Center Aide

Centro de la Familia de Utah; Grand Junction (CO); On-site; USD 27,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Great pay

Comprehensive benefits

Professional growth

Mentorship

Work-life harmony

Wellness & inclusion

Recognition

Job summary

Centro de la Familia in Grand Junction, CO is seeking an entry-level Center Aide to assist teachers, supervise children, and support health, safety, and readiness in a dynamic early childhood environment.

You will contribute to transportation, kitchen operations, family services, and developmental activities while promoting bilingual learning and inclusive practices. This on-site role emphasizes safety, care, and collaborative learning with a supportive team.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Enthusiasm to work with children, including those with special needs and limited English proficiency.
• Be able to lift up to 50 pounds and assist with caregiving tasks.
• Proficiency in Spanish and English is a plus.
• High school diploma or GED preferred; CDA within six months or AA in ECE advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Provide classroom support and supervise children.
• Ensure safety in playground and classroom environments.
• Support health, safety and school readiness of young learners.
• Assist with transportation, kitchen operations, family services, and developmental activities as needed.
• Engage with children to promote growth across physical, social/emotional, cognitive, and language domains.
• Maintain classroom sanitation and follow CACFP guidelines during meals.

Skills

Enthusiasm to work with children

Bilingual (Spanish/English)

Education

High school diploma or GED

CDA credential

AA in Early Childhood Education

Job description

Description

Explore a Multifaceted Role: Center Aide

Join our team and embrace a versatile position working under the guidance of our Education Specialist. You'll find excitement in the diversity of tasks that may lead you to multiple locations within our center. Your primary role includes providing support in the classroom, ensuring a safe playground environment, and fostering the health, safety, and school readiness of our young learners. Additionally, you'll have opportunities to contribute to transportation, kitchen operations, family services, and developmental specialties.

Compliance Champion

Adherence to all supervision, safety, and health policies and procedures is paramount.

Watchful Guardian

Actively supervise and engage with children, ensuring their safety and well-being, and working closely with teachers.

Nurturer of Growth

Foster a supportive environment where children can develop and practice appropriate behaviours individually and in groups.

Development Dynamo

Promote children's physical, social/emotional, cognitive, and language development through culturally and developmentally appropriate curriculum.

Positivity Ambassador

Create a classroom environment defined by positive, warm, caring, and respectful interactions with children.

Child Advocate

Demonstrate awareness of and responsiveness to children's emotional, physical, and educational needs, fostering freedom of expression and autonomy.

Learning Enabler

Collaborate with teachers to engage children in activities and maintain a classroom that offers ongoing learning opportunities.

Bilingual Promoter

Recognise bilingualism and biliteracy as strengths and encourage practices that support dual-language learners.

Nature's Educator

Encourage learning through interaction with nature and the natural environment.

Supporting Inclusivity

Assist in implementing suitable learning activities for children with IFSPs and IEPs.

Linguistic Role Model

Set an example by using proper grammar, maintaining an appropriate voice level, and speaking clearly.

Hygiene & Cleanliness Advocate

Support classroom sanitation and cleaning schedules.

Nutrition & Safety Enforcer

Strictly adhering to CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program) rules, ensuring sanitation during mealtimes and following guidelines for family-style meal service.

Feedback Recipient

Be open to feedback and act based on recommendations from supervisors and advisors, proactively seeking training or assistance when required.

Caregiving Support

Comfortably and safely assist with physical caregiving tasks, including lifting children, changing diapers, feeding infants with bottles, and sitting on the floor during activities or circle time.

Center's Backbone

Embrace additional responsibilities that contribute to the center's objectives.

About Us:

At Centro de la Familia, we are not just educators, we are dream builders. Our warm, vibrant environment is designed to cultivate curious minds, explore boundless possibilities, and create lasting memories. We believe that every child is a unique story waiting to be written, and we take pride in walking alongside families as trusted partners in early learning and development.

Just as we nurture the potential of every child, we are deeply committed to supporting the growth and success of our staff. At Centro, you're more than an employee—your part of a mission-driven family that values your voice, your expertise, and your well-being.

Why You’ll Love Working with Us:

• Great Pay & Benefits – We offer strong compensation and comprehensive benefits to support your health and financial well-being.
• Professional Growth – Access to continuous training, certifications, and clear career development opportunities.
• Supportive Mentorship – Work alongside experienced mentors and coaches who are invested in your success.
• Work-Life Harmony – A positive, respectful workplace that values balance and healthy boundaries.
• Wellness & Inclusion – Thrive in a culture that prioritises wellness, connection, and a strong sense of belonging.
• Recognition & Appreciation – Your dedication doesn’t go unnoticed — we celebrate your contributions regularly.

Who Are We:

We are passionate about our work and the incredible children and families we have the privilege to support. We have been dedicated to Community and Family Engagement since 1975, have been operating Head Start Programs since 1991, and have experience managing programs in challenging, isolated, and underserved areas. Our curricula and programmes are rooted in science, and we are committed to the professional growth of minority communities. Plus, our team includes bilingual and bicultural staff to ensure inclusive and culturally sensitive care.

Requirements

If you're looking to join our nurturing environment, here are the requirements:

• You must be at least 18 years old to embark on this journey.
• This entry-level position welcomes candidates with or without prior education or experience. What's most vital is your enthusiasm to work with children, including those with special needs and limited English proficiency.
• Physical demands entail extended periods of walking, standing, kneeling, crouching, as well as the ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds.
• You should also be comfortable sitting on the floor, crawling, running, and performing tasks associated with caring for children aged 0-5.
• Proficiency in both Spanish and English is a plus.
• While a high school diploma or GED is highly preferred, possessing a CDA (Childhood Development Associate) within the first six months or an AA in Early Childhood Education or a related field is even more advantageous.
• Be prepared to present current CPR, First Aid, and Food Handler's permits or acquire them within 30 days of hire.