Custodian

Salary: $16.87/hr.-$18.88/hr. 35 hour workweek

Position Summary:

The Custodian is responsible for keeping the physical environment clean and safe. Custodians connect their work to the health of a child, so that they can be successful in Kindergarten and in life. They support the center in meeting and exceeding Head Start Program Performance Standards and other relevant regulatory requirements, and maintaining detailed records across relevant areas. The position reports directly to the Program Director, with support from the Children's Aid's Central Facilities.

Essential Duties

Under the direct supervision of the site's Program Director, with support from Central Facilities, the Custodian's responsibilities include the following:

Strategic Operations

• Understand and promote the organization's Mission, Vision, and Core Values to ensure alignment with organizational policies and procedures
• Recruit new families for our program through tabling, advertising in the school community, and hosting recruitment events

General Maintenance

• Clean the classrooms, offices, kitchen area, bathrooms, and other areas
• Assemble equipment and furniture as needed
• Conduct general repairs around the facility as needed
• Complete tasks such as stripping/waxing floors, paint touch ups and/or full paint job wax floors
• Paint touch-ups and/or full paint job (depending on location)

Daily Cleaning Tasks Through Out the Day

• Sweep and mop all hard floors (classrooms, office areas, hallways) using a disinfectant cleaner approved for childcare settings.
• Vacuum carpets and rugs to remove dust, dirt, and debris.
• Empty and sanitize trash bins and replace with clean liners.
• Clean and disinfect all surfaces that are frequently touched by children, staff and families such as doorknobs, light switches and glass doors.
• Clean and sanitize restroom facilities, including toilets, sinks, faucets, and changing tables
• Refill soap dispensers, hand sanitizer stations, and paper towel dispensers
• Spot clean any spills or messes as they occur throughout the day.
• Inspect entry areas and outdoor play areas for safety hazards and cleanliness, and remove any debris or litter.

Weekly Cleaning Tasks

• Dust and wipe down all surfaces, including window sills, baseboards, shelves, and cabinets.
• Deep clean and sanitize (shampoo) classroom rugs
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces in common areas, such as light fixtures, handrails, and office areas.

Monthly or Quarterly Cleaning Tasks

• Clean and sanitize HVAC vents and filters to improve indoor air quality.
• Inspect and clean light fixtures and ceiling fans.
• Clean and disinfect storage areas, closets, cubbies.
• Inspect and sanitize playground equipment, including e.g. swings, slides, and climbing structures.
• Conduct a thorough inspection of the facility for any maintenance issues or repairs needed.

Seasonal Cleaning Tasks

• Clean and sanitize outdoor play equipment, picnic tables, and benches before the start of each season.
• Wash windows and glass doors to remove dirt and grime.
• Inspect and clean gutters and drainage systems to prevent water accumulation and potential damage to the building.
• Prepare for seasonal changes by storing or rotating seasonal materials and supplies.
• Remove snow along the sidewalk adjacent to the property.

Emergency Cleaning Tasks

• Respond promptly to spills, accidents, or other emergencies to ensure the safety and well-being of children and staff.
• Follow established protocols for cleaning up bodily fluids or hazardous materials, using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning products.
• Communicate any safety concerns or incidents to preschool staff and administrators

Record Maintenance, Contract Compliance

• Maintain daily safety checklist
• Maintain an up-to-date inventory of supplies, inspection logs, and material safety data sheets (for chemicals).
• Replenish supplies
• Communicate the need to place maintenance orders (i.e. equipment, supplies, repair tickets) on a timely schedule

Data Analysis

• Collect and analyze data related to cleaning routines, supply usage, and maintenance requests to identify trends and improve efficiency.
• Generate reports on facility maintenance and cleanliness to inform decision-making and ensure compliance with organizational standards.
• Utilize Department of Health and Mental Hygiene inspection reports to identify areas for improvement in custodial practices and implement corrective actions.

Professional Development

• Participate in offered staff meetings, trainings, workshops, In-Service days, and/or All-Staff conferences
• Maintain certification requirements and proof of attendance in professional activities.
• Support the growth of the center including participating in program-wide goal setting and individual and program self-assessment.

Health and Safety

• Adhere to all state and city licensing requirements and CPR/first aid certification.
• Maintain a healthy and safe environment (i.e. safely store cleaning supplies, keep equipment away from children, mark wet floors, etc.)
• Maintain and report compliance requirements (i.e. emergency lights, exit signs, fire extinguishers, ansul, etc.)
• Participate on the site's Emergency Response Team

And other related duties as assigned, at the discretion of the Program Director and /or Children's Aid.

Minimum Qualifications: The Custodian must have qualifications that satisfy Federal Head Start requirements and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Article 47 regulations.

• Must hold valid S95 (Supervision of Fire Alarm Systems) Certificate
• Must hold F07 (Certificate of Fitness for Fire Drill Conductor) Certificate

**New hires have 3 months to obtain all certifications. ** Current Staff without above named certificates must obtain by February 2025

Key Competencies:

• Experience working in an Early Childhood setting
• Effective communication skills, including reading and writing
• Professional approach
• Resourceful & dependable
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred

It is the policy of Children's Aid to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment and is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. Children's Aid will not to tolerate discrimination, harassment or retaliation on any basis, including race, creed, color, national origin, ethnicity, alienage or citizenship status, gender/sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, source of income, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, familial status, caregiver status, military status, marital or partnership status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking, predisposing genetic characteristics, arrest or conviction record, credit history, unemployment status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Children's Aid is committed to complying with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Children's Aid will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation of all allegations of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, or any violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy in a confidential manner and will take appropriate corrective action, if and where warranted. Children's Aid prohibits retaliation against employees who provide information about, complain about, or assist in the investigation of any complaint of discrimination or violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy.

The incumbent is expected to work a schedule, whether in-person or hybrid, as determined by the department's needs to facilitate effective collaboration with the team. This flexibility is essential for maintaining seamless communication, fostering teamwork, and ensuring the smooth operation of the department's processes. The position's requirements are subject to periodic review and adjustment based on organizational needs and changes in work dynamics.