Center Aide

Center Aide

Community Action Wayne/Medina (CAW/M) Lodi Head Start Lodi, Ohio Part-Year | Full-Time | Non-Exempt Monday–Thursday | Approximately 43 Weeks Per Year $15.03 - $15.94 per hour

Make an Impact Where It Matters Most

Every child deserves a strong start, and every family deserves a partner in their child's early learning journey. At Community Action Wayne/Medina, our Head Start program is built on that belief. We are seeking caring, compassionate, and dependable individuals to join our team as Center Aides at Lodi Head Start.

As a Center Aide, you'll work alongside Teachers and a collaborative team of educators and support professionals to create a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom where children can learn, grow, and thrive. Your support helps create meaningful learning experiences while building strong relationships with children, families, and coworkers.

Why Join CAW/M?

Comprehensive Benefits Package, Including:

• Four-day work week
• Health insurance options with employer contributions
• Retirement plan with employer contributions
• Paid leave programs (vacation, sick, personal, parental, and holidays)
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Mission-driven work that creates meaningful impact

What You'll Do

Classroom Support & Child Engagement

• Assist the Teacher in creating a safe, welcoming, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.
• Support children's learning through classroom activities, play, routines, and individualized interactions.
• Encourage children's social-emotional development by modeling positive relationships and appropriate behaviors.
• Assist with classroom setup, learning materials, and daily routines that support school readiness.

Health, Safety & Daily Care

• Assist children with meals, toileting, handwashing, rest time, and other daily care routines while promoting independence.
• Help maintain a clean, safe, and organized classroom environment.
• Monitor children's safety during classroom, outdoor, and transition activities.
• Follow established health, sanitation, and safety procedures in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards and agency policies.

Teamwork & Program Support

• Work collaboratively with Teachers, families, and other program staff to support children's success.
• Participate in required trainings, staff meetings, and professional development opportunities.
• Assist with classroom documentation, activities, field trips, and special events as assigned.
• Support continuous quality improvement efforts and perform other related duties as assigned.

What You'll Bring To Our Team

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent. A Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or willingness to obtain one is preferred in accordance with program requirements.
• Valid Ohio driver's license and ability to meet agency insurability requirements.
• Ability to actively engage with young children throughout the day, including standing, bending, kneeling, lifting up to 50 pounds, and participating in indoor and outdoor activities.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and coworkers while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
• Commitment to supporting high-quality early childhood education and the mission of Community Action Wayne/Medina.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with preschool-aged children in a childcare, preschool, or Head Start setting.
• Knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Experience working with children and families from diverse backgrounds.

Our Commitment

Community Action Wayne/Medina is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a workplace where all employees are treated with dignity and respect. Employment decisions are made without regard to any status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Join Our Team

If you're passionate about supporting young children, enjoy working as part of a collaborative team, and want to make a meaningful difference every day, we'd love to hear from you.

Community Action Wayne/Medina — Empowering People. Strengthening Communities. Changing Lives.