Teacher Assistant

Position Overview

As an integral part of our team, under the guidance of the Lead Teacher and Education Specialist, you will:

• Administer a developmentally, linguistically, and culturally appropriate early childhood education program.
• Meet the individual and holistic needs of infants and toddlers.
• Work closely with parents and families, ensuring they are included in the planning and execution of their child’s education.
• Collaborate with staff, parents, and volunteers, and be directly involved in providing meals and snacks for children.
• Assume Teacher duties in the temporary absence of the Teacher.

Key Responsibilities

Classroom Environment

• Assist in managing the classroom, supervising children, and engaging them in learning activities both indoors and outdoors.

Program Planning

• Support daily planning to promote children’s growth and development, adhering to Head Start Performance Standards and CDLF Service Plan.

Learning Environment

• Create an interesting, secure, and enjoyable environment for play, exploration, and learning using space, relationships, materials, and routines.

Physical Development

• Implement activities that promote children’s physical development and encourage curiosity, exploration, and problem-solving.

Communication

• Actively communicate with children, providing opportunities for verbal and nonverbal communication.

Creative Expression

• Stimulate children’s creative abilities through play with sound, rhythm, language, materials, space, and ideas.

Emotional Security

• Help each child develop a sense of independence and pride in themselves, fostering acceptance and mutual respect among peers.

Behavioral Development

• Create a supportive environment for children to practice appropriate and acceptable behaviors.

Individualized Learning

• Use observations and assessments to plan personalized learning activities and track progress.

Health and Safety

• 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

• The ideal candidate will have:
• 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.
• PREFERRED: Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English.

Physical Capabilities

• Extended periods of walking, standing, kneeling, crouching, lifting/moving up to 50 pounds.
• The ability to sit on the floor, crawl, run, and perform various activities associated with preschool care.

Why You'll Love It

• We are passionate about our work and the incredible children and families we have the privilege to support.
• We have been dedicated to Community and Family Engagement since 1975, have been operating Head Start Programs since 1991, and 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.
• Plus, our team includes bilingual and bicultural staff to ensure inclusive and culturally sensitive care.