Assistant Teacher I

Save the Children 2022•Kannapolis, NC

About The Position

The Assistant Teacher assists in instruction of preschool-aged children through activities that promote social-emotional, physical, and cognitive growth. The role supports the Teacher with the day-to-day operation of a Head Start classroom, helps build strong partnerships with families, and contributes to high-quality instruction in compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards. Assistant Teachers are frontline representatives of Save the Children and are responsible for protecting the safety and security of children and families in accordance with the agency’s values of Accountability, Ambition, Collaboration, Creativity, and Integrity. The role requires constant supervision of children during indoor and outdoor activities, including active-supervision practices to ensure no child is left alone. The Assistant Teacher supports classroom instruction, family engagement, documentation, and program operations. The position may require staying until all children have left the program and taking the lead in the absence of a teacher.

Requirements

Child Development Associate (CDA), a state-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds CDA requirements, or enrollment in a CDA credential program to be completed within two years of hire.
Professional proficiency in spoken and written English.
Demonstrated knowledge of the purpose of the Head Start/Early Head Start program.
Demonstrated interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills, including the ability to follow directions and take initiative.
Ability to communicate and collaborate successfully with students, families, coworkers, community members, and teams at all levels.
Ability to work collaboratively with the Head Start Teacher, other staff, parents, and community partners to provide high-quality services to children and families.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of all family information.
Professional proficiency in Microsoft Office and online client management systems.
Participation in professional development training, including basic first aid and pediatric CPR certification, as required by state licensing and HSPPS.
Ability to perform medium to heavy physical work: exert up to 50 pounds occasionally, 20 pounds frequently, and 5–10 pounds constantly; perform activities including sitting, crawling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, and grasping.
Ability to perform duties involving repetitive actions and motion, keyboarding, and computer use.
Satisfy pre-employment background check requirements, including applicable criminal records, sex offender registry, employment, education, and child abuse registry checks.
Pass state and local health requirements after a job offer and before employment.
If required to operate a motor vehicle for essential job functions, maintain a valid driver’s license and comply with Save the Children vehicle-safety policies.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual ability, preferably English/Spanish or English and another language used by children and families.
For positions in North Carolina, Birth-Kindergarten (B-K) licensure is preferred.
Current and former Head Start/Early Head Start parents receive preference for qualified employment vacancies.

Responsibilities

Engage with children throughout the day and provide constant supervision during indoor and outdoor learning activities.
Assist the Head Start Teacher in planning and conducting activities that meet children’s individual needs and follow the daily schedule.
Guide and facilitate classroom activities, projects, and field trips with the Head Start Teacher.
Maintain classroom management using developmentally appropriate techniques and provide a safe, developmentally appropriate learning environment.
Interact with children one-on-one and in small groups.
Build effective relationships with the organization, children, and their families.
Implement active-supervision techniques to ensure children are never left alone or unsupervised.
Work with management to ensure the program complies with Head Start Program Performance Standards.
Serve as a liaison between staff and parents and partner with parents in children’s education, encouraging classroom involvement and home activities.
Participate in parent-teacher conferences about children’s development and progress.
Eat with and assist children at mealtime to promote social and self-help skills and sound nutritional practices.
Assist children with health and personal habits, including resting, brushing teeth, and toileting.
Assist the Head Start Teacher with record keeping and conduct and document observations, assessments, and screenings.
Participate in staff meetings, committees, and training sessions.
Assist with mobilizing and documenting matching in-kind activities, goods, and services.
In cooperation with the supervisor, develop and document progress on a professional development plan.
Take the lead in the absence of a teacher.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Remain at work until all children have left the program when required.

Benefits

Paid time off, including 10 days of winter break, 5 days of spring break, 5 personal days, 11 holidays, and 2 floating holidays per year.
Competitive health care, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families.
Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability benefits.
Health Savings Account option for employees enrolled in a High-Deductible Health Plan, with the company matching a portion of contributions.
Health care and dependent care Flexible Spending Account options.
Agency-paid life and accidental death and dismemberment benefits.
Parental, adoption, and fertility benefits.
Annual merit increases and/or additional incentives for eligible employees.
Retirement savings plan with employer contributions after one year.
Wellness benefits and support through Calm and company-hosted events.
Free and confidential Employee Assistance Program assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services.
Internal and external learning and development opportunities, mentorships, certification assistance, and tuition assistance.