Head Start Teacher Assistant

Academic Requirements High school diploma or GED. Completion of a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) or a state‑awarded certificate that meets or exceeds CDA requirements. Enrollment in a program that will lead to an Associate or Bachelor’s degree, or enrollment in a CDA credential program that will be completed within two years of the time of hire. Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field. Preferred Experience Two years of experience in a preschool classroom setting. Bilingual proficiency in Spanish is preferred. Critical Responsibilities Protect the physical and mental health and safety of children; no child is left unsupervised while under our care. Assist with responsive care, effective teaching, and an organized learning environment that promotes healthy development and skill growth aligned with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework for ages birth through five, including children with disabilities. Assist with prescribed curricula to provide developmentally appropriate learning experiences in language, literacy, social and emotional development, math, science, social studies, creative arts, and physical development, and integrate assessment data into individual and group planning. Support screenings, assessments, and ongoing evaluation of the child’s developmental level and progress. Support opportunities for parents and family members to engage in their child’s development and program services, including parent conferences, home visits, and group activities. Follow appropriate practices for child safety during activities, report suspected or known abuse, supervise children at all times, and comply with conduct standards. Comply with positive adult‑child interactions as measured by the CLASS: Pre‑K instrument. Complete minimum training requirements specified in state and federal standards. Maintain regular communication with teachers regarding student behavior and progress. Maintain child files, classroom forms, and documentation, ensuring they are compliant, current, and organized. Monitor classroom for physical and environmental hazards. Ensure incident reporting occurs within the designated timeframes. Other Responsibilities Use age‑appropriate equipment, materials, and space for indoor and outdoor learning environments, and change materials periodically to support children’s evolving interests. Support teachers’ responses to classroom observations by modifying teaching strategies and lesson plans per the prescribed curricula. Communicate child observations to teachers, identifying potential interference with development and school readiness. Coordinate with education, family, mental health, and child development professionals to address identified needs. Participate in school functions, scheduled meetings, and team decision‑making. Work collaboratively with other staff, service providers, and professionals. Maintain confidentiality in all aspects of child and program operations. Perform other job duties as assigned. Requirements Ability to respond sensitively and competently to the service population’s cultural and socio‑economic characteristics. Effective written and verbal communication in English and Spanish (preferred). Ability to maintain emotional control and professional composure at all times. Working knowledge of all INK policies and procedures. Ability to organize and prioritize duties in a fast‑paced environment. Ability to work independently. Possess a valid driver’s license. Complete and pass a health examination. Confirm work eligibility status. Successfully pass a driving history check. Clear criminal background check. Required to lift up to 60 pounds. Required to stand, sit on the floor, bend, squat, kneel, lift children, and engage with children. Exposure to communicable diseases and other hazards such as cigarette smoke, pets, risk neighborhoods, etc. Travel up to 50% by car, bus, airplane, or train for conferences, meetings, or distant locations; overnight travel may be required. Some evenings and weekends may be required for events such as home visits, parent‑teacher conferences, Parent Committee meetings, community and social events, and field trips. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States; we are not able to sponsor visas. EEO Statement In accordance with TitleVII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other applicable federal and state laws (e.g., the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)), it is our policy to provide equal employment opportunity and treat all employees equally regardless of race, religion, national origin, color, sex, or any other classification made unlawful or prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws, such as age, citizenship status, veteran or military status, or disability. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination. #J-18808-Ljbffr