Head Start Program Aide

La Casa de Don Pedro; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

La Casa de Don Pedro, Inc. (LCDP) is seeking a full-time Program Aide to support classroom staff in delivering safe, nurturing early childhood education for preschoolers in Newark, NJ. The role emphasizes supervision, meal service, and daily routines under Head Start standards.

The ideal candidate brings a High School diploma or GED, bilingual English/Spanish, and experience with young children, teamwork, and a strong commitment to LCDP's diverse community.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience in Head Start or early childhood programs.
• Bilingual English/Spanish or other languages used by families.
• Experience supporting classroom routines and supervision.

Responsibilities

• Assist with USDA meal service, distribution, and sanitation.
• Assist with attendance, meal counts, sanitation logs and documentation.
• Support sanitation, hygiene, and safe classroom practices.
• Support family-style dining and model proper mealtime behavior.
• Maintain positive communication with families and staff.
• Collaborate with teachers and program leadership to support activities.

Skills

Bilingual (English/Spanish or other)

Experience with young children

Teamwork and collaboration

Education

High School diploma or GED

Early childhood education coursework

Job description

La Casa de Don Pedro, Inc. (LCDP) was founded in 1972 by a group of local activists seeking to establish educational and charitable programs to meet the needs of Newark's Puerto Rican community.

Named in honor of Don Pedro Albizu Campos, LCDP has since evolved to become the largest Latinx-led organization in the state of New Jersey, serving 50,000 Newark and Essex County residents annually under three central pillars: Early Childhood (Prenatal, Early Head Start, Head Start, and Pre-K); Healthy Homes (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Weatherization, Lead Remediation/Abatement); and Community Empowerment (Women & Family Center, Immigration, Workforce Readiness, Youth Enrichment, Housing & Home Ownership Support, and Community Organizing). For more information, please visit www.lacasadedonpedro.org and be sure to follow @lacasanwk on all social media platforms.

Who we Seek

La Casa de Don Pedro is seeking a full-time Program Aide to support classroom staff in delivering safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate early childhood education services in accordance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards. The Program Aide will assist with child supervision, classroom preparation, sanitation, mealtime support, and daily routines that contribute to a high-quality learning environment for preschool-aged children. The Program Aide must demonstrate a strong commitment to serving a diverse population of young learners, ensuring that each child is treated equitably and with consistent care, warmth, and respect. This role plays an essential part in maintaining a safe, organized, and engaging classroom environment and contributes to the overall effectiveness of La Casa de Don Pedro's Early Childhood pillar by providing attentive, reliable, and timely support to teaching staff and families.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist with USDA meal service requirements, including food distribution, documentation, and sanitation.
• Assist with attendance, meal count records, sanitation logs, and other required documentation.
• Support sanitation and hygiene practices, including handwashing, cleaning materials, and maintaining a safe environment.
• Support family-style dining practices and model appropriate mealtime behaviors.
• Report safety concerns, incidents, or hazards promptly to supervisory staff.
• Maintain positive, professional communication with families and staff.
• Work cooperatively with teachers, center staff, and program leadership.
• After providing meal service, support the program through classroom activities.
• Maintain active supervision of children at all times in accordance with HSPPS safety requirements.
• Assist with daily routines, transitions, outdoor play, and classroom activities to ensure health and safety.
• Assist with preparing classroom materials, learning centers, and supplies each day.
• Assist teaching staff in implementing developmentally appropriate activities aligned with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework.
• Engage children in warm, positive interactions that promote social-emotional development.
• Help maintain an organized, clean, and welcoming classroom environment.
• Follow all confidentiality, conduct, and reporting requirements outlined in HSPPS and program policies.
• Greet families daily and assist with arrival and departure routines.
• Participate in required trainings, professional development, and staff meetings.
• Demonstrate reliability, professionalism, and respect for children, families, and coworkers.
• Build and maintain a strong working knowledge of all program requirements, including Head Start Program Performance Standards, childcare licensing regulations, and other applicable regulations and best practices.
• Maintain strict adherence to all Head Start Program Performance Standards and Office of Licensing requirements.
• Support the administration of office operations and ensure full compliance with organizational policies, procedures, and program requirements.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support organizational and pillar operations.

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Minimum High School Diploma or GED Required.
• Experience in a Head Start, Early Head Start, or early childhood education program.
• Experience supporting classroom routines, child supervision, or group care environments.
• Coursework or training in early childhood education.
• Bilingual skills (English/Spanish or other languages commonly spoken by program families).
• Experience working with young children in any setting (childcare, school, community program, volunteer experience, etc.).
• Ability to follow directions, accept feedback, and work as part of a collaborative team.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, and move throughout classroom and program sites for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move classroom items up to 40 pounds using safe practices.
• Ability to engage in indoor and outdoor play, including floor play and activities at children's level.
• Ability to complete routine cleaning, sanitation, meal setup, and cleanup tasks.
• Ability to respond quickly and safely to children's needs during routines, play, and emergencies.
• Ability to work in a busy classroom with frequent interruptions and competing demands.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather as required by daily routines and Head Start standards.
• Ability to tolerate noise, active play, and typical early childhood classroom activity levels.
• Ability to use cleaning supplies, disinfectants, and sanitation materials in line with health and safety rules.
• Ability to remain professional while supporting children with diverse needs, behaviors, and developmental levels.