Center Aid

Tri-Cap; Jasper (IN); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Tri-Cap seeks a Center Assistant to support Head Start operations in Jasper, Indiana. The role focuses on classroom aid, meal distribution, cleanliness, and clerical support to teachers while promoting a safe and nurturing learning environment.

Responsibilities include assisting with curriculum planning, hygiene routines, and parental involvement. Occasional shifts at other sites may be required; some evenings may be needed.

Qualifications

• Requires High School Diploma or GED.
• Indiana licensing: 18+ years old.
• Enrollment in CDA within 6 months, or pursue degree in ECE within 2 years.
• Must maintain positive health and safety standards.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physical tasks.

Responsibilities

• Assist with classroom activities and learning centers.
• Help with meals distribution and sanitation.
• Provide clerical support to teachers and coordinate classroom planning.
• Supervise children to ensure safety and proper hygiene.
• Participate in staff trainings and comply with Head Start policies.
• Assist with parent meetings and program activities as needed.
• Occasionally substitute for other staff at different sites.

Skills

Teamwork

Strong communication

Child development knowledge

Positive attitude

Health and safety awareness

Adaptability

Interpersonal skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

CDA program enrollment within 6 months

Degree in Early Childhood Education (AS/BA) preferred

Job description

Description

1. Responsible for providing assistance with all center operations, including classroom assistance, cleaning, meal distribution and special projects.
2. This is a part-year position with various mandatory non-work weeks throughout the school year working approximately 40 weeks per year.
3. Embrace, advocate and carry out the mission and vision of the agency.
4. Abide by all agency policies, procedures and Community Action Code of Ethics.
5. Assist with the distribution and serving of food in a safe and sanitary manner.
6. Perform cleaning within the center and classroom, as needed.
7. Provides clerical assistance to the teachers. Assist the Teachers in the planning and coordinating the classroom.
8. Establish an environment which will stimulate a desire for learning, independence and self-esteem for parents and children.
   • Ensure that classroom activities are developmentally appropriate and carried out according to Head Start program philosophy, policies and procedures.
   • Encourage parents to participate in curriculum planning and program development.
   • Plan with parents and team members to ensure that daily personal hygiene of the children is met (i.e., feeding, diapering, toileting, teeth brushing, hand washing, and resting.)
   • Ensure that the planning and involvement of children occur in the preparation of nutritious snacks and clean-up of eating area occurs.
   • Provide for the constant supervision for all children.
9. Abide by State Licensing requirements
10. Obtain and/or maintain certification in CPR and First Aid
11. Participate in parent meetings and center programs during program year.
12. Utilize technology to enhance and increase efficiency within job responsibilities.
13. Maintain confidentiality in regards to staff and family information.
14. Encourage parent and community volunteerism and participate in other activities to generate in-kind.
15. Demonstrate familiarity with employment policies, performance standards, work plans and objectives of Agency.
16. Fulfill role as mandated reporter as stated in Child Abuse & Neglect Policy.
17. This position requires occasionally filling in for other teachers or cooks, possibly at another site.
18. Other duties as requested by Site Supervisor, Education & Disabilities Manager, Head Start Director, and the Executive Director and/or other members of the Head Start Leadership Team.

Requirements

• Must have a minimum of High School Diploma or GED.
• In accordance with Indiana State Licensing Regulation 470 IAC 3-4.7-24 must be 18 years of age.
• After 6 months of employment, must enroll in a Child Development Associate (CDA) program to be completed within 2 years of 6 month hire date, OR a program leading to an Associate or Baccalaureate Degree in Early Childhood Education.
• Positive mental attitude
• Good physical and emotional health
• Ability to work with families and children
• Strong communication skills
• Knowledge of how young children develop and learn
• Be an advocate for active learning
• Attend and participate in staff trainings and attend other training as required
• Work is performed both indoors and outdoors.
• Work may be stressful at times.
• Must maintain a positive working relationship with parents, children, and other staff.
• Some late evenings required.
• Must be willing to travel.
• Requires full range of body motion.
• May involve handling and lifting young children of participating families.
• May require sitting, standing, or walking for prolonged periods of time.
• Occasionally lifts and carries items up to 50 pounds.
• Requires normal visual acuity and normal hearing.