Assistant Teacher I

Save the Children US•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 create strong partnerships with families, and contributes to high-quality instruction that follows best practices and complies with Head Start Program Performance Standards. As a frontline representative of Save the Children, the Assistant Teacher is responsible for the safety and security of children and families encountered through the program and is expected to demonstrate the agency’s values of Accountability, Ambition, Collaboration, Creativity, and Integrity. The role may require staying until all children have left the program and taking the lead when a teacher is absent.

Requirements

Hold a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, a state-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds CDA requirements, or be enrolled in a CDA program to complete the credential 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, with 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.
Meet 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 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 safety policies.
Meet the physical requirements of medium to heavy work, including exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and up to 5–10 pounds constantly, as well as performing the listed movements and repetitive tasks.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual ability, preferably English/Spanish or English and another language used by children and families.
For positions in North Carolina, a Birth-Kindergarten (B-K) license is preferred.

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 children’s individual needs and follow the daily schedule.
Help lead classroom activities, projects, and field trips with the Head Start Teacher.
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 children are never left alone or unsupervised.
Work with management to ensure the program complies with Head Start Program Performance Standards.
Act as a liaison between staff and parents, encouraging parent involvement in the classroom and educational activities at home.
Participate in parent-teacher conferences about children’s development and progress.
Eat with and assist children at mealtimes, supporting social and self-help skills and sound nutritional practices.
Assist children with health and personal habits, including resting, brushing teeth, and toilet habits.
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.
Work with the supervisor to develop and document progress on a professional development plan.
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.
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 on a portion of contributions for eligible employees enrolled in a 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.
Wellness support through Calm and company-hosted events.
Free and confidential Employee Assistance Program services, including assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up.
Internal and external learning and development opportunities, mentorships, certification assistance, and tuition assistance.