Assistant Teacher I

Save the Children 2022•Albemarle, NC

17d

About The Position

The Assistant Teacher assists in instructing preschool-aged children through activities designed to 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 that complies with Head Start Program Performance Standards. As a frontline representative of Save the Children, the Assistant Teacher is responsible for children’s safety and security and is expected to uphold the agency’s values of Accountability, Ambition, Collaboration, Creativity, and Integrity. The position involves direct engagement and supervision of children during indoor and outdoor activities, helping plan and conduct learning activities, supporting classroom management, and providing an appropriate learning environment. The Assistant Teacher also partners with families, assists with children’s meals and personal habits, supports recordkeeping and assessments, participates in staff development, and may take the lead when a teacher is absent. Work may require staying until all children have left the program.

Requirements

Have a Child Development Associate (CDA), a state-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds CDA requirements, or be enrolled 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.
Successful interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills, including the ability to follow directions and take initiative.
Ability to communicate and collaborate successfully with individuals and teams at all levels, including students, families, coworkers, and community members.
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 keep all family information strictly confidential.
Professional proficiency with Microsoft Office and online client management systems.
Participate in professional development training, including basic first aid and pediatric CPR certification as required by state licensing and HSPPS.
Pass required pre-employment background checks, including applicable criminal records, sex offender registry, employment, education, and child abuse registry checks, and meet state and local health requirements after 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 motor vehicle safety policies.
Meet the stated physical demands, including exerting up to 50 pounds occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and 5–10 pounds constantly, and performing activities such as sitting, crawling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, repetitive motion, keyboarding, and computer use.

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 vacancies.

Responsibilities

Engage with children throughout the day and provide constant supervision during indoor and outdoor learning activities to maintain a safe environment.
Assist the Head Start Teacher in planning and conducting activities that meet individual children’s needs and follow the daily schedule.
Help facilitate classroom activities, projects, and field trips.
Maintain classroom management using developmentally appropriate techniques.
Provide a safe, developmentally appropriate learning environment and interact with children individually and in small groups.
Build effective relationships with the organization, children, and their families.
Use active supervision techniques to ensure no child is 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, encouraging parent involvement in the classroom and at home.
Participate in parent-teacher conferences about children’s individual development and progress.
Eat with and assist children at mealtimes to support 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 recordkeeping 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 a 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.
Stay 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.
Health, 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 the contribution.
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 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 and mentorships.
Certification and tuition assistance.