Program Assistant

Job Function

1. Assists Center Administrator in planning, organizing, developing, scheduling, monitoring, and assist with overseeing day-to-day operations within Early Head Start and Head Start sites.
2. Assist in the classrooms as needed for coverage, including breaks, planning time, lunch, and in the absence of a teacher.
3. Maintain and ensure the health, safety, and supervision of children at all times, including high peak times such as daily drop-off, dismissal, special events, and transitions.
4. In the absence of the Center Administrator, the Program Assistant will be responsible for the site's operation, including responding to parents, staff, Center Managers, AVANCE Support Services Staff, and acting as the Center Administrator.
5. Knowledge of local, state, and city facility permits.
6. Knowledge of all policies and standards as it relates to governing bodies such as, Texas Department of Health and Human Services-Child Care Regulation, Head Start Program Performance Standards, NAEYC, etc.
7. Knowledge and understanding of inspections needed at facilities to ensure compliance such as gas, fire, grease trap, health, etc.
8. Knowledge, understanding, and reporting of employee relations, children incidents/injuries/accidents, and parent concerns.
9. Knowledge and understanding of Texas Child Care Regulation, Head Start Program Performance Standards and NAEYC standards, including reporting or documenting as needed or as advised by program management.
10. Assist with data entry, record keeping, and clerical/office duties as assigned or needed, including but not limited to CAP60, children’s folders, Meal Count forms/CACFP, attendance tracking, and monthly reports.
11. Assist within the assigned facility in duties such as kitchen, classroom, and custodial when needed.
12. Conduct and attend training seminars, staff meetings, and community and recreation meetings as needed.
13. Communicate effectively with collaborative and community partners, AVANCE Support Services, staff, and parents.
14. Work to enhance parent engagement within the Early Head Start or Head Start facilities.
15. Must be able to travel for business-related activities.
16. Performs other duties as assigned.

Education

• Required: High School Diploma/GED

Experience

• Required: Two (2) to three (3) year related work experience in a childcare classroom and 3 years’ clerical experience
• Preferred: Four (4) years’ experience within the AVANCE system or four (4) years management or supervision, working with high-risk children and families