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 $15.10/hour
Outstanding Work-Life Balance
Full-time schedule: 40 hours per week, 49 weeks per year
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.

Employment type
Full-Time

Work arrangement
No