Preschool Program Aide (039634)

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant. 

LSF is looking for a talented Program Aide who wants to make an impact in the lives of children and families.

The Schedule for this role is Monday through Friday.

Purpose & Impact:

The purpose of the Program Aide is to work as part of a team to assist in activities in the areas of the classroom, kitchen and on bus as needed. May also assist with special needs children. May be assigned to different locations as deemed necessary for program operations. Participates in the HS/EHS Quality Assurance efforts.

Essential Functions:

• Assists classroom staff in all classroom activities, field trips and outdoor activities included in lesson plans.
• 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 social skills.
• Helps keep the classroom and its contents clean and orderly.
• Assists the teacher in any aspect of the program as needed (i.e. at family nights, copying newsletters, making phone calls, preparing classroom materials, etc.)
• Serves as a temporary substitute in the periodic absence of the teacher assistant or teacher.
• May work with assigned children with disabilities, supporting the work of the classroom staff, managers, specialists and/or mental health consultant in carrying out the individual plans for children with special needs.
• With direction from professional staff, follows IEP/IFSP.
• Sanitizes surfaces, picks up and stores materials in the classroom or kitchen to maintain a safe environment.
• May assist with janitorial services in the absence of the regular custodian or janitor.
• May assist in the preparation of food, logging meals/snacks following USDA/CACFP required documentation for food purchased, prepared and served.
• Participates in food service cleanup, inventory and other food service tasks as requested.
• Maintains strict confidentiality with respect to HS/EHS children, families and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Attends all required staff and parent meetings and activities.
• Attends all workshops and trainings as directed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Note: The duties above are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Depending on assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform some or all of the activities described above. 

Qualifications

Competencies (Skills/Knowledge & Abilities)

• Must be able to lift at least 45 pounds and provide physical assistance in the transportation of special needs children by lifting child into seat and fastening safety belt. Reasonable accommodation may be made for otherwise qualified persons with disabilities.
• Must demonstrate sensitivity to our service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs.
• Team player with co-workers and Head Start staff.
• Adherence to LSF, HS/EHS policies and practices.
• Ability to communicate both written and verbally.
• Ability to follow directions.
• Ability to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence and memos.
• Ability to communicate with families and children in a positive and helpful manner.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide.

Required/Preferred Education and Experience

• This is an entry-level position. Current and former Head Start/Early Head Start parents will receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are qualified.
• Certification in First Aid and CPR within 90 days from the date of hire and successful completion of a Level II background screening, local criminal record check, health, TB and drug screening prior to hiring.
• High school diploma or G.E.D. Within 90 days of employment, must obtain and continually maintain basic first aid and pediatric CPR certification.  Must have the 40-clock hour plus 5-hours of literacy training upon hire.  For those hired during the grant transition, staff must register for the 40-hour training plus 5-hours of literacy training within 6 months of employment and successfully complete within 15 months of date of hire.

 Why Work With LSF?

LSF offers 60 programs across the state of Florida serving a wide range of populations in need. Mission Driven staff members become part of the LSF community while transforming the lives of those in need. Our staff additionally find growth opportunities as they explore areas of interest within the organization. 

Amazing benefits package including:

• Medical, dental and vision
• Teladoc (24/7 access to doctors)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Long-term disability
• Employer paid life insurance (1X salary), AD&D
• Health and dependent care FSA
• 13 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday
• Generous PTO policy
• 403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match
• Tuition reimbursement

Lutheran Services Florida embraces diversity, equity and inclusion in all business practices. LSF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Education

• High School or better