DEPARTMENT: FAMILY CARE CENTER

POSITION TITLE: PROGRAM ASSISTANT

STATUS: NON-EXEMPT - PART-TIME

MISSION STATEMENT:
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by love for God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in his name without discrimination.

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE:
* Must have a distinctive philosophy of education and early childhood needs, which are in agreement with the overall philosophy and goals of The Salvation Army.
* Must have minimum two years experience working with children of various ages.
* Must be a sensitive and mature individual able to relate well with both children and adults: be able to radiate warmth and joy, have a sense of humor, relaxed and happy attitude.
* Ability to facilitate learning in any age group and maintain a safe environment in the classroom for all children.
* Ability to teach, supervise and have classroom control.

SOFTWARE-RELATED SKILLS:
1. Microsoft word
2. Outlook, helpful

SCOPE OF POSITION:
Plan, supervise and implement the program for the Primary class in accordance with the goals, objectives, policies and philosophy of the Family Care Center.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Treat each child with dignity and respect; being sensitive and responsive to the needs of all the children at all times and be concerned for their safety and well-being.
2. Responsible for the classroom as a learning environment. This includes arrangements, appearances, and neatness. It also includes necessary housekeeping and necessary sanitation duties.
3. Assist main teachers as needed with classroom management, curriculum planning, and supervision of students.
4. Assist children with their distance learning curriculum and provide full-day academic support as needed.
5. Create harmonious atmosphere.
6. Discuss problems and provide a listening ear.
7. Reinforce good behavior and encourage positive attitudes.
8. Prepare after school snack.
9. Pick up children from school.
10. Attend staff meetings once a month.
11. Plan and implement methods of establishing a positive liaison with parents. Be available for informal parent conferences.
12. Keep bulletin board up-to-date using curriculum theme.
13. Take children on field trips.
14. Assist in maintenance of furnishings and equipment.
15. Empty trash cans daily.
16. Teach and supervise children in clean-up activities: teach them to be responsible for keeping their classroom equipment in good order.
17. Schedule a reading time and encourage reading.
18. Provide a variety of experiences (art, music, drama etc.) in which the children are encouraged to explore: set interest centers to meet the needs of the children. Execute planned activities for part of the day including:
* Arts and crafts
* Sports
* Games
* Storytelling
* Music
* Reading
* Christian Education
* Cooking activities
* Outdoor activities
* Hygiene classes
19. Work all public-school holidays except Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day and Easter, and Memorial Day; mornings and afternoons included.
20. Work at least one shift on Sundays twice a month, occasional Saturdays and evenings, when needed, and all "Welcoming Events," "Commissioning and Graduation Events" in June and other special events.
21. Provide additional supervision in the play yard or classroom for the Preschool, Walker and Kindergarten staff during scheduled break time.
22. Function as a substitute when teachers are absent.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. A qualified person with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment in order to meet the physical requirements of the position. The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodation needed is reasonable and no undue hardship would result.

* Ability to sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or continuous basis.
* Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead.
* Ability to operate telephone.
* Ability to operate a desktop or laptop computer.
* Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. (usually file boxes).
* Ability to access and produce information from a computer.
* Ability to understand written information.
* Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

REPORTS TO: FCC Education Coordinator