Teacher Aide

Help Children Learn, Grow, and Thrive in a Safe and Supportive Environment

Do you have a passion for early childhood education and a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young children? Are you looking for a rewarding role where you can support learning, encourage growth, and help build strong foundations for lifelong success?

Join our Head Start team and become part of a caring, collaborative classroom environment dedicated to supporting every child's physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development. As a Teacher Assistant, you will work alongside Co-Teachers to create safe, nurturing, and engaging learning experiences that help children reach their full potential.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Competitive Pay (Level 18) Starting at $15.10/hour
• Outstanding Work-Life Balance Full-time schedule: 40 hours per week, 49 weeks per year No evenings or weekends required Paid holidays and breaks Supportive, team-based environment
• Exceptional Benefits Health, dental, and vision insurance FREE life insurance 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) 14 paid holidays annually Paid inclement weather days Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities Career growth within Early Childhood Education

What You'll Do

In this role, you'll support the classroom team by:

• Helping establish a safe, healthy, and nurturing learning environment that encourages exploration and growth
• Assisting Co-Teachers with lesson planning, classroom strategies, documentation, and developmentally appropriate activities
• Supporting children's physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development through positive interaction and guidance
• Promoting curriculum goals, including educational, social, and emotional learning objectives
• Incorporating nutrition, health, and self-care practices into daily classroom routines
• Building positive relationships with children and families to encourage engagement in learning
• Preparing classroom materials and ensuring readiness for daily activities under the direction of Co-Teachers
• Maintaining ongoing communication with staff, supervisors, parents, and service providers
• Maintaining confidentiality in all matters related to children, families, and staff
• Participating in ongoing professional development, including trainings, workshops, conferences, and coursework
• Reporting suspected child abuse or neglect in accordance with mandated reporter requirements and program procedures
• Supporting additional duties as assigned by the Supervisor

What We're Looking For

• High school diploma or GED required
• Ability to enroll in and complete a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential program within 18 months of hire
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Enjoyment and comfort working with young children
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and uphold professional standards
• CPR and First Aid certification required or ability to obtain and maintain certification
• Ability to take initiative, exercise independent judgment, and work effectively as part of a team
• Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to teamwork
• Willingness to support program operations, including classroom and center-wide needs

Douglass Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and Drug-Free Workplace.