Head Start Teacher Assistant
About This Role
We are seeking a dedicated and caring professional to support the lead teacher in creating a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for preschool children. They will help implement educational activities, provide attentive supervision in the classroom and on the playground, and foster children's growth and well-being.
The Teacher Assistant may step into lead teacher responsibilities as needed, including serving as Site Director for licensing compliance during teacher absences.
What You'll Do
- Help create and maintain a safe, organized, and engaging learning environment for preschool children.
- Support the planning and implementation of developmentally appropriate activities that promote each child's cognitive, physical, social, and emotional growth.
- Observe and document children's progress, assist with assessments, and maintain required records and reports.
- Build positive relationships with families through ongoing communication, parent conferences, home visits, and family engagement opportunities.
- Encourage family and community involvement by promoting volunteerism and support for program initiatives, including in-kind contributions.
- Participate in staff meetings, required training, and other professional responsibilities while adhering to agency policies and procedures.
- Maintain clean, safe, and welcoming indoor and outdoor learning environments.
- Assume lead teacher or supervisory responsibilities, including oversight of center staff, as needed during the teacher's absence.
What We're Looking For
- Passion for working with young children and families.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Commitment to providing high-quality early childhood education.
- Ability to maintain accurate records and meet program requirements.
- Dedication to creating a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
- Join our team and help children build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success!
Requirements
Education Requirements
- CDA or degree in ECE preferred
- High School Diploma or GED required AND must be enrolled in a program that will lead to an associate or baccalaureate degree or, are enrolled in a CDA credential program to be completed within two years of the time of hire to adhere to the Head Start Performance Standards requirements.
Experience Requirements
- Experience working with preschool children required
Other Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Must obtain a pre-employment physical, including a screen for communicable diseases.
- Must agree to pre-employment background check
- Must complete First Aid and CPR training and keep updated.
- Must maintain documentation per licensing requirements.
Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Paid Leave
- Sick Leave
- Retirement Plan
- Tuition Assistance
About Us
Douglas-Cherokee Economic Authority, Inc. Head Start / Early Head Start Program serves more than 700 children ages 0-5 years in eight counties in East TN: Blount, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Monroe, Sevier and Union. Children who attend Head Start participate in a variety of educational activities. They also receive support to access free medical and dental care, have healthy meals and snacks, and enjoy playing outdoors in a safe setting. Services are offered to meet the special needs of children with disabilities.
Our employees have access to:
· Up to 14 paid holidays per year
· Sick leave and Personal time
· Option to participate in State of Tennessee 401(k) savings plan
· Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System
· Group Health Insurance partially paid by the agency with other insurance products available.