Program Support Aide; PSA)

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

SALARY: Per ECEA CBA PSA $16.50 – $17.51/hour

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

• 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 and 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.

• Empties trash or garbage containers if needed before the custodian or janitor services.
• Sanitizes surfaces and 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 services prior to or after use.
• Participates in kitchen clean-up, inventory, and other kitchen tasks as required.
• Completes Food Service paperwork as needed.

• Comp…