Assistant Teacher I

Save the Children US•Kannapolis, NC

About The Position

The Assistant Teacher assists in instructing 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 create strong partnerships with families, and ensures instruction reflects best practices and complies with Head Start Program Performance Standards. As a frontline representative of Save the Children, the Assistant Teacher is responsible for children’s and families’ safety and security and is expected to uphold the agency’s values of Accountability, Ambition, Collaboration, Creativity, and Integrity.

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, with 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, staff, parents, and community partners to provide high-quality services to children and families.
Ability to keep 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.
Meet pre-employment background-check requirements, including applicable criminal records, sex offender registry, employment, education, and child abuse registry checks, and pass state and local health requirements after the 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 motor vehicle policies.
Meet the physical requirements, including the ability to perform medium to heavy physical work: exert up to 50 pounds occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and up to 5–10 pounds constantly; activities include sitting, crawling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, and grasping, as well as repetitive movements, 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.

Responsibilities

Engage with children throughout the day, provide constant supervision during indoor and outdoor learning activities, and maintain a safe environment.
Assist the Head Start Teacher in planning and conducting activities that meet children’s individual needs and follow the daily schedule.
Help guide activities, classroom projects, and field trips.
Use developmentally appropriate techniques to manage the classroom.
Provide a safe, developmentally appropriate learning environment and interact with children individually and in small groups.
Build effective relationships with the organization, children, and families.
Use active supervision techniques to ensure children are never left alone or unsupervised.
Work with management to ensure the program meets Head Start Program Performance Standards.
Serve as a liaison between staff and parents, encourage parent involvement in the classroom, and support educational activities at home.
Participate in parent-teacher conferences about children’s development and progress.
Eat with and assist children at mealtimes to teach social skills, 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.
Remain at work until all children have left the program when needed.
Develop and document progress on a professional development plan in cooperation with the supervisor.
Take the lead in the absence of a teacher.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

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, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families.
Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability benefits.
Health Savings Account option with an employer match for a portion of contributions when enrolled in an eligible High-Deductible Health Plan.
Flexible Spending Account options for health care and dependent care.
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.
Health benefits and wellness support through Calm and company-hosted events.
Free, confidential Employee Assistance Program assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services.
Access to internal and external learning and development opportunities and mentorships.
Certification and tuition assistance.