Head Start Floater

Who We Are:

We help our neighbors meet immediate needs and face long‑term challenges. We steward our resources with transparency and efficiency. Together, we create a community where everyone is able to live with dignity and hope. Impelled by the love and teaching of Jesus Christ, while respecting the dignity and potential of all people, we collaborate to offer life‑giving programs, advocate for the voiceless and empower the vulnerable to foster a just society.

Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans (CCANO) has been an open door, a warm welcome, dry ground, a defending voice, and a hand up for generations of Louisiana residents. Our shared stories and strong roots help a diverse community stand tall together. Meeting the needs of the whole person is our continued commitment.

The Floater works under the supervision of the Center Director. He/she may be assigned to perform duties to include classroom assisting, nutrition, custodial, and clerical. If in the classroom, he/she will manage the classroom in such a way so that all areas reflecting Early Childhood Development Practices are adequately met. He/she will encourage children to: initiate activities, solve problems, explore, experiment, question and learn by doing.

If in the kitchen, he/she will prepare food as planned by the Nutrition Coordinator/Consultant and assist in the implementation of family style service of meals, as well as the modification of menus according to the special dietary needs of children. If acting as a custodian, he/she will follow the regular cleaning schedule/duties.

• Knowledge of early childhood growth and development, as well as Early Childhood Education and best practices.
• Ability to communicate proficiently in English with children, families, staff and community agencies and partners.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instruction and make mathematical computations and tabulations.
• Ability to operate modern office equipment (computer, fax, scanner, copier).
• Ability to operate Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook, and the internet.
• Knowledge of special needs of families and aware of ways to effectively communicate and assist them.
• Ability to be a mandated reporter for suspected child abuse or neglect.
• Ability to pass a physical exam and TB (Tuberculosis test) yearly.
• Ability to work in another position and at another CCANO Head Start/Early Head Start center when needed.
• Create and maintain a developmentally appropriate learning environment using the Frog Street Curriculum and Head Start Child Outcomes Framework.
• Implement lesson plans developed by the permanent teacher (short‑term substitutes) or develop lesson plans for individual, small group, and large group instruction, including IEP/IFSP goals (long‑term substitutes).
• Observe, document, and monitor children's progress through anecdotal notes, Teaching Strategies Gold (TSG), DRDP documentation, quarterly checkpoints, and parent conferences, as applicable.
• Ensure classroom and playground activities are developmentally appropriate, inclusive of children with special needs, and culturally responsive.
• Follow the daily classroom schedule, balancing child‑initiated and teacher‑directed activities.
• Build positive relationships and communicate effectively with families during daily interactions.
• Maintain a safe, healthy, and sanitary classroom by conducting daily health inspections, monitoring safety, completing accident reports, and following hygiene procedures.

• Prepare and serve nutritious meals and snacks in accordance with CACFP standards, approved menus, and prescribed special diets.
• Ensure proper food preparation, storage, inventory management, and compliance with environmental health requirements.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of the kitchen, equipment, food storage areas, and waste disposal.

• Perform routine cleaning duties, including sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, restroom sanitation, and replenishing supplies.
• Maintain clean and orderly facilities by removing trash and ensuring compliance with State Licensing Regulations, Head Start Performance Standards, and agency policies and…