Early Childhood Center Aid

PURPOSE OF POSITION

This position main duties relate to the preparing and serving food to children in classrooms. This position also works as a part of a team to assist in activities in the classroom and outdoor spaces as needed. Ensure the health, safety, and cleanliness of the facilities. The position may be reassigned to various classrooms/centers as deemed necessary for program operations.

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

EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC DUTIES-- ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Kitchen Aide

· Completes routine kitchen/dining room/food chores as assigned (e.g., dishwashing, portioning foods, taking and logging the temperature of foods received from vendors, etc.).

· Prepares necessary food and serving items for service before or after use. These duties may include preparing food to meet the needs of children with special needs or disabilities.

· Participates in food service clean up, inventory, and other food service tasks.

· Assist Cook as needed.

· Assists with inventory maintenance of all necessary supplies, food, and equipment for food services operations.

· Assists with the processing and storing of food and food-related items as they are delivered.

· Assists in carrying out a financially successful food service operation by controlling food waste in inventory.

· Assists with logging meals/snacks in the menu book following USDA/CACFP required documentation for food purchased, prepared, and served.

· Supports staff/parents in preparing and cleaning up after meals/snacks for meetings, planning sessions, and other special events.

· Ensures dishes are returned to the kitchen or food service vendor transport boxes for cleaning and preparation for the next meal.

· Notifies the supervisor of any safety, health issues or concerns.

· Participates in ongoing training in food preparation and nutrition as requested.

· Follows the established system for cleaning to ensure that the kitchen and storage rooms are kept clean and sanitary.

· Reports any kitchen equipment not in good working order to the supervisor to ensure the kitchen remains safe and hazard free.

· Prepares food in a safe and sanitary manner.

· Responsible for complying with all local, state, and federal standards regarding hygiene and sanitation.

Health and Sanitation

· 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 to maintain a safe and organized environment.

· Responsible for cleaning and rotating classroom toys.

· Responsible for the organization and cleanliness of toy/supply storage.

· Responsible for upkeep of Center laundry.

· Does light yard work, including blowing off playground.

Classroom Aide

· Assists classroom staff in all classroom activities, field trips, and outdoor activities included in lesson plans as needed.

· Helps supervise at mealtime, eating with the children to encourage good nutrition and social skills.

· Assists the teacher in different aspect of the program as needed and time allows (e.g., at Family Nights, copying newsletters, cutting out classroom materials, etc.).

· Serves as a substitute for the classroom teachers during daily breaks and occasionally during teachers' full-day absences when as needed.

EXAMPLES OF GENERAL JOB DUTIES--ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

· Attends all workshops and meetings as deemed necessary by the immediate supervisor.

· Attends all required staff meetings and as needed for activities.

· Responsible for understanding Head Start Performance Standards and local child care licensing regulations.

· Expected to be knowledgeable of the regulations associated with preventing occupational disease and injury, including the exercise of universal precautions and the prevention of contamination.

· Maintains strict confidentiality concerning Early Head Start children, families, and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures.

· Become familiar with Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana Employee Handbook: Human Resources Policies and Procedures, Operations Manual, and all other CDI HS handbooks, manuals, and resources and adheres to them.

Performs Other Duties as Assigned by Supervisor

• The minimum requirement is that the individual be 18 years of age with a High School Diploma or GED. This is an entry-level position.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide with simple fractions.
• Knowledge of the basics of working with infant & toddler children.
• Knowledge of basic food preparation, serving, and sanitation practices

· Requirements for employment with Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana Head Start may differ from those required by the former grantee or a replacement grantee. If applicable federal, state, or local Head Start or childcare regulations, now or as amended in the future, contain additional requirements or qualifications for this position that are not explicitly stated in this Job Description, the requirements, and qualifications will apply, even if not explicitly outlined in this Job Description.

· Bilingual preferred (English/Spanish or English and other languages present in the local area). Acceptable tuberculosis screening results, a clear criminal records check (including a child abuse registry check if required by state regulations), and an initial health exam are required post-job offer and before employment. To drive agency vehicles (if applicable), one must have a valid driver's license, be insurable by the Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana Head Start insurance carrier, and have a Motor Vehicle Record acceptable to Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana Head Start. Current and former Early Head Start parents will receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are qualified.

· Must have reliable transportation and, if/when using own vehicle, must have minimum automobile coverage required by state of employment.

· May be required to lift to 40 pounds.

· Will be required to perform physical activities to engage with toddlers/Infant including bending, squatting, getting down and up of the floor.

· Travel by car, bus, airplane, or train may also be required to attend conferences, meetings, and other duties carried out at distant locations in and out of state, and in some cases, overnight travel may be required.

· Some exposure to communicable diseases.

· The noise level in the work environment may be moderate to loud.

· Work is typically performed in a classroom, kitchen, or bus setting, and some office work will be required.

· Evenings and weekend work may occasionally be required for home visits, parent-teacher conferences, Parent Committee meetings, community, and social events.

The requirements of your Job Description are important in providing services to children and families and keeping you, children, and co-workers safe during the workday. If you are unable to perform any of the functions required in your job description due to a disability, you are invited to direct any requests for accommodation to the Program Director.