Head Start Teaching Assistant-Float

Job Description The Head Start Teaching Assistant Float works with Head Start and Early Head Start programs, providing support during staff absences. The role implements developmentally appropriate curriculum and activities that promote children’s health, social-emotional, and cognitive development. What You’ll Be Doing Collaborate with Classroom Instructors to develop and implement weekly lesson plans using approved curriculum and assessment tools. Assist with data collection for developmental assessment using DRDP, employing iPad and other technology. Promote and support children’s social, emotional, and physical development, fostering self‑esteem, trust, and autonomy. Individualize instruction to support cognitive and language growth for pre‑K, infants, and toddlers. Maintain a classroom environment consistent with Head Start, Trauma Smart, and Conscious Discipline philosophies, establishing respectful interactions. Support classroom quality as measured by CLASS, creating a positive climate and encouraging language and critical‑thinking skills. Ensure a safe and healthy classroom, supervising children, using C.A.S.E. during transitions, maintaining required ratios, and recording attendance. Participate in training (minimum 15 hours annually), professional learning communities, and collaborate with Head Start content leads and management. Engage families in volunteer activities and treat them with professionalism. Follow district guidelines for reporting suspected abuse, neglect, or contagious disease. Utilize district and Head Start software and complete paperwork on time. Perform other duties as assigned. Supervisory Responsibilities None Qualifications Preschool Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) or be enrolled and complete the CDA or degree within 2 years per MARC. Experience working with preschoolers, infants, and toddlers. Successful completion of required background check and submission of an initial physical and TB screening. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood or related field. Three years of experience working with birth‑to‑five children. Experience working with teen parents. Experience working in culturally diverse communities. Experience working with Head Start programs. Physical Demands The role requires sitting, standing, walking, speaking, hearing, using hands and fingers, reaching, bending, stooping, lifting objects or children up to forty pounds, using stairs, moving quickly, spending extended time outdoors in varied weather, and visual ability for mono and color vision. Terms of Employment Length of work year: 10 months. Benefits: Health and dental insurance are provided. KCPS defined benefit pension plan – mandatory 9% contribution required from employees and matched by KCPS; voluntary retirement savings plans are also available. Position type: Full‑time. #J-18808-Ljbffr Usd