EHS Cook/Classroom Aide- Full-time - Hamilton Center, Inc. - Terre Haute, IN

Department: Early Head Start

Supervised By: Early Head Start Program Manager

FLSA Status: Non-exempt/Regular/Full-time & Part-time

Effective Date: July 2014

Position Summary

Ensure compliance with the performance standards in the preparation, storage and clean up of meals provided by Early Head Start. Interact with children and families in a respectful manner in the classroom.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Assemble food, dishes, utensils and supplies needed for timely meal preparation.


• Prepare high-quality nutritional food, in quantities according to CACFP menus.


• Assist with menu planning and food inventories.


• Adhere to sanitation and safety procedures assuring that food temperatures are hot or cold enough and that kitchen areas are clean and sanitary.


• Complete routine maintenance of kitchen and equipment, including weekly deep cleaning.


• Assist teachers with classroom preparation as assigned.


• Provide developmental stimulation to children in the major developmental areas of gross and fine motor, language, cognitive and social skills.


• Maintain confidentiality regarding all consumers.


• Participate in meetings as assigned.


• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications/Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent required. Child Development Associate (CDA) or related experience preferred.


• Working knowledge of food handling, sanitation and safety procedures


• Basic knowledge of the growth and development of young children.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Completion of CPR/First Aid Certification.


• Re-certification of CPR/First Aid as required.


• Valid Driver’s License in accordance with motor vehicle policy.

Physical Demands

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Health and physical ability to stoop, lift, visually and audibly observe and interact with infants and toddlers.

Ability to manage job stresses, including performance expectations and unexpected situations.

Work Environment

Work is done in a licensed day care center setting where activity level may be high and space somewhat limited. Requires constant alertness to children’s movement and quick action to intervene when necessary. Exposure to communicable diseases, bodily fluids and head lice is possible. Requires high level of stamina.

Conditions of Employment

• Completion of a pre-employment drug screening and completion of post-employment drug or alcohol tests upon reasonable suspicion of use.


• Completion of tuberculin screening no later than three days prior to first day of employment and annually thereafter


• Completion of Center-wide orientation and ALL required paperwork prior to reporting for work


• Demonstrated computer literacy through successful completion of pre-employment testing may be required.


• Completion of HCI Commitment to Quality training, Trauma Informed Care, and Relias Learning.


• Attendance at all mandatory staff development and training


• Successful completion of a six month on the job orientation period


• Participation in payroll electronic deposit


• Adherence to Compliance Program Plan


• Satisfactory completion of an Indiana FSSA Bureau of Child Care National Criminal fingerprinting background check, Indiana State Criminal History Check, Sex and Violent Offender Registry check, Child Protection Services History check and Local law enforcement agency/county sheriff check at the time of hire and every four years (or at contract renewal if more than one year has passed since last fingerprinting) for any employee that has direct contact on a regular and continuing basis with children enrolled in EHS services.


• Satisfactory reference and driving background investigation checks.

Job descriptions are not intended, and should not be construed, to be exhaustive lists of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with a job. They are meant to be accurate reflections of the principal job elements essential for making fair pay decisions about jobs.