*Join our Team and Ignite Young Minds*

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children? We're seeking a dedicated Teaching Assistant for our Head Start program, where your enthusiasm and creativity will help shape the future of our little learners.

Not only will you be a vital part of our education staff, but you'll also enjoy excellent benefits that truly value your contribution, including:

• 15 paid program holidays - celebrate Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring Breaks with your loved ones!
• Summer off to recharge and pursue your passions
• Generous PTO to support your well-being
• Affordable health coverage to keep you and your family healthy.
• A 401(k) plan with up to 5% match to help you secure your future!

If you believe in nurturing potential and fostering a love for learning, this is the opportunity for you! 

JOB SUMMARY:

This position provides support to the education component at Head Start, Inc. To ensure high quality, individualized early childhood education by assisting Teachers in the classroom. This position participates in service strategies that contribute to the welfare of Head Start, Inc. And the families served while being mindful of the responsibility to maintain confidentiality, be supportive and provide a child friendly atmosphere. This position serves with integrity and fidelity to ensure Head Start, Inc. Values are incorporated into daily operations. This position works in tandem with the classroom teacher to provide a cohesive education program for families and to ensure school readiness for the children. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

CLASSROOM

• 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. Sit with children and have meals and snacks, adhering to the Head Start, Inc. nutrition philosophy.
• Assist teachers in promoting safe and healthy practices for children.
• Assist teachers in guidance and discipline.
• Regularly communicate with supervisor regarding classroom status.
• Assists the teacher in regular collection and recording of assessment data.
• Engages parents and families and forms mutually supportive relationships with them.
• Assumes the duties of the teacher during their absence on a limited basis.  

CHILD AND FAMILY EDUCATION

• Understand and assist with the Head Start model for learning environment in the classroom.
• 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.
• Actively participate with children daily, both indoors and outdoors.
• Regularly report to teachers regarding information about children that is heard or observed in the classroom and/or from parents and enter Child Plus notes as necessary.

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 demonstrate respect and sensitivity at all times for cultural, racial, and economic differences.
• Must treat others with respect and consideration to foster a teamwork environment.
• Must be able to use computer technology and understand its application to organizational and/or departmental function. 

USING ACTIVE SUPERVISON TO KEEP CHILDREN SAFE:

Head Start, Inc. uses the strategy of Active Supervision to ensure that no child is left unattended while in the care of Head Start, Inc. Incidents of children left unsupervised must be immediately reported to the Executive Director.

All Head Start, Inc. employees are responsible for the safety of children in our program. Active Supervision requires focused attention and intentional observation of children at all times. All employees who care for children position themselves in classrooms, on playgrounds, in hallways, on buses, on field trips and in any space where children are present so that they can observe all children: watching, counting, and listening at all times. They also use their knowledge of each child's development and abilities to anticipate what he/she will do, then get involved and redirect them when necessary.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The working environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. 

While performing the duties of this position, the employee works in busy classrooms or a shared office environment, travels by vehicle, may be exposed to changing weather conditions, and works in varied environments. The noise level is usually moderate. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, Montana Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program or associate degree in early childhood education is required within 2 years of hire (on the job training is typically provided). Two years of childcare experience in a licensed facility is preferred.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, listen, stand, walk, and sit. The employee is also often required to use hands to manipulate objects, tools, or controls, reach with hands and arms, balance, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and move quickly to respond to children’s health and safety needs. 

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 35 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities are required for the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.