Teacher Assistant

About the role

As an integral part of our team at Centro de la Familia, you will support the Lead Teacher and Education Specialist in administering a developmentally, linguistically, and culturally appropriate early childhood education program. You will meet the individual and holistic needs of infants and toddlers, collaborate with parents and families, and assist in providing meals and snacks for children. You will also assume Teacher duties in the temporary absence of the Lead Teacher.

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 children’s 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 a sense of independence and pride in themselves, 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 guidelines.

Parent & Family Involvement

• Encourage and partner with parents for active participation in the program.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding children and families.
• Communicate with parents in their preferred language.
• Suggest at-home activities and materials for parents.
• 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, or an associate/bachelor’s degree in early childhood education/child development or a related field within two years from the date of hire.
• Current CPR, First Aid, and Food Handler’s permits.
• A 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, as well as the ability to sit on the floor, crawl, run, and perform various activities associated with preschool care.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English.

Schedule

This role operates for 9 months a year.

About Us

We are passionate about our work and the incredible children and families we support. Centro de la Familia has been dedicated to Community and Family Engagement since 1975, operating Head Start Programs since 1991. We have experience 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.