Under the direction of the Site Manager, the Floater will prep and serve home-style meals for children in the Early Head Start program; will assist with kitchen operations as needed; will maintain cleanliness of the kitchen area; will relieve teachers during break periods, and serve as a classroom substitute as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• High school diploma or G.E.D. required
• CDA (Infant Toddler Endorsement) is preferred
• An Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education is preferred.
• Previous Early Head Start experience is preferred.
• Two (2) years of relevant work experience with infants and/or toddlers (0-3). CPR & First Aid certification is preferred.
• Knowledge of Health Department standards regarding food preparation, food storage, and cleanliness.
• Ability to provide a continuum of care to pregnant women and children ages birth to 3½ years.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to perceive and deal with sensitive issues while maintaining confidentiality/ objectivity.
• Demonstrated organizational skills.
• Ability to work a heavy workload, under pressure of conflicting deadlines and competing needs.
• Ability to work as a team player and interact/assist all employees as necessary.

Supervisory Responsibilities

There are no supervisory requirements for this position.

Essential Job Functions

1. Perform according to the standards set forth by Head Start, the NAEYC, CWLA, CACFP, USDA, Tennessee Day Care Licensing and Porter-Leath while performing duties within the kitchen and classroom.
2. Prep and serve meals in quantities according to menu and number of persons to be served and make appropriate substitutions when necessary in accordance with USDA recommended daily dietary allowances.
3. Assume responsibilities as the primary caregiver for one group of children that includes children with special needs when assigned.
4. Maintain and regularly update inventory of all food, food supplies and equipment.
5. Assist with reporting kitchen information to various supervising bodies; assist in maintaining appropriate records of attendance, meal counts, etc. necessary to produce reports.
6. Comply with all Health department and Porter-Leath requirements regarding food preparation, food storage and cleanliness.
7. Maintain cleanliness of kitchen area to include washing dishes, cleaning counters and equipment, sweeping and mopping, etc.
8. Perform duties as a role model to clients and staff; act as a mentor to families of children in group.
9. Keep Site Manager informed of programmatic issues in a timely and concise manner.
10. Works cooperatively with other staff to create a positive, enriching, and safe environment for children, families and staff.
11. Contribute to team effort by performing other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit and talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and color vision. Work in a non-smoking area.

Special Conditions

Maintain a valid driver’s license with a good driving record with appropriate level of insurance.