Center Aide

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—you're part of a mission-driven family that values your voice, your expertise, and your well-being.

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 programs 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.

Responsibilities

• Provide support in the classroom, ensuring a safe playground environment, and fostering the health, safety, and school readiness of young learners.
• Contribute to transportation, kitchen operations, family services, and developmental specialties.
• Adhere to all supervision, safety, and health policies and procedures (Compliance Champion).
• Actively supervise and engage with children, ensuring their safety and well-being, and work closely with teachers (Watchful Guardian).
• Foster a supportive environment where children can develop and practice appropriate behaviors individually and in groups (Nurturer of Growth).
• Promote children's physical, social/emotional, cognitive, and language development through culturally and developmentally appropriate curriculum (Development Dynamo).
• Create a classroom environment defined by positive, warm, caring, and respectful interactions with children (Positivity Ambassador).
• Demonstrate awareness of and responsiveness to children's emotional, physical, and educational needs, fostering freedom of expression and autonomy (Child Advocate).
• Collaborate with teachers to engage children in activities and maintain a classroom that offers ongoing learning opportunities (Learning Enabler).
• Recognize bilingualism and biliteracy as strengths and encourage practices that support dual-language learners (Bilingual Promoter).
• Encourage learning through interaction with nature and the natural environment (Nature's Educator).
• Assist in implementing suitable learning activities for children with IFSPs and IEPs (Supporting Inclusivity).
• Set an example by using proper grammar, maintaining an appropriate voice level, and speaking clearly (Linguistic Role Model).
• Support classroom sanitation and cleaning schedules (Hygiene & Cleanliness Advocate).
• Strictly adhere to CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program) rules, ensuring sanitation during mealtimes and following guidelines for family-style meal service (Nutrition & Safety Enforcer).
• Be open to feedback and act based on recommendations from supervisors and advisors, proactively seeking training or assistance when required (Feedback Recipient).
• 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 (Caregiving Support).
• Embrace additional responsibilities that contribute to the center's objectives (Center's Backbone).

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Entry-level position; prior education or experience is not required, but enthusiasm to work with children, including those with special needs and limited English proficiency, is vital.
• Physical demands include extended periods of walking, standing, kneeling, crouching, and the ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds.
• 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.
• 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 advantageous.
• Must present current CPR, First Aid, and Food Handler's permits or acquire them within 30 days of hire.

Benefits

• Great Pay & Benefits – 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 prioritizes wellness, connection, and a strong sense of belonging.
• Recognition & Appreciation – Your dedication doesn’t go unnoticed; we celebrate your contributions regularly.