Center Support Assistant

ECS4KIDS•Chiefland, FL

3d•$17 - $18•Onsite

About The Position

The Center Support Assistant provides a warm, nurturing, stimulating, safe, and loving environment in which children can develop language, cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills. The role supports classroom activities and children’s development, works collaboratively with families and staff, and helps maintain program standards, safety, hygiene, and records. Depending on the assignment, duties may also include kitchen and janitorial work.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Knowledge of child growth and development and developmentally appropriate practices for children ages birth to 5.
Ability to provide a supportive and caring environment for children and maintain appropriate classroom discipline.
Ability and willingness to implement the approved curriculum.
Good judgment and emotional maturity.
Ability to build collaborative relationships with diverse staff and families.
Proper grammar and communication skills; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Knowledge of applicable safety and abuse-reporting procedures.
Ability to maintain confidential information, organize work, and maintain records.
Willingness to learn and continue personal education.
Complete TB screening and physical before having direct contact with children, and renew every two years.
Commence the DCF-required 45-hour training within 90 days and complete it within one year of employment.
Complete the online Serving Safe Food in Childcare Food Handlers Course within 90 days of employment.
Have current First Aid and Pediatric CPR training.
Complete at least 25 hours of in-service training annually, July 1 through June 30.
Pass a Level II background screening, including local, state, and federal criminal checks.

Nice To Haves

DCF 45-hour training and a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential are highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist in the classroom as needed and familiarize yourself with the day’s planned activities.
Implement culturally sensitive, developmentally appropriate educational activities for children individually or in small groups.
Create a positive, nurturing environment, use positive guidance techniques, and follow the ECS Discipline Policy.
Build nurturing relationships with children to support their social and emotional development.
Maintain applicable federal, state, local, and accreditation standards, including standards set by NAEYC, APPLE, ECS, DCF, and Early Head Start.
Follow procedures for medical and dental emergencies, short-term exclusion of children, and the administration, handling, and storage of medications.
Follow safe practices to prevent injuries to children and staff; maintain sanitation and hygiene procedures and help maintain the center.
Communicate effectively with families, encourage parental involvement, and support family relationships with the program.
Participate in family-style meals and encourage healthy eating habits and conversation.
Follow infants’ individual feeding schedules and hold infants who cannot sit independently while feeding, when applicable to Early Head Start.
Communicate with staff, attend meetings and trainings, and share information to better serve children and families.
Maintain appropriate records, including children’s portfolios when regular staff are absent.
When assigned kitchen duties, assemble and deliver meals and snacks on time; maintain temperature tracking; coordinate food and supply stock; wash dishes; submit vendor delivery slips; clean and sanitize kitchen areas; and dispose of trash and boxes.
When assigned janitorial duties, clean floors, empty trash, maintain bathrooms and public areas, monitor building security and safety, keep hallways clear, report repair needs and hazards, manage supplies, maintain equipment, and properly label, dilute, and use chemicals.
Perform other related duties as required.