
Job Information
CENTRO DE LA FAMILIA CENTER AIDE in BILLINGS, Montana
Join our team as a Center Aide and embrace a versatile position working under the guidance of our Education Specialist. You'll find excitement in the diversity of tasks that may lead you to multiple locations within our center. Your primary role includes providing support in the classroom, ensuring a safe playground environment, and fostering the health, safety, and school readiness of our young learners. Additionally, you'll have opportunities to contribute to transportation, kitchen operations, family services, and developmental specialties. Your mission is to excel in the following key areas: - Adhere to all supervision, safety, and health policies and procedures is paramount. - Actively supervise and engage with children, ensuring their safety and well-being, and working closely with teachers. - Foster a supportive environment where children can develop and practice appropriate behaviors individually and in groups. - Promote children's physical, social/emotional, cognitive, and language development through culturally and developmentally appropriate curriculum. - Create a classroom environment defined by positive, warm, caring, and respectful interactions with children. - Demonstrate awareness of and responsiveness to children's emotional, physical, and educational needs, fostering freedom of expression and autonomy. - Collaborate with teachers to engage children in activities and maintain a classroom that offers ongoing learning opportunities. - Recognize bilingualism and biliteracy as strengths and encourage practices that support dual-language learners. - Encourage learning through interaction with nature and the natural environment. - Assist in implementing suitable learning activities for children with IFSPs and IEPs. - Set an example by using proper grammar, maintaining an appropriate voice level, and speaking clearly. - Support classroom sanitation and cleaning schedules. - Strictly adhere to CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program) rules, ensuring sanitation during mealtimes and following guidelines for family-style meal service. - Be open to feedback and act based on recommendations from supervisors and advisors, proactively seeking training or assistance when required. - Embrace additional responsibilities that contribute to the center's objectives. Qualifications: - Must meet minimum age requirements. - This entry-level position welcomes candidates with or without prior education or experience. What's most vital is your enthusiasm to work with children, including those with special needs and limited English proficiency. - Physical demands entail extended periods of walking, standing, kneeling, crouching, as well as the ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds. - You should also be 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. - While a high school diploma or equivalent 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 even more advantageous. - Be prepared to present current CPR, First Aid, and Food Handler's permits or acquire them within 30 days of hire. Why You'll Love It Here: 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. Join Us in Nurturing Young Minds! Apply today! Equal Opportunity Employer.