Program Support Aide - Jerome Preschool

• 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 paper work 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: Set up the environment to be able to see children around the room at all times, Position yourself to see and hear all children in your care, Count and Use Face to Name while transitioning in and out of the classroom, Listen for potential danger, Anticipate children’s behavior to predict what the child will do next, and Engage and Redirect to assist the children and help solve problems.
• The ability to maintain strict confidentiality with respect to Head Start children, families, and staff in accordance with established policies, procedures, and other legal requirements i.e., FERPA, HIPAA.
• Knowledge of the purpose of Head Start/Early Head Start Programs.
• Knowledge of basic food preparation, serving and sanitation practices.
• Basic computer knowledge of Word and Excel.
• Ability to access e-mail and the willingness to learn new programs as needed.
• Ability to read and follow program procedures and e-mails daily.
• Ability to follow directions and take initiative. .
• Ability to work in diverse environments.
• Ability to work with children with disabilities.
• Ability to respect and respond appropriately to the culture, language, values and family structures of each family served.
• Ability to support family safety and health.
• Ability to engage in mutually respectful goal-oriented partnerships with families to promote parent-child relationships and family well-being.
• Ability to enhance the parent-child relationship and support parents’ role as the first and life-long educators of their children.
• Ability to act as a member of a comprehensive services team so that family service activities are coordinated and integrated throughout the program.
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations pertaining to child abuse and neglect reporting and child care licensing requirements.

• Noise level in the work environment may be moderate to loud.
• Work is typically performed in a classroom; kitchen and some office work may be required.
• Travel by car, bus, airplane or train may be required for attendance at conferences, meetings or other duties at distant locations, in and out of state. In some cases overnight travel may be required.
• Some evenings and weekend work may occasionally be required for events such as home visits, parent teacher conferences, Parent Club meetings, community and social events, and for providing child care outside of regular work hours for scheduled events.

This position works in a preschool classroom with child size furniture and seating. The position requires, sitting in child sized chairs and on the floor; adverse driving conditions; bending; stretching; extended sitting; extended standing; extended walking; stair climbing; kneeling; crouching; reaching; fine and gross motor skills; coordination of hands-fine and gross; eye/hand/foot coordination; visual memory and discrimination; auditory memory and discrimination; reading and writing ability; judgment; simple and complex decision making; and lifting up to 75 pounds. This position is covered by the OSHA Final Rule Blood borne Pathogens Act, Category A, with potential for exposure to communicable disease and pests such as head lice. This position is a mandated reporter of child abuse/neglect and must have a Department of Human Services child abuse and neglect clearance. Personal qualifications require emotional maturity, willingness to cooperate with the aims of the program, respect for children and adults, flexibility, patience, good personal hygiene and physical and mental health which does not interfere with responsibilities. Also education or experience in collaborating with parents in the education of their children. E. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE The minimum requirement is that the individual be 18 years of age. Individuals must have a high school diploma or G.E.D. Some past experience working with preschool children is preferred. Must be willing and able to obtain Basic First Aid and CPR Certification and maintain certification. Acceptable tuberculosis and drug screening results, a clear criminal records check and an initial health exam are required post job offer and prior to employment. Current and former Head Start employees, students and parents will receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are qualified. Obtain within 2 years of being notified if current or within 2 years of date of hire if new employee and/or maintain CDA credential.

SISD - Saginaw County Head Start is a customer-driven, family friendly program.

As such, all staff must value and be committed to the highest levels of professionalism, cooperation, teamwork and tolerance; this includes working well with families, children, co-workers, supervisors and the greater community.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION Saginaw Intermediate School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender and gender identity, disability, age, or national origin in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Executive Director of Human Resources Saginaw Intermediate School District 3933 Barnard Road Saginaw, MI 48603 Telephone: (989) 799-4733