Project Specialist Teacher Assistant/Aide II (AP27-004)

About SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start

The SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start Program is committed to ensuring children and families are engaged with highly qualified staff who have the heart, spirit, and knowledge base to support the achievement of children and families. Head Start Teacher Assistant positions are nine-month (August - May), full-time positions, and serve children between the ages of three and five years of age. Early Head Start Teacher Assistant positions are twelve-month, full-time positions, and serve children between the ages of six weeks and thirty-six months of age. SIUE Head Start centers are located in Belleville, Cahokia, Caseyville, East St. Louis, Lebanon, and Lovejoy, Illinois. Final center assignments will be decided upon hire based on programmatic needs.

What You Will Do

• Support the head teacher in creating a safe, loving, developmentally appropriate environment that promotes emotional/social growth and school readiness.
• Assist with developmentally appropriate instructional plans and engage with all children, including those with specialized needs.
• Promote positive behavior management in the classroom.
• Support developmental screenings, ongoing assessments, and recording of outcome data to inform future instruction.
• Participate in home visits and parent–teacher conferences as requested by the teacher.

Minimum Acceptable Qualifications

Tier I: Associate degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or Child Development

Tier II: Possess a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or a state-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential; or currently enrolled in a program that will lead to an Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education having already completed at least half (50%) of coursework. Demonstrate active enrollment each semester/term in the associates degree program from the time of hire. Demonstrate successful completion and progress towards meeting the degree requirements at the end of each semester/term. Courses taken need to count/accrue towards earning the qualified degree.

Salary

Project Specialist Teacher Aide/Teacher Assistant I – Tier I

• 0 Years of Experience: $2,562.95/month
• 1-2 Years of Experience: $2,610.12/month
• 2-4 Years of Experience: $2,688.08/month
• 4+ Years of Experience: $2,796.20/month

Project Specialist Teacher Aide/Teacher Assistant II – Tier II

• 0 Years of Experience: $2,500.02/month
• 1-2 Years of Experience: $2,549.20/month

Application Materials

When submitting your application, please include:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Unofficial academic transcripts, including those for SIUE
• Three professional references with current contact information

To be eligible for the role, ensure that your application includes a complete and detailed employment history that highlights your relevant full-time and part-time work experience, including start and end dates of employment. You are strongly encouraged to submit a resume and/or cover letter to provide additional context and showcase your qualifications. Applicants who feel their credentials and prior experience align with the listed minimum qualifications are encouraged to apply. In the application or within the cover letter and resume clearly describe how your credentials and relevant work experience align with the specified minimum requirements of the position. Applications must be submitted by the specified closing date no later than 11:59 p.m. CST.

Note: All candidates must provide transcripts and/or certifications for minimum qualification verification.