Floater - Great Opportunity!

Porter-Leath is a renowned nonprofit organization dedicated to nurturing children and families through comprehensive early childhood programs and supportive services. Established with a mission to provide high-quality care and education, Porter-Leath serves the community with a commitment to promoting the well-being and development of children from birth to three and a half years. The organization is known for its Early Head Start program, which focuses on providing family-centered support and home-style meals to ensure children receive nutritious and balanced diets in a safe and caring environment. With a strong foundation in evidence-based practices and compliance with national and state regulations, Porter-Leath fosters an inclusive atmosphere that embraces diversity and encourages collaboration among staff and families. The Floater position under the direction of the Site Manager plays a vital role within the Early Head Start program. This role entails preparing and serving home-style meals for young children while assisting with various kitchen operations to maintain efficiency and hygiene. The Floater also supports classroom activities by relieving teachers during breaks and serving as a substitute when necessary. This multifaceted position requires an individual with a passion for early childhood education and a thorough understanding of health and safety standards related to food preparation and child care. The Floater will ensure that meals comply with USDA dietary requirements and that all food supplies are properly managed and stored according to health department regulations. Maintaining the cleanliness of kitchen and dining areas is crucial to uphold sanitization protocols. Furthermore, the Floater is expected to build trusting relationships with children, including those with special needs, acting as a primary caregiver when assigned. This role also involves record-keeping responsibilities such as tracking meal counts and attendance while collaborating with other staff members to create a nurturing, enriching, and safe environment. The position demands excellent organizational skills, strong communication abilities, and the capability to handle sensitive information confidentially and objectively. While there are no supervisory duties, the Floater contributes significantly to the team’s overall success by assisting peers and mentoring families within the program. This full-time employment opportunity is suitable for candidates with at least a high school diploma and experience in early childhood education or related fields. Preferred qualifications include a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential with an Infant Toddler Endorsement, an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, and CPR and First Aid certifications. Experience specifically within Early Head Start programs is considered highly advantageous. The organization emphasizes compliance with standards such as those set forth by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the Council on Accreditation (CWLA), the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), USDA, and Tennessee Day Care Licensing. Overall, the Floater position at Porter-Leath offers a rewarding career path for individuals committed to making a positive impact in the lives of young children and their families by delivering quality care, nutritious meals, and supportive classroom presence in a collaborative community-focused setting.

• High school diploma or G.E.D. required
• two years of relevant work experience with infants and/or toddlers
• knowledge of health department standards regarding food preparation and cleanliness
• ability to provide care to children from birth to 3 1/2 years
• ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• ability to maintain confidentiality
• ability to work under pressure and handle multiple tasks
• ability to work as a team player
• ability to lift and move up to 25 pounds
• maintain valid driver’s license with good driving record and insurance
• work in a non-smoking area