Floater Teacher Assistant

CPCD•Colorado Springs, CO

10h•$18 - $22

About The Position

The Floater Teacher Assistant supports classroom teams in maintaining safe, healthy, high-quality learning environments and experiences that promote the development of the whole child. The role follows CPCD policies and procedures, Head Start Performance Standards, Colorado Department of Human Services licensing requirements, and Colorado Quality Standards for Early Childhood Education Services. It facilitates both group and individualized experiences to promote school readiness skills under CPCD’s School Readiness Action Plan. The assistant travels among classrooms and sites as directed by the Child Development Supervisor and is scheduled to work 40 hours per week. The position is scheduled to begin December 2; no year is specified. Compensation is determined by qualifications and experience: $17.59 per hour for a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant experience; $19.30 per hour for an age-appropriate CDA or Level II credential; $20.28 per hour for Colorado DQ/Level 3; $21.28 per hour for Colorado DQ/Level 3 and 12 ECE credit hours; and $22.34 per hour for an associate degree in ECE or a related field, or an AA plus 24 ECE credit hours. CPCD serves children and families through Head Start, Early Head Start, and the Universal Preschool Program, with additional health, dental, and family support services. Eligible employees working at least 25 hours per week may receive paid vacation, sick time, holidays, and scheduled breaks. Eligible employees also have access to medical, dental, and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, supplemental and voluntary life insurance, and employer-paid basic life, long-term disability, and AD&D insurance. The 401(k) program offers traditional and Roth enrollment, with automatic enrollment in profit sharing after one year of employment. Tuition assistance is available after 60 days of employment. Employee wellbeing offerings include an Employee Assistance Program with six free counselor or therapist sessions per year and two hours of paid wellness time per month. Employment is contingent on completing the required post-offer, pre-employment physical examination, TB screening, background check, and drug test, including marijuana screening.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
A Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or Early Childhood Professional Credential Level II (PDIS); candidates without the credential must be willing to obtain it within two years of hire.
Reliable transportation for job duties, including travel to other locations during the workday.
Maintain minimum liability insurance as determined by the State of Colorado.
Obtain First Aid and CPR certification within one year of employment and maintain certification as required.
Ability to lift, carry, or manipulate up to 40 pounds.
Successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination, TB test, drug test (including marijuana), and background check in accordance with applicable Head Start and childcare licensing standards; subsequent physical examination and TB testing as required.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of successful work experience with children from birth to age five.
Bilingual ability in English and Spanish or another language relevant to the community served.
PDIS Level II – DQ.

Responsibilities

Assist classroom staff with delegated duties and accept supervision.
Support classroom routines and safety protocols as directed by the Child Development Supervisor and classroom team.
Collect observations as directed by classroom staff.
Help ensure indoor and outdoor classroom environments are clean, safe, and appropriate under applicable Head Start, licensing, health and safety, USDA food and sanitation, and CPCD requirements.
Travel to different classrooms and sites as part of the regular schedule.
Demonstrate acceptance of children and families with a positive attitude, flexibility, and adaptability.
Maintain confidentiality in accordance with CPCD policy.
When required, assist children with safety restraints and ensure straps are securely connected and adjusted; ensure bus rules are followed.
Follow safety guidelines and curriculum while riding the bus, report behavior challenges to the classroom teacher, and collaborate with transportation team members on strategies.
Maintain warm, sensitive, honest, natural, calm, respectful, and appropriate interactions with children, families, staff, and community partners.
Present oneself professionally and support CPCD’s mission.
Maintain required credentials, education, and training.
Perform other duties as assigned by classroom staff and the Child Development Supervisor.

Benefits

Paid vacation time, paid sick time, paid holidays, and paid breaks for eligible employees working 25 or more hours per week.
Paid holidays include Memorial Day, Independence Day, Juneteenth, Presidents Day, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Paid breaks include one week for spring break, one week for fall break, and two weeks for winter break.
Access to medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees.
Flexible spending accounts.
Aflac supplemental insurance and voluntary life insurance.
Employer-paid basic life, long-term disability, and AD&D insurance.
401(k) program with traditional and Roth enrollment options.
Automatic enrollment in profit sharing after one year of employment.
Tuition assistance after 60 days of employment: up to $4,000 per year for Early Childhood Education associate’s or bachelor’s degrees and up to $2,500 per year for other degrees related to employment at CPCD.
Employee Assistance Program providing six free counselor or therapist sessions per year.
Wellbeing program, including two hours of paid time per month for wellness activities.