Head Start Teacher Assistant

Our Community Roots – The Reno-Sparks Indian Colony represents descendants of three Great Basin Indigenous peoples: the Numu (Northern Paiute), Newe (Western Shoshone), and Washeshu (Washoe). These communities lived in harmony with the land for generations before European contact, following seasonal cycles and forming small, efficient social groups for survival. Each group's name means "The People" in their own language, reflecting their deep cultural identity and connection to the Earth. They maintained strong traditions, respected neighboring tribes, and engaged in trade throughout the region. Today, the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony continues to honor these traditions while supporting the well-being, culture, and future of its tribal community.

Responsibilities

• Support comprehensive classroom management for the before/after program and assist in the Head Start classroom at the Reno/Hungry Valley centers; may substitute when teachers are absent.
• Help meet children's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive needs in alignment with Head Start Performance Standards, RSIC policies, Indian Health Services Tribal Health and Safety Code, and CACFP guidelines.
• Supervise and enrich children's learning; maintain a safe, comfortable setting.
• Perform daily cleaning and sanitation to IHS standards.
• Support meal service and kitchen needs.
• Help plan and carry out classroom activities.
• Partner with staff and families on individualized goals, documentation, and communication.
• Track in-kind, inventory, and checklists.
• Support parent meetings and home visits.
• Participate in required trainings and meetings.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Obtain ECE certificate or AAS/ECE within 2 years of hire.
• Obtain CPR/First Aid and Food Handler certifications within 3 months of hire.
• Pass annual physical and TB test; complete background checks.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Work respectfully with diverse and Tribal communities.

A Typical Shift

As a Head Start Teacher Assistant Reno, you'll arrive ready to set the room up for a smooth day—checking supplies, prepping learning areas, and ensuring the space meets cleanliness and safety expectations. Once children arrive, you'll move between small-group play, routines, and transitions, staying attentive to individual needs and keeping communication positive and calm. You'll touch base with the Mentor Teacher and teammates to stay aligned on the day's plan, then document key notes for records and family updates.

Meal and snack times are hands-on: supporting children's independence while following nutrition and food-program guidelines. Some days include parent conversations at pick-up, scheduled conferences, or home-visit coordination; others include trainings or evening/weekend events. When coverage is needed, you may step in to keep the classroom running consistently.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage through Hometown Health PPO, Lincoln Dental, and Lincoln Vision, with RSIC paying 100% of Employee Only premiums.
• For dependent coverage, RSIC contributes toward premiums:
  • Employee & Spouse: 50%
  • Employee & Child(ren): 65%
  • Employee & Family: 60%
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance ($50,000 policy paid by RSIC; reduces to $25,000 after age 70).
• Optional add-ons (e.g., AFLAC, LegalShield) at employee cost.
• Paid Time Off: Annual Leave accruing at 4 hours per pay period from date of hire (usable after probation), with increased accrual after 5 years.

Hiring preference is provided to qualified members of the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony followed by members of other federally recognized tribes. Reno-Sparks Indian Colony requires any designated candidate to complete a pre-employment criminal background check, drug screen, and confirmation of professional references.