Center Support Assistant - 26/27 SY

General Description

Under the direction of the Center Manager, the Center Support plays a vital role in supporting the daily operations of the early childhood center. This position helps create a warm, safe, and nurturing environment where children can thrive socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively. The role includes classroom support, kitchen and janitorial duties (as applicable), and collaboration with staff and families to ensure a high-quality learning environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in classrooms as needed, following the day’s planned activities.
• Support the implementation of developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive learning experiences.
• Foster a positive, nurturing environment using positive guidance techniques.
• Build supportive relationships with children to encourage social and emotional growth.
• Maintain compliance with all federal, state, local, and accreditation standards.
• Follow health and safety procedures, including medication handling and emergency protocols.
• Maintain hygiene and sanitation standards and assist with center upkeep.
• Communicate effectively with families and encourage parent involvement.
• Participate in family-style meals.

Qualifications

• A High School Diploma or GED is required.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Demonstrate competency to provide effective and nurturing teacher-child interactions, plan and implement learning experiences that ensure effective curriculum implementation and use of assessment and promote children’s progress across the standards described in the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five and applicable state early learning and development standards, including for children with disabilities and dual language learners, as appropriate.
• Ability to provide a supportive and caring environment for children.
• Ability to exercise control and maintain appropriate classroom discipline.
• Ability and willingness to implement the approved curriculum.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and emotional maturity.
• Ability to build and establish collaborative relationships.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse staff and families.
• Knowledge of applicable safety and abuse-reporting procedures.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to plan and organize work as well as maintain records.
• A willingness to learn and continue personal education.

Certifications

• Complete TB screening & physical before having direct contact with children. Renew every 2 years.
• Current First Aid and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training.
• At least 10 hours of state-approved training completed within the first 90 days of employment.
• 25 hours of annual training (January–December) in topics related to child development, health and safety, curriculum, and program operations.
• Training must be Georgia state-approved and documented in the staff member’s personnel file.

Environmental Conditions

• Indoor classroom and outdoor playground settings.
• Tolerance for noise and high activity levels.

Essential Physical Skills

• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds as needed to assist children or move classroom materials.
• Frequent bending, kneeling, squatting, and sitting on the floor to engage with children at their level.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the day, both indoors and outdoors.
• Capacity to respond quickly and physically in emergency situations.
• Regular visual and auditory monitoring of children to ensure safety and engagement.
• Tolerance for high noise levels and a fast-paced, physically active environment.