Center Assistant

Arnold, MO. Jefferson Franklin Community Action Corporation (JFCAC) is a 501(c)(3) non‑profit organization committed to helping low‑income individuals and families achieve self‑sufficiency through quality programs in Jefferson and Franklin Counties. JFCAC is a federally, state, and locally funded Community Action Agency. Position Summary The Center Assistant is a fully on‑site role that supports daily center operations and helps children build the skills needed for learning and growth. As a Center Assistant you will support teachers, meet the daily needs of children, and contribute to a safe, structured learning environment for the Head Start program. Key Responsibilities School Readiness: Integrate the High Scope curricula into daily practice, using effective strategies to guide children’s learning. Assist in preparing the classroom environment and materials to support developmentally appropriate lesson plans and learning experiences. Assist in documenting observations and ongoing assessments for each child, review assessment data, and adjust teaching practices to support each child’s unique learning style. Collaborate with the teacher to ensure appropriate curriculum and lesson plan modifications are in place to meet children’s IHS/IEP goals. Engage with the teaching team in collaborative lesson planning, taking on duties and tasks as needed based on children’s needs. Family Engagement and Community Partnerships: Provide an atmosphere that promotes and reinforces family and volunteer engagement. Support the role of families as the first and primary teachers of their children. Maintain regular communication with families regarding child development. Assist in attending required parent conferences and home visits as needed for sharing screening and assessment information and developing shared goals and strategies to support child growth. Help plan and participate in family activity events. Coordinate with the Family Coach to assist families in completing health follow‑ups as needed. Provide learning opportunities for dual‑language learning in the home and classroom setting as appropriate. Health and Safety: Observe and monitor children at all times, following all agency policies and procedures regarding child health and safety. Maintain a clean and sanitary learning environment, ensuring all indoor and outdoor equipment and toys are sanitized per state licensing standards. Check indoor and outdoor equipment and toys regularly to ensure all items are in good condition and report items that need repair. Assist in developing the daily zoning chart, and follow tasks and duties assigned to ensure proper supervision throughout the day. Monitor child safety, document and report any injuries and incidents, following agency policies and procedures. Understand and follow all health and safety policies and procedures for reducing illnesses in the classroom. Follow policies and procedures to release children only to individuals with appropriate signed consent. Monitor and report any suspected child abuse and/or neglect. Documentation: Utilize agency tools for ongoing assessment and documentation. Ensure all federal, local, state, and/or agency documentation is completed accurately. Assist in documenting attendance and meal counts in the agency database. Professional Development: Attend and participate in training and professional development activities. Attend and participate in meetings. Engage in team and/or individualized coaching meetings, self‑reflecting on teaching practices and solution‑based problem‑solving strategies. Additional Duties: Support other staff as needed at the designated site (including, but not limited to, kitchen, cleaning, clerical duties, or other duties as assigned). Report to non‑designated locations as needed. Perform other duties as assigned based on program need. Required Qualifications High School Diploma, GED, or HiSet (education must be verified before hire). Must be willing to submit to a criminal background screening. Preferred Qualifications & Experience 1–2 years’ experience in a childcare setting. Experience working with low‑income families. Compensation & Benefits On‑site position – 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. Supplemental life, accident, critical illness, pet insurance. Salary deferral program (403(b)) with employer match. Simplified employee pension plan – vested at 3 years. JFCAC is an equal opportunity employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr