Community Bridges envisions a thriving community where every person has the opportunity to unleash their full potential. Our family of ten programs delivers essential services, provides equitable access to resources, and advocates for health and dignity across every stage of life.
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
Under supervision of the Program Manager, the Program Aide prepares and provides activities for families with children of various ages. The Program Aide also performs other related duties as needed.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Childcare Support:
- Provides guidance to small groups of children in the areas of self-concept, sensory awareness, problem solving, concept formation and muscle development.
- As directed, prepares and plans activities appropriate to the developmental needs and expressed interest of children.
- Assists with supervision of small groups of children whose parents are participating in a discussion or education group.
- Communicates information about children in care to the child’s parent or guardian; initiates communication at arrival and exit to establish important information pertinent to the child’s care.
- Maintains an environment that fosters healthy emotional, social, cognitive and physical growth.
- Supervises snacks and meals.
- Cleans and maintains childcare equipment, such as toys, art materials, kitchen areas, storage areas, and rooms.
- Provides for the health and safety of the children.
- Assists with general clean up and for the opening/closing of the sites.
Professional Conduct:
- Maintains professional competence through participation in in-service and early childhood education.
- Communicates effectively and respectfully with parents, volunteers and other staff at the Center, including persons from different racial, cultural and ethnic groups and from different backgrounds and lifestyles.
- Abides by child abuse reporting laws.
- Attends program and agency meetings and training's as required.
- Maintains confidentiality as it relates to clients, personnel, the agency and all records.
Job descriptions are intended to be illustrative only; they are not designed to be restrictive or to define each and every assigned duty and responsibility. In an organization of this nature, each employee is expected to perform such duties as necessary to fulfill the stated goals of the agency.
We screen all applicants, require background checks on final candidates consistent with funding regulation requirements and are a Drug-Free Work Place.
UNION:
The program aide position is represented by the SEIU bargaining unit.
OTHER JOB DETAILS:
- This is a FLSA non-exempt position.
- This position is eligible for a $.20/hr differential for on-call employees and plus a $.40/hr bilingual differential after passing a test administered by the HR department.
- On-site attendance during scheduled work hours is required of this position
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:
Knowledge of:
- Methods and techniques of early childhood education;
- Child development and family life education; and
- Child health and first aid.
Ability to:
- Supervise children up to the age of 18;
- Direct classroom activities; and
- Work cooperatively with other staff, volunteers, parents and representatives of community organizations and agencies.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Must have a combination of education and experience that provides the skills, knowledge and abilities listed. A typical way to obtain these qualifications would be to have obtained units in Early Childhood Education and/or have work or personal experience that demonstrates an interest in and ability to work with children.
- Bi-lingual English/Spanish preferred.
- Must be willing to work at various times and days, including some nights and weekends.
- Must possess physical stamina to stand for long periods of time and sufficient strength to lift up to 50 lbs.
- Must pass a criminal background check and maintain a clean record.
Skills Required
- Combination of education and/or experience in Early Childhood Education or related experience
- Units in Early Childhood Education or equivalent coursework
- Knowledge of methods and techniques of early childhood education, child development, child health and first aid
- Ability to supervise children up to age 18 and direct classroom activities
- Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with parents, volunteers and staff from diverse backgrounds
- Willingness to work various times and days, including some nights and weekends
- Physical stamina to stand for long periods and ability to lift up to 50 lbs
- Must pass a criminal background check and maintain a clean record
- Abide by child abuse reporting laws and maintain confidentiality
- On-site attendance during scheduled work hours is required
- Bi-lingual English/Spanish
What We Do
Community Bridges is a nonprofit human-services organization serving Santa Cruz County, California. Through a family of ten programs, it provides essential support and equitable access to resources for children, families, and older adults. Its services include family resources, childcare, meals, transportation, nutrition education, senior care, and referrals, while it also advocates for health, dignity, and stronger community conditions across every stage of life.
