Center Support Assistant

Ecs4Kids•Chiefland, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Center Support Assistant provides a warm, nurturing, stimulating, safe, and loving environment where children can develop language, cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills appropriately. The role assists in the classroom and may also include kitchen and janitorial duties, depending on the center’s needs. The position involves working with children from birth to age five, supporting families, maintaining safety and hygiene, and following applicable program standards and policies.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Knowledge of child growth and development and developmentally appropriate practices for children from birth to age five.
Ability to provide a supportive and caring environment 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, including the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Knowledge of applicable safety and abuse-reporting procedures.
Ability to maintain confidential information, plan and organize work, and maintain records.
Willingness to learn and continue personal education.
Complete TB screening and physical before having direct contact with children, with renewal every two years.
Complete DCF-required 45-hour training within 90 days of commencement and within one year of employment.
Complete the online Serving Safe Food in Childcare Food Handlers Course within 90 days of employment.
Maintain current First Aid and Pediatric CPR training.
Complete at least 25 hours of in-service training annually from 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.
Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.

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.
Provide a positive, nurturing environment, use positive guidance techniques, and follow the ECS Discipline Policy.
Develop nurturing relationships with children to encourage social and emotional development.
Follow applicable federal, state, local, and accreditation standards, including those set by NAEYC, APPLE, ECS, DCF, and Early Head Start.
Follow procedures for medical and dental emergencies, short-term exclusion of children, and medication administration, handling, and storage.
Follow safe practices to prevent injuries to children and staff.
Maintain sanitation and hygiene procedures and participate in maintaining the center.
Communicate effectively with families, encourage parental involvement, and build relationships that help parents feel comfortable discussing their children.
Participate in family-style meals, encourage healthy eating habits and conversation, and follow individual infant feeding schedules when applicable.
Communicate regularly with staff, attend meetings and trainings, share information, and maintain records such as children’s portfolios when regular staff are absent.
When assigned kitchen duties, assemble and deliver meals and snacks on time, maintain temperature records and food supplies, wash dishes to Health Department standards, submit vendor delivery slips, and clean and sanitize kitchen surfaces and equipment.
When assigned janitorial duties, clean floors, bathrooms, and public areas; empty trash; monitor building security and safety; keep hallways clear; report repair needs and hazards; maintain supply inventory and equipment; and properly label, dilute, and use chemicals.