Center Assistant - Jackson County

Southern Oregon Head Start•Central Point, OR

22h•$18•Onsite

About The Position

The Center Assistant develops strong, nurturing relationships with children and assists classroom teams in providing a developmentally appropriate learning environment and meaningful experiences in preparation for kindergarten. The position helps ensure that services are available to all children each school day and is responsible for meeting Head Start performance standards and following agency policies and procedures. The role provides classroom and center support, assists with children’s education and care, prepares and serves meals, supports transportation and maintenance activities, and communicates with staff and families. Bilingual Center Assistants also assist with bilingual communication and interpreting as directed.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
CPR/First Aid Certification and Food Handler Certification; certifications may be obtained at Head Start after hire.
At least six months of experience working with children from birth to age 8.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, and basic computer knowledge.
Ability to perform general clerical tasks.
Ability to understand and apply developmentally appropriate activities and support children’s social-emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
Ability to understand and follow recipes and food-preparation directions.
Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English to understand and follow procedures, ensure safety, and complete required documentation.
For the bilingual role, ability to support teacher/family relationships by providing interpreting assistance for children, families, and the public as required.
Ability to stay organized, flexible, and resolution-oriented; multitask, make sound judgments, model appropriate behavior, maintain full attention to children, work as a team member, and work independently.
Sufficient math skills to measure, convert measurements, and multiply ingredient amounts.
Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds for 25 feet and push and/or pull up to 40 pounds for 20 yards.
Sufficient mobility, strength, range of motion, stamina, vision, hearing, manual dexterity, and eye-hand coordination to perform the duties safely and effectively, including standing, walking, balancing, stooping, bending, crouching, crawling, sitting on the floor, reaching, squatting, kneeling, twisting, and using steps.
Ability to react quickly to children’s physical actions and to sit for extended periods as required.
Complete pre-employment health screening as required by the agency and position.
Enroll in the Central Background Registry.
Provide proof of current personal automobile insurance in accordance with agency policy.

Nice To Haves

Child Development Accreditation (CDA) or Oregon Registry enrollment at Step 8 or above.
Preschool-age-specific experience.

Responsibilities

Work with classroom teams to ensure assigned services are available to enrolled children; provide backup for classroom staff, cooks, and cook assistants, and other center support as assigned.
Work with children individually and in small or large groups as assigned by the classroom teacher, supporting their safety, guidance, education, and development.
Follow agency curriculum guidelines and assist teachers with curriculum, classroom activities, routine classroom tasks, and classroom coverage when the teacher is absent.
Follow Child Guidance procedures and inform teachers about unusual child behavior, symptoms, or relevant information from parents.
Prepare and serve nutritious meals and snacks suited to children ages 0–5 and their individual needs and interests.
Meet sanitation and safety requirements; clean kitchen surfaces, equipment, and dishes; and follow handwashing, first aid, and other health and safety routines.
Maintain kitchen documentation when providing backup, including daily meal counts, menu changes and recipes used, meal food temperatures, and daily refrigerator/freezer temperatures.
Communicate and debrief with center and classroom staff; attend assigned staff meetings, education trainings, and other relevant meetings and trainings.
Assist with bilingual communication needs as directed, including interpreting assistance for children, families, and the public as required.
Serve as a bus monitor on assigned runs and field trips, ensure children use appropriate safety restraints while the bus is moving, and relay accurate messages to parents.
Perform daily cleaning and general upkeep and repair of equipment and materials, inside and outside the center.
Provide childcare for Policy Council meetings and/or center parent meetings as assigned.
Interact positively and nurturingly with children, parents, and coworkers; respond quickly and safely to situations involving children.
Maintain a safe and pleasant work environment, follow safety requirements, and contribute to workplace safety.
Perform other related duties within the scope of the position as assigned.