Center Support Aide

About the role

The Head Start Center Aide supports the daily operations of the center by ensuring a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for children, families, and staff. This role contributes to the overall effectiveness of center services related to health and safety, nutrition, family engagement, and program operations, while maintaining full compliance with Federal Head Start Performance Standards, as well as all applicable local, state, and agency policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Provide custodial duties to maintain a clean, sanitary, and organized center environment, including common areas, restrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces
• Follow established health and safety procedures, including sanitation, infection control, and emergency preparedness protocols
• Conduct routine safety checks and report hazards, maintenance needs, or concerns promptly
• Maintain compliance with licensing, environmental health, and Head Start standards
• Aid in the preparation, delivery, and cleanup of meals and snacks in accordance with CACFP guidelines and agency procedures
• Ensure proper food handling, storage, and sanitation practices are followed at all times
• Support accurate meal counts and documentation as required
• Create a positive and safe mealtime environment (without assuming classroom supervision roles)
• Greet families and visitors in a professional and welcoming manner
• Assist with family events, meetings, and center activities as needed
• Support communication efforts by helping distribute materials, resources, and information to families
• Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate respect for diverse family backgrounds and cultures
• May be required to cover teacher-child ratios as needed
• Assist with general center operations such as organizing materials, inventory, and supply management
• Support staff with non-instructional tasks to ensure smooth daily operations
• Help maintain records and documentation in accordance with program requirements
• Provide coverage for front desk or common areas as needed
• Assist with arrival and departure procedures to ensure children are safely transitioned to and from the center
• Support monitoring of hallways, entrances, and common areas to maintain safety and security
• May assist on buses or during transitions as assigned, in accordance with agency policy

Qualifications

• Education: High School Graduate or General Education Degree (GED), EDU 119 preferred, Child Development Associate (CDA) or pursuing, pursuing or achieved AA or BA Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred
• Experience: One to two years related experience in an early childhood educational setting. An equivalent combination of experience, training and education may be accepted

General Requirements

• Certificates & Licenses: Food Handler's License, Current (negative) TB test, Pre-employment physical, First Aid Certification (within 60 days of hire), CPR Certification (within 60 days of hire), Valid driver's license or reliable transportation. Annual state vehicle inspection, and proof of vehicle liability insurance coverage if POV
• Other Requirements: Must be able to work and communicate with a wide variety of people, particularly pre-school-aged children. The employee must be able to pass a criminal background record check and post-offer employment and random substance abuse tests. The employee must be able to complete a criminal background check and maintain an active Criminal Background Check (CBC) Qualification letter through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development. A good driving record with no moving violations is required with Valid Driver's License. The ability to speak Spanish is preferred

Conditions of Employment

• Background check with state and Federal law enforcement agencies required
• Selected applicants must submit to a pre-employment substance abuse screening test and receive a negative result for the use of drugs and alcohol as specified in agency policies
• Must submit and receive negative results for random testing of same
• The employee must have a valid North Carolina Driver's License
• Must be able to pass a post-offer physical examination

Benefits Package

• Competitive pay with periodic Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA)
• Zero-cost Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability (Employee only)
• Retail retirement plan with 100% employer matching
• Paid scheduled Vacation/Sick/Personal leave
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Winter break (2 weeks w/leave)
• Spring Break (for Head Start)
• Summer Break (for Head Start)
• Paid professional development training
• Education assistance after one year employed
• Auto mileage reimbursement for official travel
• Employee discounts
• Bragg Mutual Credit Union Membership
• Employee Recognition Events