Teaching Assistant

Head Start, Inc. offers flexible hours, PAID Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring Breaks – not to mention summers off and free meals throughout the school year!
Are you passionate about helping young children and families get their best start? Are you caring, nurturing, and interested in making an impact on young lives? As a professional individual, Teaching Assistants work closely with Teachers to provide and maintain a positive and appropriate educational program that meets the guidelines and performance standards of the Head Start program. The focus of the Head Start program is to provide comprehensive services for young children and families to achieve school readiness and lifelong success.
Head Start, Inc. is proud to offer their employees a generous comprehensive benefit package and is committed to the well-being of its employees. Benefits include 401K, medical coverage, dental plans, and vision care, as well as, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, professional development opportunities, and gifted PTO!

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Two years of childcare experience in a licensed facility, preferred
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, Montana Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program, or Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education is required within two years of hire – with on-the-job training provided to meet this requirement!

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist teachers with preparation of classroom curriculum before and after class
• Assist staff in carrying out the daily schedules for children by referring to the classroom lesson plan
• Assist in preparing the environment before and after mealtime, including engaging with children and having meals and snacks with them, adhering to the Head Start nutrition philosophy
• Assist teachers in promoting safe and healthy practices for children, including guidance and discipline
• Engage parent and families and form mutually supportive relationships with them
• Encourage children through positive examples and communication
• Actively listen to children and converse with them using appropriate and encouraging language
• Promote children’s self-esteem by showing empathy and respect
• Promote children’s social interaction by modeling and encouraging appropriate activities

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Must maintain self-control and manage difficult or emotional situations with tact and professionalism
• Must communicate clearly, both orally and in written format
• Must be organized to ensure timely and accurate documentation of required records and reports
• Must always demonstrate respect and sensitivity for cultural, racial, and economic differences
• Must treat others with respect and consideration to foster a teamwork environment
• Must be ablet o use computer technology and understand its application to organizational and/or departmental function