Center Assistant

SUMMARY

Arnold, MO Incorporated in 1965, Jefferson Franklin Community Action Corporation (JFCAC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to assisting low-income individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency through quality programs in Jefferson and Franklin Counties. We are a federal, state, and locally funded Community Action Agency. JFCAC offers a variety of impactful programs for eligible individuals and families, from early childhood education, rental and utility assistance to home upgrades that improve energy efficiency and creates safer living environments. To carry out our mission and expand our impact, we are seeking a dedicated individual to step into an important role within our Head Start Program - Center Assistant.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Center Assistant has the responsibility of providing assistance in daily classroom activities to ensure high-quality early learning experiences for children in the classroom setting, thus preparing them to have a solid foundation for school readiness. Maintain a general knowledge of the Head Start Performance Standards and comply with the standards.

School Readiness

• Integrates the High Scope curricula into daily practice, using effective strategies to guide children's learning.
• Aids in preparing the classroom environment and materials to support developmentally appropriate lesson plans and learning experiences.
• Aids in documenting observations and ongoing assessments for each child, reviewing assessment data, and adjusting teaching practices to support each child's unique learning style.
• Collaborates with the Teacher to ensure appropriate curriculum and lesson plan modifications are in place to meet children's IFSP/IEP goals.

Family Engagement and Community Partnerships

• Provides an atmosphere that promotes and reinforces family and volunteer engagement.
• Supports the role of families as the first and primary teachers of their children.
• Maintains regular communication with families regarding child's development.
• Aids in attending required parent conferences and home visits as needed for the purpose of sharing screening and assessment information and developing shared goals and strategies with the family to support child's growth and development in both the home and class setting.
• Helps plan and participate in family activity events.
• Collaborates with the Family Coach as needed to assist families in completing health follow-ups as needed.
• Provides learning opportunities for dual-language learning in the home and classroom setting as appropriate.

Health and Safety

• Observes and monitors children at all times, following all agency policies and procedures regarding child health and safety.
• Maintains a clean and sanitary learning environment, ensuring all indoor and outdoor equipment and toys are sanitized as required per state licensing standards.
• Checks indoor and outdoor equipment and toys regularly to ensure all items are in good condition and reports items that are in need of repair.
• Aids in the development of the daily zoning chart, and follows the tasks and duties assigned to ensure proper supervision throughout the day.
• Monitors child safety, documents and reports any injuries and incidents, following agency policies and procedures.
• Understands and follows all health and safety policies and procedures for reducing illnesses in the classroom.
• Fulfills policies and procedures to ensure children are released only to individuals with appropriate signed consent.
• Monitors and reports any suspected child abuse and/or neglect.

Documentation

• Utilizes agency tools for ongoing assessment and documentation.
• Ensures all federal, local, state, and/or agency documentation is completed accurately.
• Aids in documenting attendance and meal counts in the agency database.

Professional Development

• Attends and participates in training and professional development activities.
• Attends and participates in meetings.
• Engages in team and/or individualized coaching meetings, self-reflecting on teaching practices and solution-based problem-solving strategies.

Additional Duties

• Supports other staff as needed at designated site (including, but not limited to kitchen, cleaning, clerical duties, or other duties as assigned).
• Reports to non-designated locations as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned based on program need.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma/GED/HiSet
• Education must be verified before hire
• Must be willing to submit to Criminal Background Screenings

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• 1-2 years' experience in a childcare setting
• Experience working with low-income families

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• On-site position - This is not a remote position
• Starting Pay $15.91 per hour (based on education & experience), bi-weekly pay
• Full-Time, 36-hour workweek, Benefits-eligible
• Paid Holidays, Vacation and Sick Time
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance with Agency contribution
• Agency-Paid Life Insurance
• Simplified Employee Pension Plan - Vested at 3 years