Center Aide
About The Position
The Center Aide works under the guidance of an Education Specialist and provides versatile support across multiple locations within the center. The role primarily supports classroom activities, helps maintain a safe playground, and promotes the health, safety, and school readiness of children ages 0–5. Depending on center needs, the aide may also assist with transportation, kitchen operations, family services, and developmental specialties. The aide collaborates with teachers to supervise and engage children, support their physical, social/emotional, cognitive, and language development, and maintain a positive, respectful, and inclusive learning environment. The role includes supporting children with IFSPs and IEPs, encouraging bilingualism and learning through nature, and following classroom sanitation and meal-service requirements, including CACFP rules. The position also involves hands-on caregiving, such as lifting children, changing diapers, bottle-feeding infants, and participating in activities while seated on the floor. The aide is expected to respond to feedback, seek training or assistance when needed, and take on additional responsibilities that support the center’s objectives.
Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Entry-level candidates are welcome; prior education or experience is not required.
- Enthusiasm for working with children, including children with special needs and limited English proficiency.
- Ability to walk, stand, kneel, and crouch for extended periods.
- Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds.
- Comfort with sitting on the floor, crawling, running, and performing caregiving tasks for children ages 0–5.
- Current CPR, First Aid, and Food Handler’s permits, or ability to acquire them within 30 days of hire.
Nice To Haves
- Proficiency in both Spanish and English.
- 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 supervision, safety, and health policies and procedures.
- Actively supervise and engage with children, working closely with teachers to support their safety and well-being.
- 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 characterized by positive, warm, caring, and respectful interactions.
- Respond to children’s emotional, physical, and educational needs while fostering freedom of expression and autonomy.
- Collaborate with teachers to engage children in activities and maintain ongoing learning opportunities in the classroom.
- Encourage bilingualism and biliteracy and practices that support dual-language learners.
- Encourage learning through interaction with nature and the natural environment.
- Assist in implementing 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, maintain sanitation during mealtimes, and follow family-style meal-service guidelines.
- Receive and act on feedback from supervisors and advisors, and proactively seek training or assistance when needed.
- Assist with caregiving tasks, including lifting children, changing diapers, bottle-feeding infants, and sitting on the floor during activities or circle time.
- Provide classroom support, help maintain playground safety, and contribute to children’s health, safety, and school readiness.
- Assist with transportation, kitchen operations, family services, and developmental specialties as needed.
- Take on additional responsibilities that contribute to the center’s objectives.
Benefits
- Strong compensation and comprehensive benefits supporting health and financial well-being.
- Continuous training and certifications.
- Career development opportunities.
- Mentorship and coaching from experienced staff.
- A positive, respectful workplace that values balance and healthy boundaries.
- A 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
