Preschool Resource Staff
The Preschool Resource Staff provides flexible, entry-level support by substituting in classrooms, kitchens, or custodial roles across multiple Head Start Centers. This role requires strong communication, adaptability, and teamwork to maintain high-quality early childhood education environments, ensuring child safety and supporting developmental activities. The position offers professional growth opportunities and requires in-person work with variable schedules and travel between centers.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Early Childhood Education.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Summary
This is an entry-level, full-time Resource Staff role supporting preschool (Head Start) centers. You will fill short- and long-term substitute assignments across classroom, kitchen, and custodial functions as needed. The position is in-person, requires travel between centers in the community, and has a variable day shift schedule (typical coverage between 7:30 AM–5:30 PM, Monday–Friday).
- Hourly rate: $15.55–$16.03 per hour
- Employment type: Full-time (40 hours/week)
- Job location: Mission, AZ (in-person)
Responsibilities
- Substitute in classrooms, kitchens, or for custodial duties as needed (short- or long-term coverage).
- Follow the lead teacher’s plan and support implementation of daily routines, curriculum activities, safety, and meal service.
- Support children’s development through one-on-one and small-group interactions.
- Supervise children at all times and implement active supervision, child count, and safety procedures.
- Assist with home visits, parent meetings, and family engagement activities when requested.
- Prepare and serve meals per CACFP and Head Start guidelines; maintain kitchen sanitation and inventory.
- Perform custodial tasks: daily/weekly cleaning, playground checks, storing equipment, and securing facilities.
- Assist with recordkeeping: meal counts, inventory, safety logs, and incident/accident reports as needed.
- Participate in center team meetings and support teamwork and continuous program improvement.
- Provide bilingual support if hired with applicable language skills.
Benefits
- Paid leave package (holidays, vacation accrual after one year, personal leave, sick leave).
- Medical, dental, and vision options; FSAs/HSA/HRA; supplemental insurance options.
- Retirement plan contributions after eligibility is met; 401(k) deferral options.
- Professional development support (opportunities toward CDA, associate, or bachelor’s credentials for eligible staff).
Minimum Qualifications
- 18 years of age or older.
- High school diploma or GED.
- Valid Arizona driver’s license with a good driving record and ability to travel among centers.
- Proficiency with Office 365 (Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
- Must submit a current Arizona Department of Public Safety Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card prior to start.
- Ability to pass a company-paid physical exam and a DES Centralized Background Check prior to starting work.
Desired Qualifications
- Six months or more experience in a licensed childcare setting.
- Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or coursework in early childhood education.
- Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or a closely related field.
- Spanish language skills (benefit for bilingual support).
- Current First Aid/CPR certification for infants and children (or willingness to obtain).
- Food Handler’s Certificate (Arizona) or willingness to obtain.
Required Competencies
- Accountability and dependability
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Safety-first approach and strong situational awareness
- Active listening and relationship-building skills
- Teamwork and valuing diversity
- Commitment to continuous learning and use of technology in the classroom
Other Requirements (post hire)
- Ability to travel to multiple sites; may occasionally travel outside assigned area, including before daylight and after sundown.
- Provide proof of immunizations (MMR, Tdap) and a Tuberculosis Skin Self-Assessment.
- Maintain required fingerprint clearance and background checks annually.
- Must be able to provide documents to complete the Federal I-9 (right to work verification).
- Obtain and maintain First Aid/CPR (Infants & Children) and Arizona Food Handler’s Certificate as required.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
- Indoor classroom (temperature controlled) and outdoor playground exposure (hot/cold).
- Possible exposure to communicable illnesses and cleaning/sanitizing chemicals.
- Frequent stooping, bending, reaching; getting up/down from floor or low chairs; lifting children up to 40 lbs.
- Occasional lifting/pushing/pulling of supplies and furniture up to ~50 lbs; safe use of kitchen tools/appliances.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind.
To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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