Early Head Start Assistant Teacher

Location: Bedford, VA

Pay

$16.50–$19.00 per hour

Benefits

• Over 5 weeks of Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay to use at your discretion
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 403(b) Retirement plan with company match and contribution
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Professional development opportunities
• Life insurance
• Short Term and Long Term Disability insurance

About the role

Do you have a passion for working with young children and want to make a difference in their earliest years? Join our Early Head Start team as an Assistant Teacher, where you’ll support infants and toddlers during their most formative stages of development. This role is a chance to build meaningful relationships, foster emotional and cognitive growth, and contribute to a supportive and enriching classroom environment. If you're patient, energetic, and eager to learn, we invite you to grow with us in this rewarding, team-centered position.

Responsibilities

• Support the Lead Teacher with daily routines and child-focused activities that nurture development.
• Create and maintain a safe, emotionally secure, and developmentally appropriate environment.
• Step in confidently to lead the classroom in the absence of the Teacher.
• Support the implementation of all licensing, Head Start, and nutrition program standards.
• Collaborate with team members to ensure all children, regardless of ability, receive inclusive care and support.

Career Path

• Education Assistant Teacher > Teacher > Supervising Teacher > Center Manager > Director of Early Head Start
• Assistant Teacher > Teacher > Education Specialist > Education Manager > Director of Early Head Start
• Assistant Teacher > Family Engagement Specialist > Lead Family Engagement Specialist > Family Services Manager > Director of Early Head Start
• Assistant Teacher > Health and Disabilities Specialist > Health and Disabilities Manager > Family Services Manager > Director of Early Head Start

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Six months’ experience with infant and toddler education or care.

Qualifications

• Foundational knowledge of infant and toddler development and the ability to work with mixed-age groups.
• A flexible, team-oriented attitude and a willingness to step into a variety of roles as needed.
• Awareness of (or willingness to learn) state and federal early childhood education standards and safety requirements.
• Strong communication skills, professionalism, and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
• Physical stamina and readiness to engage in active play, indoor and outdoor activities, and child care routines.

About Us

At HumanKind, your work has real impact. Whether you’re working directly with children and families or supporting programs behind the scenes, you’ll be able to see how what you do contributes to meaningful outcomes in your community. We’re a mission-driven, growing organization where your role won’t feel small. You’ll have opportunities to learn, take on new challenges, and grow your career over time. Many of our team members expand their responsibilities or move into new roles as they develop. You’ll also be part of a supportive, close-knit team that values collaboration, kindness, and showing up for one another. We work hard, but we also enjoy what we do—and who we do it with.

Values

• Actively working for equity and inclusivity: practicing humility and curiosity, taking responsibility, continuously evolving for change.
• Prioritizing caring for our people: fostering a nurturing environment, celebrating small wins, acknowledging challenges, embracing innovation and adaptability.
• Nurturing growth in ourselves and others: leveraging strengths, equipping with tools for success, fostering a positive learning environment.
• Staying mission-focused: serving with empathy, putting egos aside, upholding ethics, communicating openly, providing support, and encouraging feedback.

HumanKind is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace for all employees and applicants. HumanKind is a drug-free workplace. Employment is contingent upon successfully completing all required background checks and drug screening requirements.