Program Aide

About Save the Children

Save the Children has dedicated over a century to defending children's rights, including their right to health, education, and safety. Operating in over 100 countries, our mission is to create lasting positive change for children worldwide.

Role Overview

The Program Aide plays a diverse supportive role focused on fostering educational, social, and relational experiences for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, aiding their overall development. Reporting to the Education & Inclusion Manager or Center Director, this role may involve travel between program locations and home visits. Assignments can cover multiple environments including classrooms, cafeterias, kitchens, and bus routes, contributing to daily classroom operations and other assigned duties.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement daily job functions following clear procedures and practices.
• Effectively organize and manage time to accomplish tasks.
• Maintain communication with supervisors about key issues.
• Build strong relationships with work teams and families.
• Understand and execute oral and written directives clearly.
• Support classroom activities and substitute occasionally for teaching staff.
• Assist with janitorial duties such as cleaning, minor repairs, and ensuring secure buildings.
• Participate in kitchen tasks including food preparation, serving, cleaning, and compliance with sanitation standards.
• Serve as bus monitor when required.
• Attend all required meetings, trainings, and community events.
• Adhere to Head Start Performance Standards and childcare regulations.
• Promote Head Start positively in the community.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff.
• Follow agency policies and employee handbooks diligently.

Qualifications

• Minimum age of 18 years.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must obtain and maintain certification as per federal, state, or local Head Start or childcare rules, including first aid and pediatric CPR within 90 days of hire.
• Knowledge and experience with infants, toddlers, and preschool children.
• Professional proficiency in English communication, both written and spoken.
• Ability to relate sensitively to children and collaborate with staff and families effectively.
• Capacity to follow instructions, take initiative, and maintain confidentiality.
• Experience working with children with disabilities is essential.

Additional Requirements

• Physical ability to perform medium to heavy tasks involving lifting up to 50 pounds and various physical activities like standing, bending, kneeling, and walking.
• Successful clearance of comprehensive background checks as required by law and agency rules.
• Valid driver’s license and compliance with safe driving policies if operating motor vehicles is required.
• Preference given to current or former Head Start/Early Head Start parents for qualified positions.

Compensation and Benefits

The position starts at an hourly wage of $15, subject to variation based on experience and qualifications.

• Paid time off including winter and spring breaks, personal days, holidays, and floating holidays.
• Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families.
• Disability benefits fully paid by the employer.
• Options for Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts with employer contributions when eligible.
• Life and accidental death insurance provided.
• Parental and adoption leave and fertility benefits.
• Annual merit-based increases and incentive programs.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions after one year.
• Wellness support through programs and company events.
• Confidential employee assistance services for counseling and referrals.
• Opportunities for professional growth including certifications, tuition support, and mentorship.

Commitment to Child Safety and Inclusion

Save the Children prioritizes child safety, requiring all employees to actively prevent and respond to child abuse through awareness, training, and adherence to safeguarding policies. The organization engenders a safe and inclusive work environment with ongoing risk management and support for employees.

Accommodation

Applicants needing disability-related assistance during recruitment can request support from the organization.