Head Start Center Assistant

Allegan County Resource Development Committee Inc; Plainwell (MI); On-site; USD 19,000 - 21,000; Part time

Job summary

Community Action Allegan is seeking a Head Start Center Assistant to support bus transportation and classroom activities. The role involves helping children board and alight, ensuring proper seatbelts, and promoting early literacy through songs, stories, and guided interactions.

You'll assist with meal service, maintain sanitation, support teachers, and uphold confidentiality for children and families while complying with local, state, and federal regulations.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; CDA credential preferred.
• Must pass pre-employment TB test.
• CPR and Basic First Aid certifications required or preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Experience working with young children is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Rides the bus to/from Centers and assists children getting on/off.
• Ensures children are secured in appropriate safety restraints.
• Engages children with songs, stories, and conversations.
• Supports literacy and language development on the bus.
• Assists with monthly emergency bus evacuation drills.
• Prepares and serves breakfast, lunch, and snacks; cleans up after meals.
• Ensures sanitation procedures during food prep and cleanup.
• Assists teacher with classroom activities as requested.
• Respects family diversity and maintains confidentiality.
• Attends scheduled staff meetings and complies with regulations.
• Completes required documentation and performs other duties as assigned.

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Child Development Associate Credential

CPR/First Aid Certification

TB Test Clearance

Job description

Position Description

Position Title: Head Start Center Assistant

Reports To: Education Supervisor / Director of Operations

Classification: Part Time / Part Year / Non-Exempt

Status: Hourly

Range: $14.00 - $15.00 per hour

Required Education and Experience:

Previous experience working with young children desired. High School Diploma or GED required; Child Development Associates Credential, awarded by the Council of Professional Development preferred. Must pass pre-employment TB test. Be certified in Child and Adult CPR and Basic First Aid. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Summary/Objective:

The Head Start Bus/Classroom Assistant completes the listed tasks. All tasks are considered essential except those identified as non-essential.

Essential Functions:

• Rides the bus to/from Centers. Assists children getting on and off bus when necessary.
• Ensures children are secured in appropriate child safety restraints while on the bus.
• Engages the children in songs, finger-plays, stories, conversations, etc.
• While on the bus to encourage the development of literacy and language skills.
• Assists bus driver in conducting an emergency bus evacuation drill monthly.
• Assists bus driver in conducting pre- and post-trip inspection of the passenger compartment. Prepares and serves breakfast, lunch, and snacks daily, cleaning up as needed after meal service.
• Ensures sanitation procedures are always followed when preparing and serving food and during clean-up.
• Assists teacher with classroom activities as requested.
• Respects and promotes the unique identity of each child and family, and refrains from stereotyping based on gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, or disability.
• Always maintains confidentiality regarding job-related information about children, families, and staff members.
• Attends all scheduled staff meetings for position held.
• Ensures compliance with all Local, State, and Federal regulations.
• Completes documentation as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and/or Early Education Services Director.