Center Aide/Custodian

Providing Essential Support to Keep Classrooms Safe, Clean, and Healthy

     Do you take pride in creating clean, organized, and welcoming spaces? Are you looking for a meaningful role where your work directly supports children, families, and early childhood education programs?

     Join our Head Start team and play a vital role in maintaining a safe, sanitary, and supportive environment where children can learn and thrive. As a Facilities & Classroom Support Assistant, you will help ensure our centers meet all sanitation and safety standards while also providing hands-on support wherever needed throughout the facility.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Competitive Pay (Level 10)
  • Starting at $15.00/hour

• Outstanding Work-Life Balance
  • Full-time schedule
  • No evenings or weekends required
  • Paid holidays and breaks
  • Supportive team environment

• Exceptional Benefits
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • FREE life insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions
  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • 14 paid holidays annually
  • Paid inclement weather days
  • Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities
  • Career growth opportunities within Early Childhood Education

What You'll Do

In this role, you’ll support the center by:

• Maintaining a clean, safe, sanitary, and healthy environment in compliance with Missouri state sanitation guidelines
• Performing routine and deep cleaning of classrooms, common areas, and facility spaces as needed
• Assisting with general building maintenance and reporting supply or repair needs to supervisors
• Ensuring playgrounds are safe, clean, and free of hazards
• Supporting daily operations across classrooms, offices, kitchens, dining areas, and playgrounds
• Providing coverage during staff breaks and assisting with substitute coverage when needed
• Assisting in classrooms by preparing materials and supporting daily activities
• Helping in kitchen and dining areas, including meal setup, serving, and cleanup
• Modeling and encouraging positive behavior and self-image in children
• Supporting children one-on-one, including those with special needs when required
• Participating alongside children during mealtimes and encouraging healthy eating habits
• Maintaining ongoing communication with staff, supervisors, and families
• Following confidentiality standards and program policies at all times
• Participating in professional development, training, and required certifications
• Reporting suspected child abuse or neglect in accordance with mandated reporter requirements
• Supporting additional center needs as assigned

What We're Looking For

• High school diploma, GED, or HiSET required
• Knowledge of sanitation and cleaning procedures preferred
• Ability to follow Health Department regulations and Head Start performance standards
• Strong organizational skills and ability to plan and prioritize work
• Ability to follow directions and work independently or as part of a team
• Basic math skills required
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
• Flexibility, patience, and a positive attitude
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times
• CPR and First Aid certification required or ability to obtain and maintain
• Valid driver’s license required
• Ability to enroll in and complete a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential program within 2 years of hire
• Ability to take initiative, exercise sound judgment, and support team success

The above description is not a comprehensive listing of all job-specific responsibilities, tasks, and duties.

Douglass Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and Drug-Free Workplace.