Center Aide Substitute
About The Position
The Center Aide Substitute works under the guidance of the Education Specialist and may perform a range of duties in different locations throughout the center. The role primarily supports classroom activities, maintains a safe playground environment, and promotes the health, safety, and school readiness of young children. The aide may also contribute to transportation, kitchen operations, family services, and developmental specialties. The position involves supervising and engaging with children; supporting their physical, social-emotional, cognitive, and language development; and helping create a warm, respectful, inclusive classroom with ongoing learning opportunities. The aide supports children with IFSPs and IEPs, encourages bilingualism and learning through nature, and assists with classroom sanitation and safe, family-style meal service in accordance with CACFP guidelines. Physical caregiving duties include lifting children, changing diapers, feeding infants, and sitting on the floor during activities. The aide is expected to follow health, safety, and supervision policies, respond to feedback, and take on other responsibilities that support the center.
Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Entry-level role; candidates may apply with or without prior education or experience.
- Have enthusiasm for working with children, including children with special needs and limited English proficiency.
- Be able to walk, stand, kneel, and crouch for extended periods.
- Be able to lift and move up to 50 pounds.
- Be comfortable sitting on the floor, crawling, running, and performing tasks associated with caring for children aged 0–5.
- Present current CPR, First Aid, and Food Handler's permits or acquire them within 30 days of hire.
Nice To Haves
- Proficiency in both Spanish and English.
- A high school diploma or GED is highly preferred.
- A CDA (Childhood Development Associate) within the first six months or an AA in Early Childhood Education or a related field is advantageous.
Responsibilities
- Follow all supervision, safety, and health policies and procedures.
- Actively supervise and engage with children to support 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 positive, warm, caring, and respectful interactions with children.
- Respond to children's emotional, physical, and educational needs while encouraging expression and autonomy.
- Collaborate with teachers to engage children in activities and maintain ongoing classroom learning opportunities.
- Encourage bilingualism and biliteracy and support dual-language learners.
- Encourage children's learning through interaction with nature and the natural environment.
- Assist in implementing suitable learning activities for children with IFSPs and IEPs.
- Model proper grammar, appropriate voice level, and clear speech.
- Support classroom sanitation and cleaning schedules.
- Follow CACFP rules, maintain 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.
- Assist with physical caregiving tasks, including lifting children, changing diapers, feeding infants with bottles, and sitting on the floor during activities or circle time.
- Support classroom activities and maintain a safe playground environment.
- Contribute as needed to transportation, kitchen operations, family services, developmental specialties, and other center responsibilities.
Benefits
- Strong compensation and comprehensive benefits to support health and financial well-being.
- Continuous training, certifications, and career development opportunities.
- Mentorship and coaching from experienced colleagues.
- A positive, respectful workplace that values balance and healthy boundaries.
- A workplace culture prioritizing wellness, connection, and belonging.
- Regular recognition and appreciation of contributions.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
