Program Aide

**Job Description: Program Aide - Floater**

**Job Title**:Program Aide (Floater)

**Directly Reports to**:Site Supervisor & School-Aged Programs Manager/Coordinator

**Purpose of Position**:
Under the direction of the Site Supervisor the Program Aide is responsible for monitoring and helping with activities and games for children in the Before and After School Program. The Program Aide provides leadership to the children as a positive role model. You will assist in planning, organizing, and leading daily activities.

This position is not designated one location, it is scheduled at different locations to fill hours within the program and help with special activities. The Program Aide - Floater is reliable for traveling to and from multiple Before and After School Sites per pay period and is responsible for tracking their own mileage for reimbursement.

Currently Operating Several Locations North-West Regina, as well as Central & South Locations.

**Qualifications, Knowledge, and Abilities**:

- **Must be **at least 16 years of age.
- **Must possess **a valid driver’s license and their own reliable vehicle.
- **Must provide **a valid Vulnerable Sector’s Criminal Record Check from the Regina Police Services.
- Have an advanced understanding of written and verbal English Language.
- Possess the ability to follow English written and oral directions.
- Previous experience working with elementary school children is an _asset._
- Able to stand, bend, and kneel for extended periods of time.
- Be a self-starter and perform the job with little supervision.
- Must possess good communication skills.
- Be reliable and punctual.
- Must be presentable and follow a dress code. Uniform: Park Play Shirt (Provided), Pants, Indoor Shoes, and Name Tag (Provided).

**Primary Duties**:

- Create and maintain a safe, clean, loving, and welcoming environment for the children.
- Provide children with the appropriate leadership during the program.
- Supervise and engage children in all activities: arts & crafts, games, outdoor play, etc.
- Provide a warm and caring atmosphere for all children.
- Welcome parents and children as they walk in the building each morning and afternoon.
- Address and resolve conflicts between the children before they escalate.
- Listen to children’s issues and concerns to resolve/guide them according to our policy.
- Report any incidents and/or concerns to the supervisor.
- Document and Maintain Written Recounts of all incidents and injuries you witness.
- Arrive on time for your work to put away your belongings and take your place on the floor just before the designated start time.
- Maintain proper protocols for call-outs and sick days.
- Follow and maintain daily schedules assigned for the individual sites:

- Cleaning logs,
- Activity Rotation logs,
- Timesheets,
- Sign in sheets,
- Etc.
- Attend Staff Meetings as Required.
- Maintain a positive attitude towards co-workers, Park Play, and the schools.
- Report any problems which arise with children, or other employees, or the school to the Site Supervisor.
- Prepare the daily breakfast and snacks for the children.
- Keep the room neat and orderly.
- Maintain other duties as assigned.
- Make recommendations to the Site Supervisor for improvement of equipment, supplied, facilities, and program needs.
- Perform Setup duties as assigned.

**Outline of Basic Routine**:
Drop Off/Sign-in/Sign-out:

- A Park Play Staff Member is to meet the children and their parents at the doors of the facility.
- Assist parents with the drop off and pick up procedure - signing children in and out.
- All children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
- We may require photo ID to verify the adult picking up the child.
- Communicate with parents regarding their child’s day, and upcoming information.
- When speaking with Parents:

- If a parent comes to you with a concern, ask yourself:

- How cold I support this family/child.
- Proper communication is key to collaborative relationships with parents:

- Gives attention to parents, makes eye contact.
- Listen to parents all the way through without interruptions.
- Avoid criticizing, demoralizing, judging, or blame.
- Problems are no one’s fault, work together to form a solution by using Incident/Injury Reports.
- **Say to parents, “I noticed ________ is happening at the center, have you experienced this at home?”**
- What Not to Do:

- Avoid giving parents advice.
- Avoid judging parents, as soon as parents are feeling judged, they will become defensive, and you will lose them, and the conversation might escalate.
- Avoid mind reading, ask to clarify with parents with they see/feel.
- **Never discuss negative behaviors around any children or parents - please do so in a private way.**

School Time/Home Time:

- Children must be cleaned up before they begin getting their outdoor attire on (their responsibility) to go to school/go home with their parents.
- Parents need to be informed of children’s behavi