Center Support Specialist

EMBE; Madison (SD); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

EmBe in Madison, SD is seeking a part-time Center Support Specialist to assist classrooms, front desk, kitchen, and facilities, ensuring a safe, welcoming, and organized environment for children, families, staff, and visitors.

The role emphasizes hospitality, responsive customer service, teamwork, and reliable multitasking as you support meal service, sign-in procedures, daily operations, and events while maintaining program guidelines.

Qualifications

• High customer service with hospitality orientation.
• Willingness to work with children and families and align with EmBe values.
• Previous customer service experience preferred; friendly and energetic.
• Strong oral and written communication and teamwork.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and Outlook.

Responsibilities

• Provide support across the center to meet daily operations.
• Assist classrooms to maintain staff-to-child ratios.
• Support teachers with supervision, transitions, activities.
• Greet and assist families, visitors, and staff at the front desk.
• Answer calls in a friendly, professional manner.
• Monitor visitor sign-in procedures.
• Assist with meal service and kitchen cleanliness.
• Maintain a clean, organized facility and light custodial duties.
• Identify and report maintenance or safety concerns promptly.
• Collaborate with staff across departments to ensure smooth operations.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Skills

Customer service

Hospitality

Teamwork

Multitasking

MS Office

Communication

Childcare experience

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Madison, SD 57042

Position Title: Center Support Specialist

Status: Part Time, Hourly

Department: Madison Childcare

Reports To: Madison Childcare Manager

Date: 10/16/2026

Summary

The Center Support Specialist plays a vital role in the daily operations of the center by providing support across multiple functional areas, including classrooms, front desk operations, kitchen services, and facility maintenance. This position helps ensure a safe, welcoming, clean, and well-organized environment for children, families, staff, and visitors. The Center Support Specialist serves as a flexible team member who adapts to the center's changing needs, assists in maintaining required classroom ratios, supports meal service and kitchen operations, provides exceptional customer service at the front desk, and contributes to the overall cleanliness and efficiency of the facility. A positive attitude, strong teamwork skills, and a commitment to the EmBe mission are essential for success in this role.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Provide support throughout the center based on daily operational needs.
• Assist classrooms as needed to maintain required staff-to-child ratios.
• Support teachers and program staff with supervision, transitions, activities, and other classroom needs.
• Maintain a positive, professional, and welcoming environment for children, families, visitors, and staff.
• Demonstrate knowledge of center programs and services and direct questions to appropriate staff members.
• Greet and assist families, visitors, and staff entering and exiting the building.
• Answer and route incoming telephone calls in a friendly and professional manner.
• Monitor visitor access and ensure proper sign-in procedures are followed.
• Receive and distribute mail, packages, and deliveries.
• Assist with general administrative and customer service duties as needed.
• Assist with meal and snack preparation according to program guidelines.
• Help serve meals and snacks to classrooms.
• Wash dishes, sanitize food preparation areas, and maintain kitchen cleanliness.
• Follow all health, safety, and sanitation requirements.
• Monitor and stock kitchen supplies and notify supervisors of inventory needs.
• Assist with maintaining a clean, organized, and safe facility.
• Perform light custodial duties including cleaning classrooms, common areas, restrooms, and entryways.
• Launder towels, linens, and other program materials as needed.
• Help with room setups, event preparation, and facility organization.
• Identify and report maintenance or safety concerns promptly.
• Support special events, center activities, and program needs.
• Assist with supply organization and inventory management.
• Work collaboratively with staff across departments to ensure smooth daily operations.
• Complete other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Unequivocally high customer service with an emphasis on hospitality.
• Must have a willingness and desire to work with children and adults of all ages and backgrounds and have a commitment to the values of the EmBe mission statement.
• Previous customer service experience preferred. Person must be assertive, friendly and demonstrate energetic personality.
• Model excellent oral and written communications, teamwork skills, and the EmBe mission through cross-departmental work.
• Ability to work proficiently with Microsoft Office including Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and Outlook
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously. Thorough follow through and proactive communication to key stakeholders.
• A background check is a condition of employment.