Center Assistant I or II (Education)

Definition: As a part of the ATCAA team, the Early Childhood Services Center Assistant plays an essential role in ATCAA as a whole. The main duties of this position are to shop and prepare food for children's breakfast, snack and lunch using provided menus and following nutrition and health guidelines. The Center Assistant helps to maintain and clean the classroom on a daily basis. The person in this position will work as a part of the teaching and family service team to create a successful program serving families and children in ATCAA Early/Head Start/State Preschool centers.
Supervisor: Lead Center Teacher/Site Supervisor
Job Duties and Responsibilities Related to This Position:
· Prepare, cook and serve meals according to Early/Head Start and CACFP guidelines;
· Maintain kitchen inventory. Shop and order required items;
· Assure that meals are served at appropriate food and safe holding temperatures and under sanitary and safe conditions;
· Wash dishes and all food utensils;
· Clean eating area, classroom and kitchen daily;
· Clean kitchen appliances at least once a week;
· Keep accurate records including all kitchen files and forms;
· Maintain a clean and organized classroom: including daily floor cleaning, sanitizing toys and other duties per Head Start and State Preschool standards;
· Attend staff, in service, CACFP training, parent meetings and other training as directed;
· Help in classroom occasionally.
General Duties and Responsibilities:
As a part of the ATCAA team, all employees play an essential role in ATCAA as a whole, and are expected to:
· Demonstrate and encourage a professional and positive attitude in all job related activities;
· Maintain confidentiality in accordance with standards as outlined in the "Statement of Confidentiality and Ethics";
· Accomplish all work activities in a safe and timely manner within assigned guidelines and consistent with ATCAA's Personnel Policies and Operating Procedures;
· Report and/or correct deficiencies that constitute immediate threats to health and safety;
· Complete other tasks as assigned by the supervisor that are consistent with the definition and intent of the job description.
Minimum Qualifications:
· Possess a continuously valid California driver's license with an acceptable driving record;
· Pass a full background check/health screening including: fingerprint clearance and TB Test prior to hire;
· Possess a GED or High School Diploma;
· Ability to operate a commercial dishwasher;
· Experience and knowledge of nutrition and food preparation;
· Ability to lift 40 pounds;
· Positive, professional attitude and behavior;
· Good personal hygiene/neat appearance.
Additional Minimum Qualifications - CA II:
· 6 or more units in Early Childhood Education
Physical Requirements:

Frequent (3 - 6 hours) walking, standing, bending of the neck/waist, twisting of the neck/waist, reaching below shoulder level, simple grasping and fine manipulation of both hands.
Occasional (up to 3 hours) sitting, squatting, and kneeling. Occasional, repetitive, use of both hands is also required in this position: power grasping, pushing/pulling, and reaching above shoulder level.
The position requires working inside and outside in a playground environment, as weather permits, with exposure to extremes in temperature, humidity or wetness, and may also require walking on a variety of grades and surfaces (uneven ground). This position also requires driving a car, working around equipment and machinery, and travel to various locations for agency meetings and events.
Employees in this position may be exposed to bio-hazards such as blood borne pathogens and waste matter (changing diapers, etc), as well as exposure to dust, gas, fumes, or chemicals.
Lifting and Carrying Requirements: Occasionally (up to 3 hours) lifting/carrying up to 50 lbs. Frequently (3 - 6 hours) lifting/carrying up to 10 lbs.