Head Start Assistant Teacher

Summary

The Assistant Teacher assists with creating a quality dual language program and a class environment conducive to learning and personal growth. The Assistant Teacher establishes a respectful, supportive, and collaborative relationship with children, families, and staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Promote and support children’s social, emotional, and physical development consistent with the philosophy of early learning standards.
• Assist and collaborate with the planning and implementation of a dual language early learning curriculum by providing intentional opportunities for social, emotional, and cognitive development.
• Work respectfully in collaboration with all program staff.
• Aid in the implementation of lesson plans and daily activities both indoors and outdoors.
• Demonstrate knowledge of early childhood theories to provide individualized learning opportunities, enhancing cognitive and language skill development.
• Establish a quality early learning environment that aligns with quality standards of health and safety.
• Aid in the classroom DRDP documentation process.
• Assist with required individual children assessments in compliance with Early Childhood affiliated Federal and State contracts.
• Perform the lead role of lesson implementation in the absence of the Lead Teacher.
• Maintain a professional relationship with staff and families.
• Attend, complete, and implement required professional training, classes, meetings, and workshops.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children and parents.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualification Requirements

• Preschool Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials required.
• 9 college credit hours towards an Early Childhood Associate’s preferred.
• A valid driver’s license required.
• Dependable transportation is required.
• One (1) year of experience working in Early Childhood Education preferred.
• Current Certificate in Early Childhood Education.
• TB test is required.
• A physical exam is required.
• FBI and MO State fingerprint clearance is required.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Work Environment

This job operates in an early childhood school and professional environment. This role continually uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.

Physical Demands

• Sit, stand, and talk or hear.
• Walk, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Lift and/or move up to 45 pounds.
• Push items of 45 lbs. such as pushing children on a bike or moving/rearranging furniture.
• Close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.
• Close vision, such as reading handwritten or typed material and adjusting focus.

Equal Opportunity Employer

GCI is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, creed, ancestry, age, sex, gender, national origin, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, genetic information, veteran status, service member status or any other category protected by federal, state or local law. Preventing discrimination is the responsibility of every employee in the way employees treat and interact with one another. Therefore, GCI expects all work relations to be business-like and professional, free of bias, prejudice, harassment and/or discrimination. GCI's policy of Equal Opportunity extends to all conditions of employment including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, placement, training, compensation, discipline, transfers, separation, layoff, recall, leave of absence and promotion. GCI will not tolerate any discrimination in the workplace, and it is expected that any employee who believes they have been subjected to any practice that appears to be inconsistent with this policy will contact Human Resources. Improper interference with the ability of GCI's employees to perform their expected job duties is not tolerated. GCI encourages reporting of incidents or concerns regarding discrimination to the Director of Human Resources, so that prompt and constructive action can be taken. There will be no retaliation or adverse action against an employee for raising an issue or complaint pursuant to this policy. The report will be investigated to determine what, if any, responsive action is necessary and appropriate. Any employee found responsible for an inappropriate or discriminatory act will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including separation.