Center Opener

Position Summary

The Center Opener is responsible for ensuring Maximum Heights Academy is properly opened, prepared, and ready to welcome children and families each morning. This position includes preparing the facility, assisting with breakfast preparation and service, greeting arriving families, and actively supervising children until additional staff members arrive and transition children into their assigned classrooms.

The Center Opener must maintain a safe, clean, organized, and welcoming environment while following all Maximum Heights Academy policies and applicable Nebraska childcare licensing requirements.

Duties & Responsibilities

1. Opening the Childcare Center

• Arrive on time and be prepared to begin opening duties before children arrive.
• Open the childcare center at the designated opening time.
• Turn on all necessary lights throughout the center, including classrooms, kitchen, and common areas.
• Conduct a walkthrough of the facility to ensure classrooms and common areas are safe, clean, and ready for children.
• Check that entrances, exits, and emergency pathways are clear and accessible.
• Prepare soap and water buckets and bleach bottles as well as dish water and sanitizing water in kitchen sink.
• Ensure the center is at a comfortable temperature and necessary equipment is operating properly.
• Report any maintenance, safety, or cleanliness concerns to management immediately.

2. Breakfast Preparation & Meal Service

• Prepare breakfast for children according to the center's established menu and meal schedule.
• Ensure food preparation areas, tables, and serving surfaces are properly cleaned and sanitized.
• Follow appropriate food handling, sanitation, and food safety procedures.
• Prepare appropriate portions based on children's ages, dietary needs, and meal requirements.
• Review and follow documented food allergies and dietary restrictions.
• Set up breakfast areas with necessary utensils, cups, plates, and supplies.
• Serve breakfast to children while maintaining appropriate supervision.
• Clean and sanitize food preparation and eating areas after breakfast.
• Complete required meal records and documentation as assigned.

3. Child Arrival & Morning Supervision

• Warmly greet children and parents/guardians as they arrive.
• Ensure children are properly checked in using the center's attendance system (Procare).
• Actively supervise all children upon arrival until additional teaching staff report to their assigned classrooms.
• Maintain required staff-to-child ratios and appropriate supervision at all times.
• Provide a calm, welcoming environment with age-appropriate morning activities.
• Monitor children's behavior, safety, and emotional well-being during arrival.
• Assist children with putting away personal belongings and preparing for their day.
• Ensure infants and younger children receive developmentally appropriate care and attention.
• Never leave children unattended or transfer supervision without a clear handoff.
• Immediately notify management if staffing levels or child arrivals create a potential ratio or supervision concern.

4. Staff Arrival & Classroom Transitions

• Communicate with arriving staff regarding the number of children present and any important morning updates.
• Assist with transitioning children into their designated classrooms as teachers arrive.
• Ensure each child is accounted for during classroom transitions.
• Communicate any parent messages, health concerns, behavioral observations, or special instructions to the appropriate teacher.
• Verify that classroom staff have assumed responsibility for children before leaving the assigned supervision area.
• Support an organized and efficient morning routine.

5. Health, Safety & Cleanliness

• Follow all center health, safety, sanitation, and emergency procedures.
• Maintain active supervision and appropriate positioning to observe children.
• Monitor children for signs of illness or distress and notify management as necessary.
• Follow proper handwashing, diapering, and cleaning procedures when applicable.
• Ensure cleaning chemicals, medications, and hazardous materials remain secured and inaccessible to children.
• Keep entryways, classrooms, and common areas organized and free from hazards.
• Report accidents, incidents, or unusual situations to management promptly.

6. Communication & Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain professional, respectful, and welcoming communication with families and coworkers.
• Protect the confidentiality of children, families, and staff.
• Follow the center's policies regarding attendance, punctuality, dress code, and professional conduct.
• Communicate staffing concerns or operational issues to the Center Director or Supervisor.
• Assist with additional morning responsibilities as assigned by management.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Previous childcare experience preferred.
• Must meet applicable Nebraska childcare licensing requirements for the assigned position.
• Must complete required background checks and applicable training.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain certification as required.
• Knowledge of active supervision, childcare safety, and age-appropriate practices.
• Ability to prepare and serve meals safely while following food safety procedures.
• Strong time management, reliability, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple opening responsibilities.
• Must be dependable, punctual, and available for early morning shifts.

Performance Expectations

The Center Opener is expected to:

• Open the center on time and have the facility ready to receive children.
• Ensure breakfast is prepared and served according to the established schedule.
• Maintain safe and continuous supervision of children during morning arrivals.
• Follow all applicable staff-to-child ratio and safety requirements.
• Ensure smooth transitions as additional staff arrive and classrooms open.
• Maintain a professional, positive, and welcoming atmosphere.
• Complete assigned opening responsibilities consistently and efficiently.