Assistant Teacher

Save the Children 2022•Forrest City, AR

23d

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 daily Head Start classroom operations, helps create strong partnerships with families, and contributes to high-quality instruction consistent with best practices and Head Start Program Performance Standards. As a frontline representative of Save the Children, the Assistant Teacher is responsible for helping protect the safety and security of children and families and adhering to the agency’s values of Accountability, Ambition, Collaboration, Creativity, and Integrity. The position may require flexibility to stay until all children have left the program and requires taking the lead when a teacher is absent. Save the Children describes its work as advancing children’s rights to a healthy start in life, education, and safety. The organization operates in over 100 countries, including the United States, and is committed to safe programs and operations, child protection, and safe working conditions for employees.

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.
Successful 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 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, 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.
Ability to perform duties involving repetitive action and motion, keyboarding, and computer use.
Clear required pre-employment background checks, including applicable criminal records, sex offender registry, employment, and education checks, as well as a child abuse registry check if required by state regulations.
Pass applicable 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-operation 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 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 children's individual needs and follow the daily schedule.
Help 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 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, partner with parents in children's education, and encourage classroom involvement and home activities.
Participate in parent-teacher conferences to discuss children's individual development and progress.
Eat with and assist children at mealtimes to teach social and self-help skills and sound nutritional practices.
Assist children with health and personal habits, including resting, toothbrushing, and toileting.
Assist the Head Start Teacher with record keeping; 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.
Develop and document progress on professional development plans 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 care coverage for employees and their families.
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.
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 and 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.