Center Assistant

The Center Operations Assistant supports the daily operations of the Head Start center by providing clerical assistance, customer service, and classroom support. This role serves as a key resource to the Center Director helping maintain efficient center operations while ensuring adequate classroom coverage to meet child-to-staff ratio requirements. The ideal candidate enjoys working with children, families, and staff in a fast-paced environment and is committed to supporting high-quality early childhood education services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Administrative and Customer Service Support

• Serve as a backup to the Center Secretary by greeting visitors, answering telephones, directing inquiries, and taking or relaying messages.
• Perform general clerical duties including filing, copying, faxing, scanning, sorting mail, and maintaining records.
• Assist with meeting coordination, documentation, report preparation, inventory monitoring, and special projects.
• Provide excellent customer service to families, visitors, and staff.
• Relay messages and information to center staff and other agency locations as directed.

Classroom and Child Support

• Provide classroom coverage during staff breaks, absences, and other staffing needs to maintain required child-to-staff ratios.
• Participate in classroom activities, including reading, games, and developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
• Assist children with eating, toileting, resting, and other daily care routines.
• Support meal and snack service and supervise rest periods.
• Maintain a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for children.

Facility and Safety Support

• Assist with cleaning classrooms, materials, and equipment as needed.
• Report safety concerns, maintenance issues, or hazardous conditions to the Center Director promptly.

Follow all Head Start, licensing, and agency health and safety procedures

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Experience in an administrative, clerical, or office support position.
• Experience working with children ages 3-5 years.
• Ability to type at least 35 words per minute.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Outlook, and internet-based applications.
• Strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
• Head Start or early childhood education experience.
• Experience working in a childcare, preschool, or educational setting.