SAGINAW INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT HEAD START
Position Title: Program Support Aide (PSA)
Department: Education
Supervisor: Teacher
Employment Status: Non-Exempt, Non-Management
A. General Summary
The Program Support Aide works as part of a team to assist in activities across all areas of the program—including classroom, kitchen, building operations, and transportation. This position may also serve as an individualization assistant as needed. Assignments may vary across classrooms or centers based on operational needs. Technical support and training may be provided by the Lead Teacher, Associate Teacher, or Education Coordinators.
B. Duties and Responsibilities
Professional Development
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Attend all required trainings and workshops (including online and cluster meetings).
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Stay up to date on Head Start Performance Standards, child care licensing, and best practices in child development.
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Understand universal precautions and occupational safety.
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Maintain relevant certifications (e.g., CPR, First Aid).
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Actively participate in professional growth opportunities.
Preschool Program Implementation
Classroom Aide
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Assist staff with lesson plans, activities, field trips, outdoor play, meals, and transportation.
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Help develop culturally relevant learning materials.
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Eat with children to encourage nutrition and social interaction.
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Maintain a safe and clean classroom environment, using the Daily Health and Safety Checklist.
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Assist the teacher as needed, including serving as a substitute in their absence.
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Participate in child observation, assessment, and documentation.
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Work effectively with diverse developmental needs.
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Support curriculum implementation and child development goals.
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Participate in recruitment activities.
Custodial Aide Services
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Empty trash containers as needed.
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Sanitize surfaces and organize classroom/kitchen materials.
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Serve as substitute custodian when required.
Kitchen Aide
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Complete basic food prep and service tasks.
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Prepare and clean food service items.
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Participate in kitchen inventory and cleaning.
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Complete food service paperwork as assigned.
Bus Aide
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Complete necessary bus paperwork.
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Ride the bus and assist with child safety.
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Help children on and off the bus and ensure proper seating.
C. Knowledge and Abilities
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Basic understanding of child development for children birth to five years.
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Knowledge of Active Supervision strategies: visibility, positioning, awareness, anticipation, and redirection.
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Maintain confidentiality in compliance with FERPA and HIPAA.
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Familiarity with Head Start/Early Head Start programs.
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Knowledge of food handling and sanitation procedures.
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Basic computer literacy (Word, Excel, email); willingness to learn new programs.
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Ability to read/follow procedures and daily communications.
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Initiative and ability to follow directions.
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Ability to work in diverse environments and with children with disabilities.
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Cultural sensitivity and ability to support family wellness and engagement.
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Team-oriented approach to family service integration.
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Understanding of abuse/neglect reporting laws and child care licensing requirements.
D. Physical Demands and Working Conditions
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Work may occur in classrooms, kitchens, or offices.
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Noise level ranges from moderate to loud.
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Some travel (local or out-of-state), evening, or weekend work may be required.
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Bus riding and occasional custodial or food service work may be expected.
Physical Requirements Include:
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Sitting in child-sized chairs or on the floor
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Bending, kneeling, standing, walking, reaching, stair climbing
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Fine/gross motor skills, coordination, and discrimination (visual, auditory, memory)
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Lifting up to 75 pounds
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Reading, writing, and decision-making
This role is classified as OSHA Category A (exposure to communicable diseases or pests). The position is a mandated reporter of child abuse/neglect and must clear DHS background checks.
Personal Qualifications:
Must demonstrate maturity, patience, flexibility, good hygiene, and a strong commitment to working with children and families. Collaborative experience with parents is highly valued.
E. Education and Experience
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Minimum age: 18
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High school diploma or GED required
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Previous experience with preschool-aged children preferred
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Must obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid certification
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Must pass TB test, drug screen, criminal background check, and initial health exam
Preference is given to current or former Head Start employees, students, and parents. CDA credential must be obtained within 2 years of notice (if current employee) or hire date (if new employee).
F. Salary
Pay Rate: $15.21 per hour
SISD – Saginaw County Head Start is a customer-driven, family-friendly program that values professionalism, teamwork, and service to the community.
Notice of Nondiscrimination
Saginaw Intermediate School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, or national origin. Equal access is provided to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.
For inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, contact:
Andrea Wise, Executive Director of Human Resources
Saginaw Intermediate School District
3933 Barnard Road, Saginaw, MI 48603
Phone: (989) 799-4733
Website: http://1.usa.gov/1Jssk6D
OCR Hotline: 1-800-421-3481
