Center Assistant - Ionia 4

Job  Title :  Center Assistant

Classification :  Full -time  3 , non-exempt , hourly

Salary Range :  SA 01-03 ($14.36 - $15.68 - $16.96)

Hours :  30-32 /week

Work Weeks : 41 -44 /year (HS school year)

Department:  Head Start / Early Head Start

Reports To : Teacher

Positions Supervised : None

Mission Statement

EightCAP , Inc., improves our community by collaborating with private, government, and community organizations to deliver programs that alleviate the causes of poverty and its effects, allowing individuals to become self-sufficient.

Role Overview

As a Center Assistant, you will create a safe, positive environment for children and families while supporting access to  high quality  programming .   Additionally, you will shop for groceries and supplies, prepare  meals  and  assist  with cleaning, play with  children  and  assist  in regular daily activities .

Key Responsibilities

- Monitoring:  Follow regulations and requirements of the Office of Head Start, Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).

- Professionalism:   Comply with  program confidentiality policies concerning personally identifiable information about children, families, and other staff members and must always  maintain  professional boundaries with enrolled children and families.

- Model:  Engage in  appropriate behavior  and support children's individual  needs  including modeling healthy eating habits.

- Meal Preparation:  Prepare meals and snacks as outlined on menus,  maintain  cleanliness of meal preparation areas,  storages  areas and classroom and shop weekly as directed by your supervisor.

- Safety Compliance:   Assist  in providing a safe, organized environment.

- Reporting:  Assist  in  maintaining   accurate  records as assigned as well as reporting all suspected child abuse and neglect.

- Emergency Procedures:  Be familiar with emergency procedures to respond effectively in case of an emergency.

- Collaboration:  Communicate positively with children, parents, teaching  team  and peers.

- Professional Development:  Actively  participate  in professional development to ensure compliance with regulations.

- Perform Other Duties as Assigned.

Our CORE Values at Work

- Accountability:  By being on time, staying present throughout work hours, and following through on commitments, the Center Assistant is dependable and takes  responsibilities  seriously.

- Communication:  The Center Assistant  utilizes  open, clear, and respectful communication with children, families, staff, and community partners .

- Compassion:  The Center Assistant is aware of the emotional needs of children and offers support, comfort, and reassurance while  remaining  patient and understanding.

- Empowerment:  The Center Assistant empowers children by encouraging independence, which in turn builds children’s confidence and fosters a sense of achievement.

Qualifications

- High School diploma or GED.

- Experience with early childhood programs and food service preferred.

- Ability to communicate effectively and positively and work collaboratively with staff, families, agency representatives, service providers, and community organizations in a respectful, professional, and non-judgmental manner.

- Understanding of  mandated reporting requirements, including the ability to recognize, document, and report suspected child abuse or neglect  in accordance with  state law and program procedures.

- Must successfully complete all required state and federal background clearances.

Work Environment

This position  operates  primarily within Head Start and Early Head Start classroom settings. This role requires regular interaction with children, families, staff, and community partners in a fast-paced early childhood education environment. The employee may be exposed to noise levels typical of preschool and infant/toddler classrooms and will  participate  in indoor and outdoor activities in varying weather conditions as part of daily program operations.

Travel Requirements

Local travel between program sites, training locations, meetings, and community events may be  required . The employee must  possess  a valid Michigan driver’s license, maintain an acceptable driving record, and have reliable transportation available for work-related travel.

Physical Requirements

Reasonable  accommodations  may be  made  to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.  
The physical requirements of this position include:

- Ability to move throughout classrooms, playgrounds, and program facilities.

- Ability to supervise and actively engage with children in indoor and outdoor environments.

- Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and reach as needed throughout the workday.

- Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 50 pounds occasionally.

- Ability to respond quickly and appropriately in emergency situations.

- Ability to  operate  standard office equipment, including computers, phones, and printers.

- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Benefits

Benefits include health, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, medical flex, and a 401k with a 5% employer match on your one-year anniversary.  Benefits begin on your 31st day of employment.

Staff in this position may be eligible to apply for unemployment benefits during periods of  layoff ,  in accordance with  state unemployment regulations.

Employment At-Will Statement

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Employment with  EightCAP , Inc. is at-will, meaning either the employee or the organization may  terminate  the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice, and with or without cause, consistent with applicable law.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

EightCAP , Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace.