Center Aide Substitute
About The Position
The Center Aide Substitute works under the guidance of the Education Specialist and may perform varied duties across multiple locations within the center. The role supports classroom activities, maintains a safe playground, and promotes the health, safety, and school readiness of young children. Duties may also include assisting with transportation, kitchen operations, family services, and developmental specialties. The aide supervises and engages children, supports their physical, social/emotional, cognitive, and language development, and fosters a warm, respectful, inclusive learning environment. The role includes assisting with activities for children with IFSPs and IEPs, supporting dual-language learners, encouraging learning through nature, and working with teachers to maintain ongoing learning opportunities. The aide also supports classroom cleanliness and sanitation, follows CACFP rules during meals, receives feedback and seeks training as needed, and safely assists with caregiving tasks for children ages 0–5.
Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Entry-level role; candidates may have no prior education or experience.
- Must be enthusiastic about working with children, including children with special needs and limited English proficiency.
- Able to walk, stand, kneel, crouch, sit on the floor, crawl, and run for extended periods or as needed.
- Able to lift and move up to 50 pounds.
- Comfortable performing tasks associated with caring for children ages 0–5.
- Present current CPR, First Aid, and Food Handler's permits or obtain them within 30 days of hire.
Nice To Haves
- Proficiency in both Spanish and English.
- High school diploma or GED.
- CDA (Childhood Development Associate) within the first six months or an AA in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
Responsibilities
- Follow all supervision, safety, and health policies and procedures.
- Actively supervise and engage with children to ensure their safety and well-being, working closely with teachers.
- Foster a supportive environment where children can develop and practice appropriate behaviors individually and in groups.
- Promote children's physical, social/emotional, cognitive, and language development through culturally and developmentally appropriate curriculum.
- Create a classroom environment with positive, warm, caring, and respectful interactions.
- Respond to children's emotional, physical, and educational needs while supporting freedom of expression and autonomy.
- Collaborate with teachers to engage children in activities and maintain ongoing learning opportunities.
- Recognize bilingualism and biliteracy as strengths and encourage practices that support dual-language learners.
- Encourage learning through interaction with nature and the natural environment.
- Assist with suitable learning activities for children with IFSPs and IEPs.
- Model proper grammar, an appropriate voice level, and clear speech.
- Support classroom sanitation and cleaning schedules.
- Follow CACFP rules, ensure sanitation during mealtimes, and follow family-style meal service guidelines.
- Receive and act on feedback from supervisors and advisors, and seek training or assistance when needed.
- Safely assist with caregiving tasks, including lifting children, changing diapers, bottle-feeding infants, and sitting on the floor during activities or circle time.
- Contribute to additional responsibilities that support the center's objectives.
- Provide classroom and playground support and, as needed, contribute to transportation, kitchen operations, family services, and developmental specialties.
Benefits
- Strong compensation and comprehensive benefits supporting health and financial well-being.
- Continuous training and certifications, with career development opportunities.
- Mentors and coaches invested in employee success.
- Positive, respectful workplace that values work-life balance and healthy boundaries.
- A culture prioritizing wellness, connection, and belonging.
- Regular recognition and appreciation of employee contributions.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
