Preschool

Mahube-Otwa•Park Rapids, MN

5d•Onsite

About The Position

MAHUBE-OTWA is hiring a Teacher Assistant to work at Park Rapids Head Start Century Preschool and the Park Rapids Kids Plus Early Head Start Infant and Toddler Center in Park Rapids, Minnesota. The role involves supporting young children's education and classroom experiences in a community-focused early childhood program. The position is full-time, non-exempt, seasonal, and scheduled Monday through Friday for 40 hours per week, with a summer layoff. It is a day-shift, onsite position. Pay is $22.35–$23.10 per hour. A high school diploma or GED is required. A Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is required for some assignment grades; employees hired without one must enroll in an approved CDA program and obtain the credential within 12 months. MAHUBE-OTWA provides training and support toward this requirement. The posting also describes higher-grade assignments that require a CDA, or a CDA and a commercial driver's license with passenger endorsement for the Teacher Assistant/Bus Driver assignment. First Aid/CPR certification and successful completion of required background checks are also required. The employer describes its work as part of a mission to empower people to achieve self-sufficiency and strengthen communities. Applicants must submit a completed agency application and two work-related reference letters.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
For employees hired without a CDA, enroll in an approved Child Development Associate credential program and obtain the credential within 12 months of hire; the CDA is required for Grade 8 and above.
Ability to read, write, and comprehend simple instructions and short correspondence, and perform basic math.
Ability to apply common-sense solutions in standardized situations.
Ability to communicate ideas and instructions to clients, the public, or other employees.
Ability to work positively and cooperatively with children, staff, and parents.
Ability to handle typical and unexpected classroom situations professionally, including emergencies involving young children and parents.
Ability to honor private and confidential information.
Basic computer skills, including email, internet, data entry, computer files, databases, and/or web-based programs.
First Aid/CPR certification.
Successfully complete background studies and checks required by Minnesota law and federal Head Start standards.
For the Teacher Assistant/Bus Driver assignment only: valid driver's license, acceptable driving record, and availability and willingness to drive morning and/or afternoon routes as needed.
For Grade 9 Teacher Assistant/Bus Driver: CDA, CDL with passenger endorsement, required DOT medical certification, and acceptable driving record; employees must maintain these qualifications.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of early childhood development and developmentally appropriate classroom practices.
Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and DCYF child-care licensing requirements, and the ability to maintain compliance.

Responsibilities

Support children's education and classroom experiences at a Head Start preschool or Early Head Start infant and toddler center.
Work cooperatively with children, staff, and parents.
Handle typical and unexpected classroom situations professionally, including emergencies involving young children and parents.
Protect private and confidential information.
For the Teacher Assistant/Bus Driver assignment only, drive morning and/or afternoon bus routes as required by the location.