Program Aide Preschool

Overview

This position works as a part of a team to assist in activities in the areas of the classroom, kitchen, and bus, and/or to serve as a disabilities aide as needed. The position contains elements of job descriptions of positions with titles similar to classroom aide, bus monitor, janitor, and kitchen aide, and as a disability aide, providing support for children with disabilities.

Works with typically developing children and/or children with special needs/disabilities. The position may be reassigned to various classrooms/centers/bus routes as deemed necessary for program operations. This position may receive content area technical support and training from staff responsible for center supervision, teacher, bus driver, staff responsible for transportation, kitchen staff, and/or program managers/specialists/coordinators.

The duties of the position are described in the major functional areas listed below.

• Assists classroom staff in all classroom activities, field trips, and outdoor activities included in lesson plans.
• Dress in clothing that is appropriate for outdoor activity and all-weather conditions and be prepared to go outdoors daily.
• 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 the need arises (e.g., at Family Nights, copying newsletters, cutting out classroom materials, making phone calls, etc.).
• Serves as a temporary substitute in the periodic absence of the assistant teacher or teacher.

• 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 to maintain a safe and organized environment.
• Serves as a janitor in the absence of the regular custodian or janitor on a periodic basis.
• Does light yard work or snow removal.

• Completes routine kitchen/dining room/food chores as assigned (e.g., dishwashing, portioning foods, taking and logging temperature of foods received from vendors, etc.).
• Prepares necessary food and serving items for service prior to or after use. These duties may include the preparation of food to meet the needs of children with special needs or disabilities.
• Participates in food service clean-up, inventory, and other food service tasks as requested.
• Substitutes for regular Cook or Assistant Cook as needed.
• Assists with inventory maintenance of all necessary supplies, food, and equipment used for food services operations.
• Assists with the processing and storage of food and food-related items as they are delivered.
• Assists in carrying out a financially successful food service operation by helping to control food and labor costs.
• 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 as requested.
• Ensures that dishes are returned to the kitchen or food service vendor transport boxes for cleaning and preparation for the next meal.
• Notifies 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 in a clean and sanitary manner.
• 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.

• Works with assigned children with disabilities.
• Supports the work of the classroom staff and managers, specialists and/or mental health consultants in carrying out individual plans for children with special needs.
• With…