Center Aide

Catholic Charities Eastern Washington•Spokane, WA

About The Position

The Center Aide plays a key role in supporting the overall operations of the center by assisting with daily classroom activities, helping maintain a safe and welcoming environment, and providing support to the Lead Teacher and other staff members. This position offers the opportunity to gain experience in early childhood education while contributing to the growth and development of young children. is responsible for providing classroom support and assisting the Lead and Assistant teachers with all classroom activities and duties.

Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be at least sixteen years old, have a High School Diploma or a General Education Degree, or be currently enrolled in high school or equivalent education program.
Ability to successfully pass a Department of Children Youth Families (DCYF) background check and register in MERIT system.
Completion of 30 hours STARS basic training required within six months of hire date if education and/or experience does not substitute.
Food Handler’s Certification, BBP training, First Aid, and CPR, Proof of MMR Vaccination are required upon hire.
Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with children, families, and team members.
Ability to take direction, follow through on tasks, and work as part of a team.
Patient, caring, and enthusiastic attitude.
Basic organizational skills and ability to multitask in a busy environment.
Ability to maintain a positive and nurturing environment for children.
Must complete a tuberculosis test
Must be 16 years of age

Nice To Haves

Child Development Associate Credential (CDA), Associate of Arts (AA) or Applied Associate of Arts (AAS) in early childhood education, child development or related field preferred.
Some knowledge and experience of child development and child development centers preferred.
Previous experience working with children, preferably in a daycare or early childhood education setting, is preferred.
Knowledge of child development and basic classroom management skills are a plus.

Responsibilities

Help prepare and organize classroom materials and activities.
Assist with setting up and cleaning up after activities, ensuring the classroom remains organized and tidy.
Support the Lead Teacher with daily routines such as nap time, meals, and transitions.
Provide general supervision of children during indoor and outdoor play, ensuring a safe and stimulating environment.
Assist in engaging children in age-appropriate activities, such as arts and crafts, games, or storytelling.
Encourage children to interact positively with peers, promoting social and emotional development.
Monitor children’s behavior and provide gentle guidance and redirection as needed.
Ensure the children’s safety at all times, following all health and safety protocols.
Assist with diapering, toileting, and handwashing routines as necessary.
Help maintain clean and sanitary conditions within the classroom, including toys, furniture, and materials.
Assist the Lead Teacher in implementing daily lesson plans and classroom activities.
Support other staff members with classroom management, including helping with behavior and providing additional attention to children when needed.
Communicate any concerns about the children or classroom environment to the Lead Teacher.
Greet children and families at drop-off and pick-up, offering a friendly and supportive presence.
Assist with parent communication by sharing relevant information about children’s behavior or daily experiences when appropriate.
Assist with other center-related tasks as needed, including preparing snacks, organizing materials, or helping with event coordination.
Participate in staff meetings and training sessions to learn and implement best practices in early childhood education.
Perform as a team member to ensure that productivity outcome measures are achieved.
Attend all mandatory staff meetings and designated in-service training.
Uses appropriate administrative, fiscal, physical, and technical safeguards to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and security of CCEW client protected health information (PHI), per regulations outlined in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).
Will regularly utilize all forms of communication (email, text, phone, etc.) and database practices necessary for this position and as directed by supervisor.
As a mandated reporter, follows all procedures outlined in agency policies and procedures to report to the proper agency when there is suspicion and/or confirmation that a child or adult has been a victim of abuse or neglect.
Adhere to the tenets of Catholic Social Teaching and Catholic Doctrine.
Performs related functions necessary to support the mission and core values of Catholic Charities.