Assistant Teacher - Head Start

Mississippi State University (MS) • Starkville, MS

370d

About The Position

This position serves as an Assistant Teacher for a Head Start classroom. The assistant teacher shares responsibility for a Head Start classroom of 3- to 5- year old children. S/he works collaboratively with the teacher, family members and other staff to achieve positive outcomes for children of all abilities.

Requirements

• CDA credential or enrolled to complete within one year of hire or a degree in Early Childhood Education or related field with nine (9) credits in Early Childhood Education or enrolled to complete degree (with related credits) within one year of hire.
• Meets required standards as specified by the State Department of Health/Child Care Licensure Standards for staff including finger printing and background check.
• Obtain certification in CPR and First Aid within the 9 months of employment.
• Physical exam and background checks are required for this position.
• Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation - Travel required locally or long-distance up to 10% of the time for work-related meetings and functions.

Nice To Haves

• Experience teaching preschool children including group experience with children from birth to four years old.
• Current understanding of MS Child Care Licensing requirements.
• Current understanding of Head Start Performance Standards.
• Able to anticipate the needs of children.
• Must be able to organize and execute daily activities.
• Works well with other staff.
• Intermediate computer literacy skills in email, Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Assist the lead teacher in a classroom of 3-to 5 year-old children.
• Demonstrates a warm, calm, and unhurried manner.
• Serves as a role model for children and families.
• Serve as a bus monitor during morning and afternoon bus routes.
• Provides for the education, care, safety, and well-being of all children in the group.
• Meets the children's emotional, social, physical, and intellectual needs.
• Assist in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate learning activities.
• Maintains a cooperative relationship with children, co-workers, and parents.
• Demonstrates increasing understanding of child growth and development in working with children, in talking with parents, and in recording activities.
• Attends staff meetings, reports problems of child or room management to the Classroom Teacher promptly.
• Attends in-service training, keeps current on developments in field of child development.
• Follows personnel policies of the MSU-ES Head Start program and the University.
• Assist in managing a safe, clean, and pleasant environment for young children.
• Provides peer coaching with the lead teacher to other assistant teachers, floaters, and substitute teachers.
• Models exemplary classroom practices for other assistant teachers especially those detailed in the Teacher Success Rubric and CLASS.
• Responsible for collaborating with the Lead Teacher in the preparation of daily lesson plans.

What This Job Offers

• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Associate degree