Head Start Teacher Aide

Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans•New Orleans, LA

About The Position

The Head Start Teacher Assistant works under the supervision of the Head Start Teacher. The Head Start Teacher Assistant assists with organizing classroom space and equipment to meet the individual needs of children enrolled. The Head Start Teacher Assistant assists in planning, with the supervisory staff members, activities in all areas reflecting Early Childhood Development practices, which will encourage children to: initiate activities, solve problems, explore, experiment, question and learn by doing. Support developmentally appropriate classroom and playground activities aligned with Head Start philosophy, program standards, and licensing regulations. Assist with planning and implementing weekly lesson plans for individual, small, and large group learning activities, including IEP goals when applicable. Prepare and organize classroom materials and supplies to support daily learning activities. Help maintain a positive, structured classroom environment that encourages child engagement, independence, and relationship building. Assist with implementing the Frog Street Curriculum and the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework. Support child screenings, assessments, and observations (ASQ, TSG, DRDP) and ensure accurate documentation in ChildPlus and Teaching Strategies Gold. Monitor child progress and assist with data collection related to school readiness and developmental outcomes. Support family engagement through parent conferences, communication, and program activities. Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, State Licensing Regulations, CACFP guidelines, and agency policies. Maintain a safe, healthy classroom environment through daily health checks, sanitation practices, and incident reporting. Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and program activities while maintaining professional conduct and confidentiality. Complete required documentation, reports, and administrative tasks in a timely manner and perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

CDA certification or Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, Human Services or a related field required.
If a candidate does not hold a CDA certification or an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, they must enroll in a CDA program or an Associate Degree program upon hire and actively pursue completion.
Mandated reporter for suspected child abuse or neglect required.
Proven proficiency in verbal and written communication skills.
Communicate proficiently in English with children, families, staff and community agencies and partners.
Understand and follow oral and written instruction and make mathematical computations and tabulations accurately.
Operate the internet, Microsoft office, and Microsoft Outlook.
Substitute for the Head Start teacher when needed.

Responsibilities

Assists with organizing classroom space and equipment to meet the individual needs of children enrolled.
Assists in planning activities in all areas reflecting Early Childhood Development practices.
Support developmentally appropriate classroom and playground activities aligned with Head Start philosophy, program standards, and licensing regulations.
Assist with planning and implementing weekly lesson plans for individual, small, and large group learning activities, including IEP goals when applicable.
Prepare and organize classroom materials and supplies to support daily learning activities.
Help maintain a positive, structured classroom environment that encourages child engagement, independence, and relationship building.
Assist with implementing the Frog Street Curriculum and the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework.
Support child screenings, assessments, and observations (ASQ, TSG, DRDP) and ensure accurate documentation in ChildPlus and Teaching Strategies Gold.
Monitor child progress and assist with data collection related to school readiness and developmental outcomes.
Support family engagement through parent conferences, communication, and program activities.
Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, State Licensing Regulations, CACFP guidelines, and agency policies.
Maintain a safe, healthy classroom environment through daily health checks, sanitation practices, and incident reporting.
Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and program activities while maintaining professional conduct and confidentiality.
Complete required documentation, reports, and administrative tasks in a timely manner and perform other duties as assigned.