Childcare Assistant

Company: Encompass Community Services
Location: Watsonville
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

Are you passionate about working with children, families and community? Join an exciting team of professionals making a difference in the lives of children and families! Head Start has been improving the lives of low-income children and families in Santa Cruz County since 1965 through high quality, comprehensive child development, and family support services. Head Start supports school readiness and promotes healthy families through delivery of education, health, and social services. Head Start also provides quality training and support to employee’s individualized professional growth and development. JOB SUMMARY Under the supervision of Staff Development Coordinator, the Childcare Assistant (CCA) assists during in-person family engagement activities and events, as well as policy council meetings. These activities and meetings vary in schedule, typically occurring when parents are most likely available (M-F late afternoon/evening, with some weekend events throughout the year). The Childcare Assistant may also provide coverage for center base staff absences, although supporting the family activities has scheduling priority. This position is year-round. Salary is $21.53 per hour. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Supporting children from different backgrounds and with varying developments. Demonstrate good judgment and problem-solving skills; seek assistance when needed; exercise discretion when speaking of clients and colleagues. Create a safe environment and activities to engage children during care. Assist staff in set up and close down of events as necessary Able to maintain an open and cooperative approach when engaging with families and children. Implement developmentally appropriate curriculum to meet the needs of young children. MININUM QUALIFICATIONS: High School Diploma or GED Able to participate in all required trainings Able to accept and complete shifts in timely matter. Demonstrate ability to work effectively with a diverse population and comply with program regulations. Able to work effectively within a team, with staff and families. Basic command of English; English/Spanish-speaking abilities highly recommended Flexible and available to work throughout Santa Cruz County Effective verbal and written communication skills. Proof of citizenship or right to work in the United States. Basic technology literacy skills required. Must be able to pass and maintain background check Proof of citizenship or right to work in the United States. Health Screen, MMR (Measles), Tdap (Pertussis) and Negative TB results before hire. About us Encompass Community Services has been serving Santa Cruz County since 1973, providing a broad spectrum of social services to over 8,000 children, individuals, and families annually. As the largest community-based, nonprofit human services provider in Santa Cruz County, we deliver quality, culturally competent, cost-effective services through a wide range of services related to family and social well-being, early childhood education, behavioral health, housing and more. Position works in the Child & Family Development Programs (CFDP) service area. This service area provides early childhood education, social services, and parent education to 1,000 families with young children each year via Head Start/Early Head Start and State Preschool. Offering this support as early as possible promotes healthy families and encourages parents to nurture their child’s physical, social and cognitive development. This position’s compensation includes sick time. Position is part of SEIU Bargaining Unit. Encompass Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. We are committed to excellence through diversity and strive to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all clients and employees. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. If we find that your qualifications are a good fit with our current needs, we will contact you with further instructions. Thank you for your interest in Encompass!

Keywords: Encompass Community Services, San Francisco , Childcare Assistant, Social Services , Watsonville, California