Responsibilities: ClassroomHead Start Preschool Teacher Assistant / Floater
- Classroom Support Staff
- Education Team
- Department: Programs
Position Summary
The Head Start Preschool Teacher Assistant / Floater supports the Williamsburg-James City County Community Action Agency (WJCC-CAA) in its mission to address the causes and conditions of poverty by providing high-quality early childhood education services that promote school readiness and strengthen families.
Under the supervision of the Site Supervisor and Education Coordinator, and in collaboration with the Head Start Preschool Teacher, the Teacher Assistant / Floater supports the implementation of a developmentally appropriate preschool program for children ages three to five. This position helps create a safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment that promotes children’s cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and language development while supporting family engagement and school readiness.
The Teacher Assistant / Floater provides classroom support, assists with daily routines and child supervision, and may work in multiple classrooms as assigned to ensure continuity of services and compliance with Head Start Performance Standards (45 CFR Part 1302), Virginia Department of Education Child Day Center Licensing Regulations, Virginia Early Learning and Development Standards (VELDS), and agency policies and procedures.
Key Responsibilities:
Classroom Support & Child Development
- Assist the Teacher with implementing developmentally appropriate learning experiences that support school readiness goals.
- Support the daily implementation of the agency-approved curriculum and classroom routines.
- Help create a positive, engaging, and inclusive classroom environment that promotes learning through play and exploration.
- Support children’s social-emotional development using positive guidance and behavior support strategies.
- Assist with small group activities, transitions, meals, rest time, toileting, and other daily routines.
- Support children’s language, literacy, mathematics, science, and creative development through classroom activities and interactions.
- Ensure classroom environments are responsive to diverse cultures, languages, and abilities.
- Serve as classroom support in assigned rooms and float between classrooms as needed to maintain ratios, coverage, and continuity of care.
Child Supervision, Observation & School Readiness
- Maintain active supervision of children at all times and support a safe and orderly learning environment.
- Observe children’s participation, behavior, and developmental progress and share relevant information with the Teacher.
- Assist with classroom documentation, anecdotal notes, and child records as assigned.
- Support the Teacher in preparing materials and activities that reinforce individual learning goals and school readiness outcomes.
- Assist with maintaining accurate attendance and classroom records in accordance with program procedures.
Family Engagement
- Develop positive and respectful relationships with children and families.
- Greet families warmly and support daily communication regarding classroom activities and child needs, as directed by the Teacher.
- Encourage family participation in classroom and program activities.
- Support family engagement events, parent meetings, and other program activities as assigned.
Health, Safety & Supervision
- Maintain active supervision and ensure the safety of children at all times, including in classrooms, playgrounds, buses, and during transitions.
- Assist with daily health and safety checks of classrooms, materials, and playground areas.
- Follow all health, sanitation, diapering/toileting, meal service, and emergency procedures in accordance with licensing and agency requirements.
- Ensure classrooms are clean, organized, and stocked with appropriate materials and supplies.
- Report suspected child abuse or neglect in accordance with state laws and agency procedures.
- Assist with meal service, CACFP meal count procedures, and family-style dining practices as applicable.
Program Compliance
- Support compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, VDOE Licensing Regulations, CACFP requirements, and agency policies and procedures.
- Maintain confidentiality of children, families, and agency information.
- Assist with maintaining classroom documentation, lesson support materials, attendance records, and child files as assigned.
- Participate in monitoring visits, licensing inspections, audits, and self-assessment activities as requested.
- Follow all agency procedures regarding child guidance, incident reporting, health and safety, and documentation.
Team Collaboration & Professional Development
- Work collaboratively with Teachers, Family Advocates, Disabilities and Mental Health staff, Health staff, and other program personnel.
- Provide classroom coverage as needed across classrooms and sites, based on staffing and program needs.
- Participate in staff meetings, coaching, training, and professional development activities.
- Support substitutes, volunteers, and classroom aides as assigned.
- Maintain required certifications and professional development hours.
- Demonstrate flexibility and teamwork in supporting overall classroom and program operations.
Qualifications
- Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in Preschool, or willingness to obtain within the timeframe required by Head Start and agency policy; coursework in Early Childhood Education preferred.
- Experience working with preschool-age children preferred.
- Experience working in a Head Start or publicly funded preschool program preferred.
- Knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
- Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and Virginia licensing requirements preferred.
- Ability to establish positive relationships with children, families, and staff.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and adapt to changing classroom assignments and program needs.
Core Competencies
- Child-centered support practices
- Positive classroom guidance and supervision
- Family engagement and relationship building
- Cultural responsiveness and inclusion
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Organization and attention to detail
- Regulatory compliance
- Continuous learning and professional growth
Additional Information
- Grant-funded position subject to continued funding availability.
- Background checks and child protective services clearances required.
- CPR, First Aid, MAT, and other required certifications must be maintained.
- Occasional evening activities may be required for family engagement events.
- Local travel between sites may be required to provide classroom coverage and program support.
AGENCY STATEMENT
Williamsburg-James City County Community Action Agency (WJCC-CAA) is committed to helping people, changing lives, and strengthening our community. All employees are responsible for protecting the confidentiality, safety, and integrity of agency programs and participants.
WJCC-CAA Drug-Free and Alcohol-Free Workplace.
This institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider.
Pay: $15.50 - $18.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Experience:
- preschool classroom: 2 years (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Child Development Associate Certification (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
