Head Start Teacher Assistant (All Locations)

About the role

The Head Start Teacher Assistant works under the supervision of the Center Manager/Director, collaborating with the Head Start Teacher to plan and conduct learning experiences, manage the classroom, and support the developmental needs of children.

Responsibilities

• Organize classroom space into functional areas (interest centers) in collaboration with the teacher.
• Maintain a clean, healthy, and safe classroom environment—indoor and outdoor.
• Keep classroom arranged in an orderly manner with materials readily accessible to children.
• Provide constant supervision of children during all activities.
• Observe physical conditions of children and make referrals to the teacher when necessary.
• Assess children in each developmental area using designated screening and ongoing assessment processes.
• Refer children with suspected problems to the teacher.
• Provide input into the evaluation of each child’s progress on an ongoing basis.
• Collaborate with the teacher to prepare lesson plans, materials, and an interactive, developmentally appropriate environment.
• Follow the daily schedule, conducting activities suited to the developmental levels of all children.
• Assume primary responsibility for classroom management in the teacher’s absence.
• Provide a variety of art media to encourage creative expression.
• Display children’s work at eye level in the classroom and hallways.
• Conduct individual, small, and large group activities in a sequential manner.
• Plan and participate in a balanced program of open learning and structured activities.
• Communicate the need for additional supplies to the teacher.
• Use community resources and field trips for classroom enrichment.
• Make home visits and conduct parent-teacher conferences during the school year.
• Establish age-appropriate classroom rules with the teacher.
• Maintain classroom order using positive behavioral management approaches.
• Ensure smooth transitions between activities.
• Record and submit accurate attendance, meal counts, and other reports.
• Attend and participate in required meetings, trainings, professional development, and continuing education.
• Participate in family-style meal service, modeling good nutrition and social skills.
• Follow site-appropriate health, safety, classroom organization, aesthetic, and sanitation guidelines.
• Report suspected abuse, unsafe conditions, repair needs, complaints, accidents, and injuries as required.

Requirements

• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to perform physical requirements, including kneeling, bending, squatting, lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying objects or children up to 50 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree in early childhood education or a combination of education and experience teaching preschool-aged children.

Employment Requirements

• Ability to pass a pre-employment background check, including criminal record check, drug screening, and motor vehicle record (MVR) according to company policy.
• Must be legally eligible to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship.

Benefits

The YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta offers excellent benefits and career opportunities as part of a culture of excellence.