Assistant Teacher

Community Action of South Mississippi • Moss Point, MS

9d

About The Position

The Assistant Teacher supports the development and safety of Head Start children by encouraging their social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth and promoting family engagement. The role assists the classroom Teacher in providing quality classroom activities that meet Federal Head Start Performance Standards and applicable local, state, and agency policies and procedures.

The position involves frequent movement in the classroom and facility, extended periods of activity, and working on the floor and outdoors with children. The Assistant Teacher must be able to keep pace with children, recognize hazards, and respond quickly to help maintain a safe environment. The role may also require lifting children weighing 50 pounds or more, accompanying children on field trips, assisting them on and off buses, and helping them cross streets.

The Assistant Teacher must communicate effectively in person and by telephone, demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, work under pressure and meet deadlines, and apply Early Childhood Development knowledge with a focus on infant and toddler theory. The role also requires customer service skills, keyboard proficiency, familiarity with office technology, continuous supervision and monitoring of children, and a valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Must obtain a Child Development Associate (CDA) within 18 months of the start date.
• Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Proficient computer and keyboard skills and ability to use office technology such as telephones and fax machines.
• Ability to supervise and monitor children continuously and move quickly to respond to active children or safety concerns.
• Ability to lift children weighing 50 pounds or more when required.
• Ability to remain active for extended periods and participate in floor-based and outdoor activities with children.
• Ability to perceive sound at normal speaking levels, with or without correction.
• Ability to apply Early Childhood Development knowledge, focus on infant and toddler theory, and adapt activities to individual children's needs.

Nice To Haves

• At least six months of experience working with toddlers and preschool-age children.

Responsibilities

• Encourage the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of Head Start children.
• Attend to children's safety and welfare and supervise and monitor them at all times.
• Promote family engagement in all aspects of the program.
• Assist the classroom Teacher in providing quality classroom activities that meet Federal Head Start Performance Standards and applicable local, state, and agency policies and procedures.
• Recognize hazards and dangerous situations and take appropriate action.
• Accompany children on field trips and assist them on and off buses and when crossing streets.
• Apply Early Childhood Development knowledge, including infant and toddler theory, in daily activities and adapt to children's individual needs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED