• Two (2) years of relevant work experience with preschoolers, ages 3-5 years
• CPR and First Aid certification preferred

There are no supervisory responsibilities for this position.

• Performs according to the standards set forth by Head Start, NAEYC, CACFP, USDA, Tennessee Child Care Licensing and Porter‑Leath while performing duties within the food service and classroom.
• Provides classroom coverage for Teachers and Assistant Teachers when they are absent or out of the classroom;
  Assume responsibilities as the primary caregiver for one group of children for Teachers/Assistant Teachers, including children with special needs when assigned.
• Performs duties as a role model to clients and staff; act as mentor to families of children in group.
• Keeps Supervisor and Manager informed of programmatic issues in a timely and concise manner.
• Works cooperatively with other staff to create a positive, enriching and safe environment for children, families and staff.
• Assists program staff in delivering appropriate health, nutrition, disability, education, and family support services to children and families in accordance with program policies, procedures, and service plans.
• Assists in implementing daily education procedures in the classroom while adhering to best practices; assists in ensuring that children are involved in activities suited to their immediate emotional, social, intellectual, and physical needs; provides ample activity options to children.
• Ensures communication with nutrition staff, health/disability/nutrition staff, and education staff in order to fulfill special diet needs.
• Assists in the preparation and serving of meals to prep and serve meals in quantities according to menu and number of persons to be served making appropriate substitutions when necessary in accordance with USDA recommended daily dietary allowances and family-style dining requirements; comply with all Shelby County Health department and Porter‑Leath requirements regarding food preparation, food storage, cleanliness, and kitchen sanitation.
• Assists in maintaining appropriate records of attendance, meal counts, etc. necessary to produce reports.
• Conduct parent/teacher conferences and home visits with families when necessary.
• Assists with and conducts ongoing child evaluations, screenings, and assessments.
• Assists with student files and other classroom duties as assigned.
• Attends all professional development opportunities assigned and implements the strategies learned.
• Contributes to team effort by performing other duties as assigned.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit and talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and color vision. Work in a non-smoking area.

Maintain a valid driver’s license with a good driving record and an appropriate level of insurance.

NOTE: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be constructed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified 2023.