Position Summary

The School Safety Officer (SSO) assigned to early learning centers is a highly visible, family-facing professional who helps maintain a safe, secure, and nurturing environment for young children. The SSO protects children, staff, families, visitors, and center property while modeling professionalism, respect, responsiveness, and cultural competence. More than a security presence, the SSO is a relationship-builder, first responder, and proactive partner embedded in the center’s child-focused mission. $18-$21 per hour.

Key Responsibilities

Campus Security & Patrols: Maintain a visible presence across classrooms, common areas, playgrounds, entrances/exits, and parking/drop-off zones to deter misconduct, address safety hazards, and support an orderly, child-safe environment.
Emergency Response & Preparedness: Respond immediately to incidents (medical needs, missing-child alerts, severe weather, facility threats). Participate in drills; assist evacuations, shelter-in-place, and reunification procedures; support staff in executing center safety protocols.
Access Control & Visitor Management: Enforce check-in/check-out procedures; verify IDs and authorized-pickup lists; monitor access points; and ensure adherence to center visitor policies and custody directives.
Conflict Resolution & De-Escalation: Use trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate de-escalation to resolve conflicts while preserving dignity and calm. Coordinate promptly with center leadership and family services for elevated concerns.
Arrival/Dismissal & Site Traffic Safety: Facilitate safe arrival and dismissal for infants and young children; manage car lines, crosswalks, stroller access, and high-traffic areas to minimize risk.
Community Engagement: Build trusting relationships with children, families, educators, and support staff. Reinforce expectations for safety and conduct with warmth and clarity.
Documentation & Reporting: Record incidents, daily observations, and enforcement actions accurately and promptly in Valor Protection’s platform. Provide same-day reports to center leadership for significant events.
Support Center Events & Programs: Develop and execute tailored safety plans for family nights, celebrations, community events, and field trips, ensuring crowd safety and emergency readiness.
Medical Support: Provide immediate assistance during medical events; apply CPR, AED, or first aid as needed; coordinate with center health staff and emergency services. Maintain awareness of allergy/medical alerts and site-specific accommodations.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED (required); Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred

• Valid Security Officer certification from the State of Georgia

• Current CPR, AED, and First Aid certification (infant/child emphasis preferred)

• Ability to pass a comprehensive background check and fingerprint screening required for working around children

• Prior experience in early childhood/childcare settings, school safety, security, law enforcement, military service, or youth development

• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills

• Demonstrated skill in conflict resolution, family engagement, and trauma-informed approaches

• Ability to walk/stand for extended periods and respond swiftly to emergencies

• Commitment to ongoing training in child-centered safety, threat assessment, and DEI principles; familiarity with state childcare licensing safety expectations

Desired Attributes

• Professional appearance, calm command presence, and dependable judgment

• Composed under pressure; high emotional intelligence and patience with young children and families

• Approachable, respectful, tactful communicator across diverse populations

• Keen observational skills and attention to detail in dynamic, child-focused environments

• Adaptable and solution-oriented as center conditions and routines change

• Passion for child safety and development; belief in collaborative partnership with educators and families

• Clear, compassionate communicator who can relay complex information simply

• Team-oriented and committed to cross-functional coordination

• Consistently upholds and models Valor Protection’s core values: Excellence, Integrity, Professionalism, Education, and Partnership

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Schedule:

• Daytime coverage (6:30a-3:00p, 7:00a-3:30p)), Monday–Friday

• Occasional evenings or weekends for family events or special programs