Program Support Aide - Valley Preschool

REPORTS TO:

Principal

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

Duties of the position are described in major functional areas listed below. Additional duties may be assigned.

• 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 prevention of occupational disease and injury, including the exercise of universal precautions and the prevention of contamination.
• Is able to work with children at all levels of development.
• Maintains professional certification that employee was hired in with or obtained to meet Head Start and ISD standards.
• Successfully completes and maintains Basic First Aid, CPR certification and licensing required training.
• Actively participates in opportunities for continuous professional development.

• 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, 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, 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 service 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.

• Knowledge of the basics of working with children birth to five.
• Knowledge of Active Supervision strategies to keep children safe by: setting up the environment to see children around the room at all times, positioning yourself to see and hear all children in your care, counting and using Face to Name while transitioning in and out of the classroom, listening for potential danger, anticipating children’s behavior to…