Head Start Teacher Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

About This Role

We are seeking a dedicated and caring professional to support the lead teacher in creating a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for preschool children. They will help implement educational activities, provide attentive supervision in the classroom and on the playground, and foster children's growth and well-being.

The Teacher Assistant may step into lead teacher responsibilities as needed, including serving as Site Director for licensing compliance during teacher absences.

What You'll Do

• Help create and maintain a safe, organized, and engaging learning environment for preschool children.
• Support the planning and implementation of developmentally appropriate activities that promote each child's cognitive, physical, social, and emotional growth.
• Observe and document children's progress, assist with assessments, and maintain required records and reports.
• Build positive relationships with families through ongoing communication, parent conferences, home visits, and family engagement opportunities.
• Encourage family and community involvement by promoting volunteerism and support for program initiatives, including in-kind contributions.
• Participate in staff meetings, required training, and other professional responsibilities while adhering to agency policies and procedures.
• Maintain clean, safe, and welcoming indoor and outdoor learning environments.
• Assume lead teacher or supervisory responsibilities, including oversight of center staff, as needed during the teacher's absence.

What We're Looking For

• Passion for working with young children and families.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Commitment to providing high-quality early childhood education.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and meet program requirements.
• Dedication to creating a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
• Join our team and help children build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success!

Requirements

Education Requirements

• CDA or degree in ECE preferred
• High School Diploma or GED required AND must be enrolled in a program that will lead to an associate or baccalaureate degree or, are enrolled in a CDA credential program to be completed within two years of the time of hire to adhere to the Head Start Performance Standards requirements.

Experience Requirements

• Experience working with preschool children required

Other Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must obtain a pre-employment physical, including a screen for communicable diseases.
• Must agree to pre-employment background check
• Must complete First Aid and CPR training and keep updated.
• Must maintain documentation per licensing requirements.

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Leave
• Sick Leave
• Retirement Plan
• Tuition Assistance

About Us

Douglas-Cherokee Economic Authority, Inc. Head Start / Early Head Start Program serves more than 700 children ages 0-5 years in eight counties in East TN: Blount, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Monroe, Sevier and Union. Children who attend Head Start participate in a variety of educational activities. They also receive support to access free medical and dental care, have healthy meals and snacks, and enjoy playing outdoors in a safe setting. Services are offered to meet the special needs of children with disabilities.

Our employees have access to:

· Up to 14 paid holidays per year

· Sick leave and Personal time

· Option to participate in State of Tennessee 401(k) savings plan

· Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System

· Group Health Insurance partially paid by the agency with other insurance products available.