ABSAROKA

GENERAL SUMMARY:                

The primary purpose of this position is to support families’ efforts to reach their goals and to guide and coordinate educational opportunities for families per the Head Start Family Framework.  Family & Health Services (FHS) Aides will also work closely with the Health & Data Entry Manager to ensure that all enrolled children receive the required health screenings, exams, and necessary follow-up.  FHS Aides also provide classroom coverage during meals and at designated times during the day.

QUALIFICATIONS:                        

Must meet one of the qualifications below:

1. High school diploma/GED and willing to enroll in a CDA credential program that will be completed within two years of date of hire, or
2. Child development associate (CDA) credential, or 
3. 
   Associate or baccalaureate degree in Early Childhood Education, or enrolled in a program leading to such a degree

Must also obtain a Family Services Credential within 2 years of hire date.

Bilingual: fluency in both English and Spanish preferred.

REQUIREMENTS:

Individuals must be able to successfully perform all essential duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable those with disabilities to perform job functions.

LICENSES OR CERTIFICATES:

• Current certification in Pediatric and Adult First Aid and CPR within 180 days of employment.
• Must have dependable, insured transportation, a valid Wyoming Driver’s License, and acceptable driving record.
• Must pass an initial and periodic health screening, and TB clearance.

• 
  Obtain current certifications in all Wyoming Department of Family Services’ childcare-required trainings.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Head Start Performance Standards, Head Start Act, Absaroka, Inc. Policies and Procedures and Outcomes.
• Wyoming Department of Family Services’ child day care licensing requirements.
• Developmentally appropriate practices for young children, as defined by the National Association for Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
• Head Start Early Learning Framework, Head Start Family Framework, and Creative Curriculum.
• Local community resources for low-income families and families with young children.

ABILITY TO:

• 
  Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• 
  Follow directions and take initiative.
• 
  Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• 
  Work effectively with adults and children from diverse backgrounds, cultures, languages, ethnicities, experiences, abilities, and temperaments.

• Use a computer to collect, record, retrieve data, and prepare reports.

• 
  Model appropriate dress, appearance, personal hygiene, and professionalism per Personnel Policies and Procedures.
• 
  Maintain confidentiality of staff, parent, child, client, community, and agency information included in files, conversations, meetings, correspondence, or any other source.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Dedicated to the goals and philosophy of Absaroka Inc.

• 
  Required to occasionally travel out-of-county and out-of-state.
• 
  Attend pre- and in-service trainings, and other trainings as required.

• Must use reasonable precautions in the performance of one’s duties and adhere to all applicable safety rules and practices.  Must act in such a manner as to assure, at all times, maximum safety to oneself, fellow employees, clients, and children.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES

The Family & Health Services Aide will step into the classroom each day to provide wellness breaks and work time for Teachers and Aides.

1. Complete attendance at drop off/pick up and for meal counts using the Child Plus scanning system. 
2. Assist teacher in classroom activities, field trips, and outdoor activities as needed.
3. Help supervise at mealtime, eating with the children to encourage good nutrition and proper social skills.
4. Assist in keeping the classroom and its contents clean and orderly.
5. Use initiative and imagination to assist children and be perceptive and knowledgeable about the needs of each individual child.

1. Conduct learning activities with small groups of children.
2. Provide attendance follow-up for children that are absent and contact families as soon as feasible if parents have not contacted the center.
3. Conduct playground safety checklists each morning.
4. Ensure the classroom emergency backpack is fully stocked and the emergency contact binder is kept current.

FAMILY & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:

1. 
   Complete a Family Needs Assessment with each family.
2. 
   Set Family Goals according to Family Needs, and guidance from Family & Community Services Manager.
3. 
   Assist with scheduling, participate in, and document Parent Conferences and Home visits.
4. 
   Encourage parents to volunteer, supporting parents’ role as the first and lifelong educators of their children.
5. 
   Work with Center staff and parent volunteers to set up social networks and group activities supporting families’ strengths, interests, and needs.

1. Support families in utilizing community resources that enhance family well-being and children’s learning and development.
2. Participate in parent committee meetings, socials, and community events, as requested, and serve as a positive resource.
3. Positively promote Head Start in the community.
4. Ensure emergency contact information is kept current in Child Plus and in the Emergency Contact binder.

HEALTH SERVICES:

1. 
   Schedule and coordinate developmental and health screenings, exams, and tests for all children.
2. 
   Implement a system of health tracking and follow-up documentation, including entering information in the program database.
3. 
   Ensure that all children with suspected or identified health concerns receive timely referrals and follow-up treatment as necessary.
4. 
   Participate in case management of health services for each child in the classroom.
5. 
   Work with the Health & Data Manager and/or Nutrition Services Manager, the Cook, and the Teaching staff to set up special care plans and/or meal accommodation for children.

GENERAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, handle, feel, talk, hear, sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, balance, taste, smell, use hands and fingers, and reach with hands and arms.

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Worker is subject to environmental conditions, as activities occur both inside and outside. Worker is also exposed to cold, heat, noise, chemicals, and typical playground activities.
• This position works in a kitchen and office environment, and will be exposed to cooking fumes, dust, and other airborne particles.  Worker will be expected to handle allergens such as milk, eggs, fish, crustaceans, shellfish, corn, wheat, soybeans, fruits, and other foods in a varied diet.  Worker will need to use a variety of cleaning products for dishwashing, mopping, sanitation, and appliance cleaning. 
• Worker may be exposed to bodily fluids and infectious diseases.