Teacher Aide

Community Action Corporation of South Texas (CACOST) is a private non‑profit founded in 1971, funded by federal, state and local grants, serving 16 counties with health care, education, housing and economic opportunity programs. CACOST seeks dedicated employees to advance its mission of improving the lives of South Texans.

About the role

The Teacher Aide assists the classroom teacher in delivering developmentally appropriate activities for preschool children, promoting health, nutrition, education, safety and welfare while complying with Head Start Program Performance Standards, THHS Child Care Regulation, School Readiness Goals and other applicable regulations.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assist teachers with the care, supervision and education of a group of children as part of a teaching team.
• Provide preschool‑aged children with a nurturing, safe and healthy environment and individualized learning experiences to support social, intellectual, physical and emotional development.
• Assist in implementing screening procedures that identify developmental, behavioral, motor, language, social, cognitive and emotional concerns within 45 calendar days of a child’s entry.
• Implement a research‑based curriculum with fidelity, aligned with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (Ages Birth to Five).
• Integrate child assessment data and developmentally appropriate learning experiences into collaboratively designed lesson plans.
• Assist in conducting parent‑teacher conferences, at least two center visits and two home visits, with additional conferences as appropriate.
• Implement classroom emergency procedures, post emergency information, maintain up‑to‑date family contact details and emergency care authorizations.
• Ensure indoor and outdoor environments are safe and clean; store outdoor equipment and hazardous materials securely.
• Sanitize classroom equipment, supplies, restrooms and kitchen area.
• Supervise children at all times, maintain required child‑to‑staff ratios and prevent unsupervised children.
• Maintain a developmentally appropriate classroom environment for all children, including those with disabilities.
• Conduct classroom activities in accordance with program plans, performance standards, licensing standards, CACOST policies, School Readiness Goals and the Parent, Family and Community Engagement Framework.
• Serve as the teacher when the lead teacher is absent.
• Implement children’s IEPs or Plans of Care for children with disabilities.
• Maintain a cooperative attitude with teachers, volunteers, parents and staff; assist the teacher in obtaining monthly in‑kind contributions.
• Perform sanitizing, cleaning, dishwashing and meal service as needed.
• Assist with child drop‑off and pick‑up procedures.
• Support documentation of attendance, education, health, nutrition, mental health, transition, disabilities and parent/family engagement in the appropriate program software, portfolio or child file.
• Assist the Family Advocate in promoting parent engagement activities and obtaining required documents (physicals, dentals, immunizations, in‑kind, etc.).
• Comply with the program’s confidentiality policies.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Teacher or Operations Manager.

Work Experience

• Prior supervisory experience is preferred.
• Valid Texas driver’s license.
• Successful completion of a DFPS background check.
• Pass an annual physical examination.
• Complete 24 clock hours of professional development and staff training per year, including active supervision, safety practices, child and family outcome improvement, mandated reporting of suspected abuse/neglect, and other trainings required by Head Start Performance Standards and Texas Child Care Regulation.

Education / Certifications / Licensure

• Minimum: CDA credential or a state‑awarded certificate that meets or exceeds CDA requirements, or enrollment in a program leading to an associate or bachelor’s degree, or enrollment in a CDA credential program to be completed within two years of hire (per Head Start Act §648A(a)(2)(B)(ii)).
• Preferred: CDA credential or an associate degree in child development, early childhood education, or a related field, with experience teaching preschool‑age children.

Skills

• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, parents and community resources.
• Proficiency in maintaining accurate written records, including assessments, IEP documentation, screening instruments, anecdotal observations and required forms.
• Capability to assist in general facility maintenance and security.
• Strong supervision skills to ensure a safe environment for preschool children, including rapid response and appropriate redirection or restraint when necessary.

Physical Requirements

A physical examination will be required prior to employment. The position requires:

• General vision (close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception) and the ability to adjust focus.
• Hearing within the normal range (corrected if needed) and clear verbal communication.
• Mobility to walk, sit, stand, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, and move quickly throughout the classroom and outdoor play areas.
• Ability to lift, carry, push or pull objects up to 10 lb regularly and occasionally up to 25 lb.