Job DetailsJob LocationRaritan Gardens ECC New Brunswick - New Brunswick, NJPosition TypeFull TimeEducation Level2 Year DegreeTravel PercentageNegligibleJob ShiftDayJob CategoryEducationDescriptionTeacher Assistant/Food WorkerREPORTS TO: Site Director, Early Childhood CenterSUMMARYThe Puerto Rican Action Board (PRAB) is a comprehensive human services organization based in Middlesex County, New Jersey. We are the primary institution that provides diverse bilingual/multicultural services to the entire Central New Jersey community. Each year, we serve approximately 25,000 people in the region. Our mission is to equip diverse individuals and families in Central New Jersey to achieve personal, family, and community development. Through our innovative early childhood, youth, family, and community programs, individuals and families access the tools and resources they need to grow into productive, self-sufficient people.Reporting to the Site Director, the Teacher Assistant/Food Worker has a basic understanding of NJ Preschool Teaching and Learning Expectations and NJ Department of Children and Families, Office of Licensing standards and expectations. S/he has good classroom management skills and understands developmentally appropriate practices for preschoolers. In collaboration with the Teacher, s/he uses NJ State Approved Curriculum and Authentic Assessment System in his/her classroom instruction. In addition, s/he also is responsible for the implementation of the Child and Adult Food Program (CACFP). S/he has a thorough understanding of CACFP guidance and expectations, working in collaboration with the CACFP Coordinator to ensure compliance and requests assistance as needed. S/he is knowledgeable of internal systems used for general program operations, practices, and procedures. S/he works closely with the teacher and site director to ensure program compliance and to meet program and organizational goals and the individual children's needs. S/he and follows his/her guidance and direction in a collaborative manner with respect to the organization as a whole.RESPONSIBILITIESTeaching Assistant ResponsibilitiesSupports the Class Environment
- Creates an environment of trust and respect
- Understands strategies to assist in the inclusion of students in various settings
- Uses strategies to promote student independence
- Effectively employs a variety of strategies that reinforce positive behavior.
- Assists with the health, safety, and welfare of students in the classroom
- Completes daily Meal Count and Attendance Record for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
Delivery of Services / Accommodations (instruction)
- Employs constructive communication strategies and approaches in working with students, staff, and the greater school community
- Uses questioning and discussion
- Engages students in learning
Planning and Preparation
- Demonstrates knowledge of content
- Demonstrates knowledge of students
- Understand instructional goals
- Plans and prepares for coherent instruction with supervision
Food Worker ResponsibilitiesFood Program
- Prepares and serves nutritionally balanced breakfasts, lunches, and afternoon snacks
- Ensures the proper distribution and delivery of all student meals to the classrooms
- Ensures that all families complete CACFP Eligibility Application for each child prior child's start date
- Keeps running log of all applications and children's eligibility status
- Receives and signs off on food delivery
- Ensures that all invoices reflect on delivered items
- Sends all invoices to PRAB Fiscal Department on a weekly basis (every Friday)
- Keeps record of students' allergy information and ensure center's compliance regarding medical information, communication with the site director and teacher, and delivering the food to classroom
- Keeps inventory of food items and other food related supply items for the center
- Completes the monthly Meal Count Report
- Completes the monthly Attendance Count Report
- Cross references attendance records with meal count records for the monthly CACFP report
- Completes and submits CACFP voucher to the PRAB main office by the required deadline
Health and Safety
- Establishes and maintains a safe and healthy environment
- Organizes and manages the center's kitchen
- Opens and closes assigned building (based on site director's assignment)
- Ensures the proper sanitary preparation of food and upkeep of proper storage methods utilized daily in the kitchen
- Ensures the proper upkeep and sanitary conditions of the kitchen facility, utensils, and appliances, including daily/weekly cleaning of all appliances, storage spaces and utensils in addition to the proper use of sanitary food handling techniques
General
- Follow NJ state requirement as per NJ Department of Children and Families, Office of Licensing, Chapter 122 Manual of Requirement for child care centers
- Follow Center policy for the discipline and care of students in accordance with the DCF, Office of Licensing and PRAB manual & procedures
- Ensures compliance with PRAB rules, regulations, and procedures accordance with PRAB Employee Handbook
- Understands and follows the center's Crisis Management Plan and Procedures
- Attends training on food preparation and storage to utilize such techniques on a daily basis
- Attends staff meetings as well as other required meetings
- Performs other duties as assigned by Site Director or Senior Director of Early Childhood Programs
QUALIFICATIONS
- Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or related field or New Jersey Paraprofessional Certificated preferred; high school diploma/GED required
- Two years teaching experience with an early childhood program
- Two years' experience with school meal preparation preferred
- Bilingual English/Spanish recommended
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Fully committed to PRAB's vision, mission, and strategic goals and outcomes
- Basic knowledge of children's physical, emotional and developmental patterns
- Basic knowledge of general learning theories and curriculum development alternatives
- Sensitivity for the individual and group needs of children and a joyful approach
- Experience working with low-income/urban population
- Evidence of emotional maturity and stability
- Evidence of sufficient security and judgment to handle crisis situations
- Ability to seek supervision and use it constructively
- Ability to create an atmosphere of positive and appropriate discipline
- Ability to communicate with parents effectively
- Ability to work collaboratively with a fast paced, highly interactive staff
- Proven ability to work effectively in a team setting
- Proven ability to work well with diverse groups
- Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively under pressure
- Computer literate with knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
- Demonstrated maturity, integrity, and sound judgment
Physical Demands and Working Environment
- Regularly stand, sit, and walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell
- Frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
- School staff will be working in a busy and occasionally noisy environment that is typical to the school environment
Compensation and Hours
- This is a full-time, non-exempt, salaried position
- Salary is based on a pre-established range and is commensurate with experience
- Benefits are generous, including paid employee health and dental insurance (some employee contribution required); voluntary vision and retirement plans are also available
- Paid time off includes sick, and personal days, and holidays
PRAB IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYE