Teacher Aide
Job Description
Help Children Learn, Grow, and Thrive in a Safe and Supportive Environment
Do you have a passion for early childhood education and a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young children? Are you looking for a rewarding role where you can support learning, encourage growth, and help build strong foundations for lifelong success?
Join our Head Start team and become part of a caring, collaborative classroom environment dedicated to supporting every child’s physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development. As a Teacher Assistant, you will work alongside Co-Teachers to create safe, nurturing, and engaging learning experiences that help children reach their full potential.
Why You'll Love Working Here
- Competitive Pay (Level 18)
- Starting at $15.00/hour
- Outstanding Work-Life Balance
- Full-time schedule: 40 hours per week, 49 weeks per year
- No evenings or weekends required
- Paid holidays and breaks
- Supportive, team-based environment
- Exceptional Benefits
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- FREE life insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
- 14 paid holidays annually
- Paid inclement weather days
- Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities
- Career growth within Early Childhood Education
What You'll Do
In this role, you’ll support the classroom team by:
- Helping establish a safe, healthy, and nurturing learning environment that encourages exploration and growth
- Assisting Co-Teachers with lesson planning, classroom strategies, documentation, and developmentally appropriate activities
- Supporting children’s physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development through positive interaction and guidance
- Promoting curriculum goals, including educational, social, and emotional learning objectives
- Incorporating nutrition, health, and self-care practices into daily classroom routines
- Building positive relationships with children and families to encourage engagement in learning
- Preparing classroom materials and ensuring readiness for daily activities under the direction of Co-Teachers
- Maintaining ongoing communication with staff, supervisors, parents, and service providers
- Maintaining confidentiality in all matters related to children, families, and staff
- Participating in ongoing professional development, including trainings, workshops, conferences, and coursework
- Reporting suspected child abuse or neglect in accordance with mandated reporter requirements and program procedures
- Supporting additional duties as assigned by the Supervisor
What We're Looking For
- High school diploma or GED required
- Ability to enroll in and complete a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential program within 18 months of hire
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Enjoyment and comfort working with young children
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and uphold professional standards
- CPR and First Aid certification required or ability to obtain and maintain certification
- Ability to take initiative, exercise independent judgment, and work effectively as part of a team
- Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to teamwork
- Willingness to support program operations, including classroom and center-wide needs
The above description is not a comprehensive listing of all job-specific responsibilities, tasks, and duties.
Douglass Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and Drug-Free Workplace.
