Head Start Teacher Assistant
About The Position
The Teacher Assistant supports a Head Start classroom by partnering with the classroom teacher to create a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment. The role supports children's social, emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development through meaningful interactions, individualized learning experiences, daily care, and family partnerships. This is a full-time, school-year position scheduled for 8 hours per day for 190 days, with summers off. The pay rate is $18.09 per hour. STEP, Inc. is the Lycoming-Clinton Counties Commission for Community Action and has served the community for 60 years as part of the Community Action Network, providing programs in response to needs identified through its Community Assessment.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED certificate.
- Willingness to obtain a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) in the Center-based Setting within two years of hire.
- At least one year of experience working with young children.
- Passion for working with young children and belief that every child can succeed.
- Ability to build trusting, respectful relationships with families and colleagues.
- Patience, flexibility, creativity, and a team-oriented approach.
- Strong communication and organizational skills.
- Values diversity and enjoys working with children and families from varied backgrounds.
- Commitment to ongoing professional growth and learning.
Nice To Haves
- Associate degree preferred.
- Bilingual English–Spanish skills desirable.
Responsibilities
- Create a welcoming, safe, and stimulating learning environment.
- Build positive relationships with children and support their social-emotional growth.
- Assist with engaging, developmentally appropriate learning activities.
- Encourage children's independence, self-help skills, and positive behavior.
- Support children's health, nutrition, and daily care routines.
- Collaborate with families to foster children's success at home and school.
- Maintain a classroom that is organized, clean, and responsive to children's needs.
- Observe and document children's development and support each child's individual development.
- Help ensure compliance with Head Start standards and child safety requirements.
- Step into leadership responsibilities when the teacher is unavailable.
Benefits
- Flexible health insurance options.
- Agency-paid dental insurance.
- Agency-paid vision insurance.
- Agency-paid life insurance.
- 403(b) retirement savings with generous employer match.
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Dependent Care Account (DCA) options.
- Short- and long-term disability insurance.
- Paid Time Off (PTO) and Long-Term Sick Leave.
- Optional flexible benefits.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
