Center Aid

Dubois Pike Warrick EOC Inc, d/b/a Tri-Cap•Jasper, IN

About The Position

The Center Aid assists with all center operations, including classroom support, cleaning, meal distribution, and special projects. This is a part-year position with mandatory non-work weeks during the school year, working approximately 40 weeks per year. The role supports teachers in classroom planning and coordination, helps create a developmentally appropriate learning environment, and assists with children’s daily care and supervision. The Center Aid also serves food safely, maintains clean center and classroom areas, provides clerical assistance, encourages parent participation and community volunteerism, and participates in parent meetings and center programs. The position may require filling in for teachers or cooks, including at another site, and completing other duties as requested by center and agency leadership. The position requires adherence to agency policies, state licensing requirements, Head Start policies and philosophy, confidentiality standards, and mandated reporter responsibilities. CPR and First Aid certification must be obtained and/or maintained. The employee must be willing to travel and attend required staff trainings. Work takes place indoors and outdoors and may be stressful at times. Some late evenings are required.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Must be at least 18 years old, in accordance with Indiana State Licensing Regulation 470 IAC 3-4.7-24.
After six months of employment, enroll in a Child Development Associate (CDA) program to be completed within two years of the six-month hire date, or enroll in a program leading to an associate or bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education.
Positive mental attitude.
Good physical and emotional health.
Ability to work with families and children.
Strong communication skills.
Knowledge of how young children develop and learn.
Ability to advocate for active learning.
Maintain positive working relationships with parents, children, and other staff.
Willingness to travel.
Some late evenings are required.
Ability to perform a full range of body motion; duties may involve handling and lifting young children.
Ability to sit, stand, or walk for prolonged periods.
Ability to occasionally lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds.
Normal visual acuity and normal hearing.

Responsibilities

Carry out the agency’s mission and vision and follow agency policies, procedures, and Code of Ethics.
Assist with food distribution and serving in a safe and sanitary manner.
Clean the center and classroom as needed.
Provide clerical assistance to teachers.
Assist teachers with classroom planning and coordination.
Help establish a learning environment that encourages independence and self-esteem for parents and children.
Ensure classroom activities are developmentally appropriate and follow Head Start philosophy, policies, and procedures.
Encourage parents to participate in curriculum planning and program development.
Plan with parents and team members to meet children’s daily personal hygiene needs, including feeding, diapering, toileting, teeth brushing, hand washing, and resting.
Involve children in preparing nutritious snacks and cleaning the eating area.
Maintain constant supervision of children.
Abide by state licensing requirements.
Obtain and/or maintain CPR and First Aid certification.
Participate in parent meetings and center programs during the program year.
Use technology to improve efficiency in job responsibilities.
Maintain confidentiality of staff and family information.
Encourage parent and community volunteerism and participate in activities that generate in-kind contributions.
Demonstrate familiarity with agency employment policies, performance standards, work plans, and objectives.
Fulfill mandated reporter responsibilities under the Child Abuse & Neglect Policy.
Fill in for teachers or cooks as needed, possibly at another site.
Attend and participate in staff trainings and other required training.
Complete other duties as requested by the Site Supervisor, Education & Disabilities Manager, Head Start Director, Executive Director, or other Head Start Leadership Team members.