Teacher Assistant

About the role

Join Centro de la Familia as a Teacher Assistant and become a crucial part of our team, supporting early childhood education programs that create exceptional opportunities for children and families. Under the guidance of the Lead Teacher and Education Specialist, you will help administer a developmentally, linguistically, and culturally appropriate program for infants and toddlers, collaborate with families, and ensure a nurturing learning environment.

This is a part-time, 9-month position.

Responsibilities

• Assist in managing the classroom, supervising children, and engaging them in learning activities both indoors and outdoors.
• Support daily planning to promote children’s growth and development, adhering to Head Start Performance Standards and CDLF Service Plan.
• Create an interesting, secure, and enjoyable environment for play, exploration, and learning using space, relationships, materials, and routines.
• Implement activities that promote physical development and encourage curiosity, exploration, and problem-solving.
• Actively communicate with children, providing opportunities for verbal and nonverbal communication.
• Stimulate children’s creative abilities through play with sound, rhythm, language, materials, space, and ideas.
• Help each child develop independence, pride, and emotional security, fostering acceptance and mutual respect among peers.
• Create a supportive environment for children to practice appropriate and acceptable behaviors.
• Use observations and assessments to plan personalized learning activities and track progress.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitization of toys and surfaces, following CDLF’s health and safety guidelines.
• Assume Teacher duties in the temporary absence of the Lead Teacher.
• Provide meals and snacks for children.
• Encourage and partner with parents for active participation in the program, maintaining confidentiality and communicating in their preferred language.
• Suggest at-home activities and materials for parents to support learning.
• Support bilingual development and cultural heritage.

Requirements

• A current Preschool CDA (Childhood Development Associate) or a written plan to earn one within the first six months of hire.
• An associate or bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, child development, or a related field (or a plan to earn one within two years of hire).
• Current CPR, First Aid, and Food Handler’s permits.
• Willingness to work with children with special needs and those with limited or no English language skills.
• Physical capabilities including extended periods of walking, standing, kneeling, crouching, lifting/moving up to 50 pounds, sitting on the floor, crawling, and running.

Preferred: Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English.

About Us

Centro de la Familia has been dedicated to Community and Family Engagement since 1975 and has operated Head Start Programs since 1991. We specialize in managing programs in challenging, isolated, and underserved areas. Our curricula and programs are rooted in science, and we are committed to the professional growth of minority communities. Our team includes bilingual and bicultural staff to ensure inclusive and culturally sensitive care.

Pay

$13.83 - $18.81 per hour