Teacher Assistant I/II (Head Start)

Job Overview Performs paraprofessional educational work by assisting teachers in providing developmental services to eligible preschoolers, including children with disabilities enrolled in the County Head Start program. Responsibilities Assist in planning and carrying out a daily program of activities that meet individualized physical and developmental needs. Assist in supervising and caring for children, ensuring safe and clean learning environments. Collaborate with program staff to deliver comprehensive educational, health, and social services to children and their families. Interact with children, prepare and serve meals, teach concepts, evaluate developmental progress, and assist with personal care tasks. Support classroom and lesson planning; facilitate indoor and outdoor activities that enhance social, intellectual, physical, and emotional development. Develop and implement developmentally appropriate enrichment activities and care programs, preparing students for school and meeting program standards. Provide care and protection to help children develop social, emotional, and self‑help skills such as relationships, eating, dressing, and bathroom use. Supervise and maintain child safety during transportation, field trips, and all activities. Maintain classroom, equipment, and materials in good condition; monitor play areas for safety hazards. Assist with classroom schedule and room arrangement consistent with Environment Rating Scales (ERS). Assist with family‑style dining meals and associated set‑up and clean‑up activities. Complete required paperwork, including meal counts, attendance, daily health checks, and program checklists. Qualifications Teacher Assistant I – High School Diploma and 1–2 years of experience working with preschoolers or preadolescent children, or equivalent education and experience. Must have a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or be able to obtain one within 2 years; or be enrolled in a program leading to an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or related field. Teacher Assistant II – Associate’s Degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or equivalent field *or* combined Associate’s Degree, CDA credential (or ability to obtain within 2 years) plus 1–2 years of experience working with preschoolers or preadolescent children. Valid driver’s license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Initial physical examination and periodic re‑examinations to ensure no significant health risk to participants. Acceptable criminal and child protective services background checks. Preferred certifications: Medication Administration, CPR, and First Aid. Preferred possession of a valid commercial driver’s license with appropriate endorsements. Contingent upon successful completion of pre‑employment background and DMV checks. Physical Demands Must be able to operate machinery and equipment (copiers, laptops, iPads, tablets, Smartboards). Requires walking or standing for significant periods; constant standing, walking, bending, stooping, climbing, occasional running and crawling. Must be able to sit on the floor with children, push and pull toys and wagons, and lift children weighing approximately 40–55 lbs when necessary. Benefits The County of York offers a comprehensive benefits package for Head Start employees, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; VRS retirement; group life insurance; deferred compensation; flexible spending accounts; employee assistance program; paid holidays; and paid leave. Salary, Location, and Employment Details Salary: $24,764.00 – $28,334.00 annually. Location: Williamsburg, VA. Job Type: Full‑time. Job Number: 11TAI/13TAII-2130. Division: Community Services – Admin; Children & Family Services. #J-18808-Ljbffr York County, Virginia