Headstart Preschool Assistant Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

About This Role

We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Assistant Teacher to join our Head Start team, empowering the next generation of learners by supporting a high-quality program that meets Federal Head Start Performance Standards.

You will play a key role in fostering a love for learning and creating a classroom environment that encourages curiosity, independence, and social-emotional growth.

As an Assistant Teacher, you will co-facilitate discovery with children, build strong bonds with families, and provide a safe, structured space for learning to flourish.

• Status: Full-Time, Seasonal (9-Month Program Year)
• Annual Term: August to May
• Anticipated Start Date: August 19th,2026

What You'll Do

Implementation of Early Literacy, Math, Science, and Social Skills in Preschool Curriculum (60%)

Instructional Support: Assist in teaching a preschool curriculum that focuses on developing early literacy, math, science, and social skills.

Leadership of Small Group Activities and "Choice Time": Foster experimentation, problem-solving, and cooperation among children by leading small group activities and "choice time".

Progress Documentation: Collaborate with the Lead Teacher to document child progress and collect anecdotal evidence to track "school readiness" goals.

Modeling Social Skills and Hygiene: Help children develop essential self-help skills necessary for a smooth transition to elementary school by modeling social skills and hygiene.

Ensuring a Safe and Organized Classroom: Maintain a safe, organized, and sanitized classroom, including preparing materials for daily lessons.

Family and Safety Support (30%)

Transition Support: Facilitate the daily transition from home to center, greeting families, and ensuring safe hand-offs to authorized adults.

Emergency Preparedness: Maintain readiness for emergency evacuations and adhere to all state and federal safety regulations.

Supporting Professional Development (10%)

Accurate Record Keeping: Assist the Lead Teacher in maintaining accurate files, including attendance, screenings, and parent communication logs.

Ongoing Training: Participate in ongoing training and workshops to maintain your CDA and stay current on ECE best practices.

Requirements

Required: High School Diploma/GED and current enrollment in a program to obtain a Child Development Associate (CDA) or an Associate Degree in ECE.

Credentialing: Must earn a Preschool CDA by December 2028 (if not already held).

Experience: Experience in a preschool or licensed childcare setting is preferred.

Certifications & Compliance:

Safety: Pediatric CPR/First Aid certification.

Clearance: Must clear a comprehensive background check and health screening.

Communication: Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with staff and diverse families. Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills are highly valued.

Physical Stamina: Ability to engage with active preschoolers, which includes sitting on the floor, kneeling, bending, and lifting up to 50 lbs.

Classroom Management: Ability to redirect behavior positively and keep children engaged in learning activities.

Credentialing: Must earn a Preschool CDA by December 2028 (if not already held).

Clearance: Must clear a comprehensive background check and health screening.

Safety: Pediatric CPR/First Aid certification.

Physical Stamina: Ability to engage with active preschoolers, which includes sitting on the floor, kneeling, bending, and lifting up to 50 lbs.

Communication: Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with staff and diverse families. Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills are highly valued.

Experience: Experience in a preschool or licensed childcare setting is preferred.

Classroom Management: Ability to redirect behavior positively and keep children engaged in learning activities.

Nice To Haves

Compliance with DCF Requirements: Completion of Introduction to Childcare Profession and Skills & Strategies

Wisconsin Registry Credentials

Wisconsin Registry Level 6 and Above

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid Leave
• Sick Leave
• Retirement Plan
• Professional Development

• CRITICAL ILLNESS

  SHORT TERM DISABILITY

  LIFE INSURANCE * PAID BY EMPLOYER*

About Us

Family Forum, Inc. is a private, non-profit corporation that provides programs for families in Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas, Iron, and Price Counties of Wisconsin. The corporation is made up of a Governing Board who manage the affairs of the corporation through the Executive Director. The programs provided by Family Forum, Inc. are Head Start / Early Head Start.

Mission Statement

We are dedicated to preparing children and their families for success; through high quality programming, family support and wellness education, while fostering meaningful relationships.

Our Vision

Partnering with families and communities to build school readiness for all children through passionately committed relationships that connect families to goal oriented outcomes.