Center Aide

Lower Columbia College•Longview, WA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Lower Columbia College is hiring multiple Center Aides for its Head Start program, supporting children ages 0–5 in a safe, joyful, and inclusive environment. Center Aides work alongside lead teachers and assistants to supervise children, support daily learning activities, and build cooperative, culturally responsive relationships with families. This is a non-permanent classified position categorized as Early Childhood Program Specialist 1. It requires in-person work for nine months of the year, for up to 19 hours per week, with several shifts available between 7:15 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. The position reports to the Head Start Operations Manager and pays at step A, with scheduled salary increases. Travel between area Head Start centers may be needed to provide coverage.

Requirements

Must be at least 16 years old.
Must have a high school diploma or equivalent, or be working toward high school completion.
Demonstrated interest or background in early childhood development, including cognitive, language, social-emotional, and physical growth in infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children.
Completed Child Care Basics training, or ability to complete it within 30 days of hire; training is provided at no cost.
Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Previous experience and/or willingness to serve low-income and/or underrepresented populations.
Excellent communication and time-management skills.
Must complete the required pre-employment checks and clearances, including Washington State Patrol and sex offender registry checks, a portable MERIT background check with fingerprinting, and Policy Council approval.
Must have a TB test completed within the last year and a Food Worker Card before the first day of employment.
Must provide a physical exam and Certificate of Immunization Status or acceptable equivalent, including MMR vaccination or proof of measles immunity.
Must reside in Washington or Oregon, or be willing to relocate to one of those states.
If hired, must provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. citizenship or appropriate legal authorization to work for the duration of the position.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma.
Driver's license.
Early Childhood Initial Certification (three college courses).
Previous experience in a licensed childcare or early learning environment.

Responsibilities

Support lead teachers and/or assistants in implementing lesson-plan activities with children.
Maintain direct supervision of children at all times and regularly count children in classrooms, on playgrounds, on buses, and during transitions.
Use positive guidance techniques consistent with the Discipline Policy and Procedure.
Maintain a clean and safe environment.
Assist teachers in identifying each child's strengths, areas for growth, and progress.
Help create a pleasant, inviting atmosphere where children feel comfortable and secure, including reinforcing children's ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Assist as a bus monitor when needed.
Build friendly, cooperative relationships with parents and encourage their participation in the classroom.
Ensure parents complete sign-in and sign-out forms appropriately for their children.
Ensure USDA guidelines are followed.
Protect confidential information about enrolled children and families, personnel matters, and program operations.
Report suspected child abuse in accordance with Washington State law and program procedures.
Demonstrate reliability, enthusiasm, initiative, resourcefulness, self-confidence, self-control, flexibility, honesty, and other acceptable professional behavior.
Travel between Head Start centers in the area to provide coverage as needed.
Perform related duties as required.