Assistant Teacher HS (Various Locations/Various Classrooms)

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in the implementation and creation of developmentally appropriate lesson plans aligned with Head Start goals and objectives.
• Support the preparation and maintenance of a safe, clean, and organized classroom environment conducive to learning.
• Help ensure full participation of children in all classroom activities, providing necessary adaptations and supervision.
• Foster nurturing and responsive interactions with children and support their social-emotional, cognitive, and physical development.
• Aid in the ongoing child assessments and documentation using approved tools (e.g., Teaching Strategies GOLD).
• Supervise children at all times, ensuring safety and well-being both indoors and outdoors.
• Help maintain a clean and organized classroom in compliance with health and safety standards.
• Communicate regularly and effectively with families to support parent engagement and participation.
• Engage positively with children to promote their social, emotional, and cognitive development.
• Support children during daily routines, including meals, naptime, and transitions, while fostering independence.
• Assist in managing challenging behaviors by using positive behavior guidance techniques in alignment with Our House policies.
• Build positive relationships with families to support their involvement in their child’s education.
• Assist in the preparation of parent-teacher conferences and other family engagement activities.
• Encourage families to participate in Head Start activities and events.
• Help maintain accurate records of classroom activities, child progress, and family interactions in compliance with Head Start and organizational standards.
• Follow all safety and health procedures to ensure a safe learning environment for children and staff.
• Support compliance with NAEYC, Quality Rated, Bright from the Start, and Head Start regulations.
• Participate in ongoing professional development, training, and coaching sessions to enhance skills and knowledge.
• Collaborate with the teaching team to reflect on practices and improve the quality of classroom interactions.
• Show a commitment to continuous learning and growth in early childhood education practices.
• Attend required staff meetings.
• Uphold confidentiality, cultural competence, and respect for diversity.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or state equivalent in Early Childhood Education required.
• Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field preferred.
• Commitment to obtaining additional qualifications, if required, as per Head Start guidelines.
• One year of experience working with young children in an early childhood education setting required.
• Experience supporting children with diverse needs, including those with disabilities preferred.
• Familiarity with Head Start Program Performance Standards and NAEYC guidelines preferred.

Schedule Requirements

• Onsite, 40-hour workweek, Monday through Friday during standard business hours.
• Occasional overtime may be required during peak periods.

Skills

• Understanding of developmentally appropriate practices and early childhood education principles.
• Organizational skills to manage classroom materials and daily routines effectively.
• Collaborative Team Player: Values interdisciplinary collaboration and fosters teamwork.
• Positive “Can-Do” Attitude: Maintains an optimistic and proactive approach.
• Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrates a high level of emotional awareness and empathy.
• Innovative Problem Solver: Proactively identifies opportunities and proposes effective solutions.
• Self-Motivated: Independently driven and capable of completing tasks with minimal supervision.
• Strong Communication Skills: Exhibits above-average verbal and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal Proficiency: Highly developed interpersonal skills.
• Solution-Focused Mindset: Actively seeks opportunities for improvement, offering thoughtful ideas and suggestions to support broader organizational goals.
• Commitment to Growth: Embraces lifelong learning and demonstrates a consistent desire for personal and professional development.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with integrity and discretion.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit on the floor, kneel, bend, squat, and get up and down frequently throughout the day to engage with young children at their level.
• Ability to lift and carry children weighing up to 40 pounds, as well as classroom materials and supplies.
• Ability to move quickly and respond to children's needs or emergency situations.
• Adequate vision and hearing to ensure child safety and effective communication.
• Ability to push, pull, or maneuver strollers, cribs, or carts when needed.
• Manual dexterity to assist with dressing, feeding, diapering, and other care routines as required.
• Tolerance for working in a busy, sometimes noisy, and physically demanding environment.

Health Requirements

• Proof of Tuberculosis (TB) test clearance required prior to employment.
• Must comply with any additional health screenings or vaccinations required by Our House or other regulatory agencies.

Work Environment

• Work is primarily performed in a classroom, childcare center, or early learning setting with frequent outdoor supervision during playtime or field trips.
• Environment can be noisy, busy, and fast-paced, with frequent interruptions and changing priorities.
• May be exposed to cleaning and sanitizing products, bodily fluids, and common childhood illnesses.
• Must be comfortable working at low heights (e.g., child-sized furniture, floor play) and in close physical proximity to young children.
• May involve occasional evening or weekend hours for family events, parent conferences, or professional development.
• Requires the ability to maintain emotional composure and professionalism while managing classroom behaviors, parent concerns, and unexpected situations.
• Must adhere to all safety protocols and licensing requirements set by state and local regulatory bodies.