Program Aide

Now hiring for 2024-2025 school year! Join our team of committed community leaders and partners!

Job Summary: Under the direction of the Assistant Center Education Coordinator, this position is responsible for monitoring students on the bus, escorting students to and from the bus, and assisting teachers with activities in the classroom as directed. This position is expected to follow all guidelines as it relates to Rule 3 Child Care Licensing and Head Start Program Performance Standards. This position directly reports to an assigned Assistant Center Education Coordinator and indirectly reports to the Transportation Coordinator for all transportation-related duties. 

Program Aides may be assigned to one or more sites and /or bus routes but should be willing and able to assist in coverage of all sites and routes, as needed, to meet operational needs. 

Essential Functions (Not All Inclusive): 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

Bus monitor-related duties: The Program Aide shall provide support and assistance to the driver on the daily route ensuring the safety of children on the bus. 

▪ Serve as a bus monitor for the assigned route(s) when needed and as directed by the Transportation Coordinator, which may include a primary daily route and secondary backup routes in the event that coverage is needed. ▪ Ensure “pre trip” duties and checklist are complete before loading children onto the bus. 

▪ Assist the driver with bus emergency evacuation drills, (three (3) times per year) and in case of an emergency. ▪ Report to the Transportation Coordinator any incidents, accidents or unusual situations that could or would place a child at risk while receiving transportation services. 

▪ Supervise children getting on and off the bus at the children’s home and at the center by encouraging children to use the handrail to safely board and disembark from the vehicle. 

▪ Maintain an accurate seating chart on the bus, including seat labels above the bus windows, and place children in the seats according to the seating chart to assist in the proper identification of children and release of children. ▪ Ensure the bus is prepared when new children are added to the route, in advance of new children boarding the bus. This includes but is not limited to, labeling each child’s seat, following the seating chart, and ensuring supplies are on the bus to create and secure name tags for newly enrolled children. 

Classroom-related duties: The Program Aide will provide support and assistance to the classroom teacher during classroom times to ensure and encourage children’s learning as directed by the supervisor 

▪ Assist in the creation of a classroom environment conducive to the learning and development of children. ▪ Assist and work cooperatively with classroom teachers in daily activities. 

▪ Provide care, supervision, guidance and developmentally appropriate experiences, meeting the appropriate educational, social, and emotional needs of the children 

▪ Actively participate in education-related training sessions and meetings. 

▪ Provide and assist in personal hygiene practices, including children’s tooth brushing, handwashing and toileting issues as necessary

Other duties as assigned.

Safety: Responsible for conducting all duties in a safe manner. 

Affirmative Action: Responsible for following the affirmative action plan as set forth and signed by the Board of Directors.

Requirements

Education & Experience: High School Diploma or GED required. Experience with early childhood or education programs, nonprofit or social service, or Head Start experience preferred. Experience with varied socio-economic and multi-ethnic groups and/or individuals preferred. Demonstrated ability to read and write English. 

Abilities and Skills: In order to be successful in this position, the person will at minimum need to possess the following abilities and skills: 

● Must possess good work ethics and make sound decisions to promote safety on the bus and in the classroom.

● Must be able to work as a team member. 

● Ability to work occasional evening hours. 

● Must be able to effectively communicate with children, parents, and staff. 

● Ability to learn and utilize email for communication purposes 

● Ability to learn and utilize timecard software system 

Core Technology Competency: Level 1 - Basic 

Certifications: Must obtain CPR/First Aid Certification and Child and Restraint Systems (CARS) within 90 days of hire; must maintain certifications. 

Transportation: Must have reliable transportation on a daily basis to report to assigned location(s). 

Physical Requirements: 

● Must have adequate physical flexibility and dexterity to navigate a bus and early childhood classroom. ● Must be able to assist in emergency evacuation of children from the bus. 

● Must be able to lift 50 pounds as needed. 

● Must be able to successfully pass the pre-placement Head Start physical exam.

Benefits

Department: Head Start

Schedule: Up to 40 Hours/Week, M-Thurs, Seasonal (9 - 10 Months/Year), Regular

Starting Salary Range: $17.27/hr - $18.98/hr

Remote Capability: This position has 0% remote capability.

Posting Dates: 7/22/2024 - 8/5/2024

This position will be reposted until all openings are filled.

Benefits: Community Action offers excellent benefits including generous paid time off (PTO), paid holidays (14), health, dental & life insurance, retirement, employee discount programs and more.

Background Checks: Community Action conducts criminal background checks at the time of hire. Some positions require additional fingerprint and photo verification. Not all backgrounds are a barrier to employment.

Community Action is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not discriminate against or harass any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or status with regard to public assistance.