Nutrition Aide/Teacher Assistant

SUPERVISOR: Area Manager

SUPERVISES: None

WORK PERIOD: 10 months per yr

EXEMPTION STATUS: Non-exempt

POSITION SUMMARY: The Nutrition Aide/Teacher Assistant is responsible for meal service and supporting teachers in the day-to-day duties and operations of the classroom. Collaborate with Coordinators to insure an integrated balance of Head Start services as per the program work plans to meet Head Start Performance Standards. Additionally, must have knowledge of and support the Agency’s mission, vision and code of ethics and strategic plan for helping people, changing lives. No overtime may be worked without prior authorization. Overtime must be approved in advance by the Head Start Director. Must comply with drug and alcohol free workplace policy. Position contingent upon continued program funding. Hiring subject to Policy Council approval. Head Start parents will be given preference.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ESSENTIAL:

• Essential to support school to serve meals to Head Start children.
• Clean meal service areas and maintain a safe, orderly and clean learning environment.
• Prepare and assist in planning center menus.
• Promote and participate with healthy eating at meal times.
• Promote positive nutrition awareness among children and their families.
• Maintain accurate and up to date records per policies and procedures, i.e. food records.
• Promote the Head Start philosophy and educational objectives.
• Attend staff meetings and training provided by the agency (may include some overnight training).
• Help maintain an appropriate classroom environment needed to support the goals of the education component.
• Provide supervision of children.
• Communicate with children at their developmental level.
• Help implement weekly lesson plans.
• Support the ECKAN code of ethical conduct.
• Maintain confidentiality of all agency information.
• Orchestrate and manage developmentally appropriate environment for pre-school age children.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• May have bus monitoring responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS ESSENTIAL:

• Be able to effectively relate and communicate with all program participants.
• High School diploma/GED and a CDA (or higher), or able to secure a CDA within first year of employment.
• Be able to pass required KBI, background and health tests.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Must be able to participate in daily kneeling, stooping, bending and sitting on the floor, and occasionally lifting up to 40 pounds.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and comply with ECKAN insurance standards, as applicable.
• General office and computer skills.
• Be able to work as a team member and take direction from supervisors.