Center Aide - Head Start

Center Aide
- Head Start, full-time page is loaded

Center Aide
- Head Start, full-time Apply locations South Portland, ME time type Full time posted on Posted 30+ Days Ago job requisition Head Start Classrooms are hiring!
Center Aides

The Opportunity Alliance is seeking a
Center Aide
in Portland. Join the Head Start team and make a difference in the lives of children and families in your community.

Head Start promotes the school readiness of young children from low-income families through high quality, culturally appropriate earlycareand education experiences. Classrooms implement a responsive curriculum with a strong focus on social-emotional well-being with a low teacher to child ratio to support growth and learning in all domains. Head Start centers families in their children’s education and care through meaningful engagement.

All staff are supported to identify and work towards their professional goals through a combination of ongoing supervision, coaching and training.

The
Center Aide
works collaboratively with the teaching team toprovidea safe, nurturing, and stimulating learning environment for children ages 3-5 years. Classroom responsibilities include developing andmaintainingrespectfulandtrusting relationships with children,facilitating children’s involvementinlearning activities,supporting children during important transitionsandroutines,and learning about and practicing effective behavior management techniques.

The
Center Aide
is also responsible for the preparation and service of nutritious meals as well as the operations of the Center’s kitchen.

Meal preparation includes chopping vegetables and fruits, portioning food, and following recipesto ensure balanced nutrition according to applicable program standards. The
Center Aide supports teaching staff in educating children about the foods that they are eating and the importance ofhealthy nutrition.

Schedule :
Full-time options; 32 hours per week, and 40 hours per week. These are seasonal positions (44 weeks per year)

Location :
Portland, ME (40 hours per week), or South Portland, ME (32 hours)

Qualifications:

• A high school diploma or equivalent or be attending high school or be enrolled in a GED preparation program or be enrolled in a CDA credential program (any one of these must be completed within 2 years of hire) required.
• After completion of high school diploma/GED program, must enroll in a CDA program that will be completed within two years or equivalent coursework focused on child development required.
• 1 year of center-based teaching, early intervention, home visiting or community-based work related to early childhood education, preferred.
• 1 year of food preparation & service experience, preferred.
• Knowledge of the important role that culture plays in child & family development.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with teams.
• Commitment to social justice and the mission of Head Start.
• Must be able to able to successfully pass a criminal background, child protective service check & sex offender check and must not be on the state or federal suspension and disbarment list.
• Must be able to pass pre-employment physical and TB screen and must be current on MMR and TDAP immunizations.
• Must be able to exert significant physical effort with frequent standing, walking, reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, typing and frequently lift and carry small children or material weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Driving or accessing other means of transportation may be necessary to attend meetings and trainings.

Benefits :
Our benefits include but are not limited to:

(offered to full-time and part-time employees)

• Generous paid time off accrual
• 9paid holidays per calendar year and up to 3 floating holidays per calendar year
• Excellent medical benefits at very…