Assistant Head Start Teacher
Position Title: Assistant Head Start Teacher
Reports To: Lead Head Start Teacher and Center Director
Employment Type: Full-Time
Position Summary
The Assistant Head Start Teacher supports the Lead Head Start Teacher in providing a safe, nurturing, developmentally appropriate learning environment for preschool children enrolled in the Head Start Program. The Assistant Teacher helps implement daily classroom activities, promotes school readiness, assists with child assessments and documentation, and ensures compliance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards, Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) Child Care Licensing Rules (Chapter 65C-22, Florida Administrative Code), and all center policies and procedures.
The Assistant Teacher works collaboratively with the Lead Teacher, families, and other staff to foster children's cognitive, physical, social-emotional, and language development while maintaining a positive and inclusive classroom environment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist the Lead Teacher in implementing daily lesson plans aligned with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF).
- Support children in all learning activities, including small groups, large groups, centers, meals, outdoor play, and transitions.
- Prepare classroom materials, learning centers, and educational activities.
- Encourage children's independence, problem-solving, and positive social interactions.
- Assist with maintaining classroom organization and cleanliness.
Child Supervision
- Maintain active supervision of children at all times.
- Ensure child-to-staff ratios are maintained according to Florida DCF licensing requirements and Head Start regulations.
- Monitor children's safety during indoor activities, outdoor play, meals, transportation, and field trips.
- Report injuries, accidents, illnesses, or unusual incidents immediately to the Lead Teacher and Center Director.
Child Development
- Observe and document children's developmental progress.
- Assist with developmental screenings and ongoing child assessments.
- Support individualized learning experiences based on each child's developmental needs.
- Reinforce positive behavior guidance using developmentally appropriate practices and positive redirection.
Health, Safety & Nutrition
- Conduct daily health observations under the direction of the Lead Teacher.
- Follow proper handwashing, diapering (if applicable), sanitation, and infection control procedures.
- Ensure toys, equipment, and classroom materials remain clean and safe.
- Assist with meal service while following USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines.
- Ensure children with allergies or medical needs receive appropriate accommodations according to their care plans.
Family Engagement
- Build respectful and professional relationships with families.
- Greet families warmly and communicate daily regarding children's activities and well-being.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding children and families.
- Encourage family participation in classroom and Head Start events.
Documentation & Compliance
- Assist with maintaining accurate attendance records.
- Complete required classroom documentation as assigned.
- Help maintain child files in accordance with Head Start and Florida licensing requirements.
- Participate in classroom monitoring visits and quality improvement initiatives.
- Maintain confidentiality of all records and information.
Teamwork
- Work collaboratively with Lead Teachers, Directors, Family Advocates, Disabilities Coordinators, Mental Health Consultants, and other program staff.
- Attend staff meetings, trainings, and professional development.
- Accept classroom responsibilities in the absence of the Lead Teacher when assigned.
- Demonstrate professionalism, dependability, and a positive attitude.
Minimum Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED required.
- Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential (Preschool) or willingness to obtain within the required timeframe.
- Completion of all Florida DCF required Child Care Training.
- Current Pediatric CPR and First Aid Certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).
- Successful Level II Background Screening as required by Florida law.
- Meet all Head Start employment requirements.
- Previous experience working with preschool-aged children preferred.
Preferred Qualifications
- CDA in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
- Experience in a Head Start or Early Head Start Program.
- Knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish or other languages) preferred.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Understanding of child growth and development.
- Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices.
- Ability to build positive relationships with children and families.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
- Basic computer skills for documentation and communication.
- Ability to multitask in a fast-paced classroom environment.
Physical Requirements
The employee must be able to:
- Lift and carry children or classroom materials up to 40 pounds.
- Sit on the floor and engage in children's activities.
- Bend, squat, kneel, and stand for extended periods.
- Supervise children indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Respond quickly during emergencies.
Required Training
The Assistant Head Start Teacher must maintain all required certifications and annual training, including but not limited to:
- Florida DCF Child Care Training Requirements
- Pediatric CPR and First Aid
- Annual In-Service Training as required by Florida DCF
- Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting
- Emergency Preparedness
- Safe Sleep (if applicable)
- Bloodborne Pathogens
- Medication Administration (if assigned)
- Head Start Pre-Service and Ongoing Professional Development
Performance Expectations
The Assistant Head Start Teacher is expected to:
- Demonstrate professionalism and ethical conduct at all times.
- Support implementation of high-quality early childhood education services.
- Promote school readiness and positive child outcomes.
- Follow all Head Start Performance Standards, Florida DCF licensing regulations, CACFP requirements, and center policies.
- Maintain a safe, clean, organized, and welcoming classroom.
- Participate in continuous quality improvement efforts.
- Foster positive relationships with children, families, coworkers, and community partners.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Lead Teacher or Center Director.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Young Achievers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: $16.00 - $17.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Application Question(s):
Work Location: In person
