Preschool Program Aide (326)

Lutheran Services Florida, Inc.; Fort Walton Beach (FL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision

Telehealth access

EAP (Employee Assistance Program)

Life insurance

Paid holidays

PTO

Retirement plan (403b)

Job summary

Lutheran Services Florida, Inc. is seeking a Preschool Program Aide to support classroom activities, meals, and transportation in HS/EHS settings. This entry-level role requires teamwork, communication, and completion of required trainings within 12 months.

You will assist with instructional activities, adapt materials to cultural backgrounds, supervise meals, and help maintain a clean, organized learning environment while safeguarding confidentiality and following IEP/IFSP guidelines.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Entry-level position with preference for Head Start familiarity.
• Bilingual preferred: English/Spanish or other local languages.
• Complete Florida Child Care Facility Training 45 hours within 12 months of hire.
• First Aid and CPR certification within 90 days of hire.
• Background screening, health, TB and drug screening prior to hiring.

Responsibilities

• Assist classroom staff with activities, field trips and outdoor activities per lesson plans.
• Help develop materials and activities reflecting the children's cultural backgrounds.
• Supervise during mealtimes and promote healthy nutrition and social skills.
• Maintain a clean and orderly classroom and materials.
• Support teacher during family nights and with materials and communications.
• Act as a temporary substitute when needed and assist with special needs support plans.

Skills

Written and verbal communication

Following directions

Reading & comprehension

Positive family/child interaction

Basic math skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant.

LSF is seeking a talented Preschool Program Aide who wants to make an impact in the lives of others.

Purpose and Impact:

The Preschool Program Aide works as part of a team to assist in activities in the areas of the classroom, kitchen and on bus as needed. May also assist with special needs children. May be assigned to various locations as deemed necessary for program operations. Participates in the HS/EHS Quality Assurance efforts

Essential Functions:

• Assists classroom staff in all classroom activities, field trips and outdoor activities included in lesson plans.
• Assists in developing materials and providing activities related to the cultural background of the children and families served.
• Helps supervise at mealtime, eating with the children to encourage good nutrition and social skills.
• Helps keep the classroom and its contents clean and orderly.
• Assists the teacher in any aspect of the program as needed (i.e. at family nights, copying newsletters, making phone calls, preparing classroom materials, etc.)
• Serves as a temporary substitute in the periodic absence of the teacher assistant or teacher.
• May work with assigned children with disabilities, supporting the work of the classroom staff, managers, specialists and/or mental health consultant in carrying out the individual plans for children with special needs.
• With direction from professional staff, follows IEP/IFSP.
• Sanitizes surfaces, picks up and stores materials in the classroom or kitchen to maintain a safe environment.
• May assist with janitorial services in the absence of the regular custodian or janitor.
• May assist in the preparation of food, logging meals/snacks following USDA/CACFP required documentation for food purchased, prepared and served.
• Participates in food service cleanup, inventory and other food service tasks as requested.
• Maintains strict confidentiality with respect to HS/EHS children, families and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Attends all required staff and parent meetings and activities.
• Attends all workshops and training as directed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Other Functions:

Note: The duties above are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Depending on the assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform some or all of the activities described above.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to lift at least 45 pounds and provide physical assistance in the transportation of special needs children by lifting the child into seat and fastening safety belt. Reasonable accommodation may be made for otherwise qualified persons with disabilities.

Education:

High school diploma or G.E.D.

Experience:

This is an entry-level position. Current and former Head Start/Early Head Start parents will receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are qualified. Bilingual preferred: English/Spanish or English and other languages present in the local area.

Also required:

Successful completion of the 45 hours of Florida Child Care Facility Training within 12 months** of the date of hire. Certification in First Aid and CPRwithin 90 days from the dateof hireand successful completion of a Level II background screening, local criminal record check, health, TB and drug screening prior to hiring.

** Timeline of completion of the 45 hours is dependent on the candidate's date of entering childcare industry; must enroll within 90 days to take coursework and complete within 12 months to not exceed 15 months.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate both written and verbally.
• Ability to follow directions.
• Ability to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence and memos.
• Ability to communicate with families and children in a positive and helpful manner.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide.

Other:

Must demonstrate sensitivity to our service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Team player with co-workers and Head Start staff.
• Adherence to LSF, HS/EHS policies and practices.

Why work for LSF?

LSF offers 60 programs across the state of Florida serving a wide range of populations in need. Mission Driven staff members become part of the LSF community while transforming the lives of those in need. Our staff additionally find growth opportunities as they explore areas of interest within the organization.

Amazing benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Telehealth (24/7 online access to Doctors)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employer paid life insurance (1X salary)
• 13 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday
• Generous PTO policy (starting at 16 working days a year)
• Note: Head Start employees paid time off and holiday schedule may differ
• 403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match OR 3% student loan repayment reimbursement

LSF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Lutheran Services Florida is mandated to perform background screenings for employment in accordance with the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse as outlined in Section 435.12, Florida Statutes. Additionally, pursuant to House Bill 531 (2025), Lutheran Services Florida must ensure that all job vacancy postings and advertisements include a clear and conspicuous link to the AHCA Clearinghouse website and its requirements. For more information on background screening requirements please visit: https://info.flclearinghouse.com

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.