Center Aide - Capital Hill

Overview

Launch is dedicated to ensuring a brilliant start for all children. Through our preschool, after school and summer programs, we provide equitable access to the highest-quality learning and care in a safe, enriching environment that prepares children for success in school and life. Our programs serve a diverse group of over 1300 children ages 3-12 and are located on-site in 9 Seattle public schools and 3 community centers. Drawing on more than 40 years of experience, we serve as a proven model of effective programming and a passionate advocate for children, families, and communities. Launch strives to live an anti-racist, inclusive existence, and welcomes diverse voices, experiences, and perspectives.

The Center Aide is responsible for providing a safe, caring, and academically and socially enriching environment for pre-school and school age children. This position provides support for preschool and school age classrooms during breaks, planning, and in other situations where a Lead Teacher is not available. This position is under the direct supervision of the site manager, lead preschool teacher, assistant preschool teacher and/or enrichment teacher. This position will be responsible for preparing snacks, cleaning and other duties associated with supporting our programs.

Essential Job Functions

• Prepare nutritious meals and snacks for children according to set menu; prepares substitute items for children on restricted diets
• Practice safe food handling techniques in food preparation and storage - in accordance with the WAC (i.e., sanitizer bottles, food labeling and storage, fridge temperatures, etc. as examples)
• Ensure food orders are put away in a timely manner to ensure safety and health regulations
• Supervise and manage groups of children as directed
• Attend scheduled staff meetings
• Maintain safety of children
• Maintain organization and cleanliness of site
• Prepare and serve snacks to the children
• Engage children in enrichment activities
• Provide homework support
• Build strong and nurturing relationship with children and families
• Have positive communication with parents, staff, supervisor, school, etc.
• Enforce all general safety rules of center
• Assist in positive behavior management technique’s when required
• Obtain required training and on-going professional development

 Qualifications

Minimum Education, Experience & Training Equivalent 

• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age
• A high school diploma or GED

 Desired but not required:

• Experience working in a non-profit organization
• At least one year of related experience
• Associates degree
• Culinary training a plus
• Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying

 Knowledge and Skills:

• Proven ability to work and communicate with children and adults in a positive and proactive manner 
• A demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as a team member 
• Strong time management skills
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a wide range of personalities
• Exceptional problem-solving abilities
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Detail oriented
• Able to perform work accurately and thoroughly
• Knowledge of safe food handling practices required

 Condition of Employment

• Ability to obtain and maintain criminal record clearance
• TB Clearance
• Food Worker Card
• First Aid/CPR
• Blood Borne Pathogens/HIV training
• Mandated Reported Training
• MMR Vaccination Record
• Must attend any required training

 After Hire

• Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families Trainings:
• Medication Management
• Disaster and Emergency Preparedness
• Families Experiencing Homelessness
• Abusive Head Trauma

 Within Three Months of Hire

• Completion of STARS Basic 30-hour Child Care course

The statement contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of the job.  It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.   Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas as deemed fit for the organization.