Assistant Teacher

Community Action of South Mississippi; Pascagoula (MS); On-site; USD 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Community Action of South Mississippi in Pascagoula, MS, seeks a Head Start Assistant to support teachers in delivering quality, standards-aligned classroom activities and to promote safety and family engagement for young children.

Ideal candidates will have strong communication and customer service skills, basic computer literacy, and a valid driver’s license. A High School Diploma or GED is required, with CDA to be obtained within 18 months; prior experience with toddlers is preferred.

Qualifications

• Must have strong communication skills to interact with families and children.
• Customer service excellence is essential for family engagement and program support.
• Proficiency with computers and standard office software is required.

Responsibilities

• Assist the classroom Teacher in delivering quality activities aligned with Head Start standards.
• Promote family engagement and ensure the safety and welfare of children.
• Support development across social, emotional, physical, and cognitive domains and monitor children as needed.

Skills

Communication skills

Customer service

Computer literacy

Driver's license

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Position Purpose

To ensure the young children we serve have a solid foundation for life. To encourage the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of Head Start children and to attend to their safety and welfare. To promote family engagement in all aspects of the program. To assist the classroom Teacher in providing quality classroom activities that meet requirements of Federal Head Start Performance Standards and any local, state and/or agency policies and procedures.

Physical Demands

Work involves frequent movements in the classroom and the facility. Work involves using repetitive motions of the wrists, hands and/or fingers while operating standard office equipment. Must be able to perceive the nature of sound at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Must be able to be active for extended periods of time without experiencing undue fatigue.

Must be able to lift children weighing 50 pounds or more as it may be required during emergencies or other circumstances. Must be able to perform activities on the floor and outdoors with children, keeping pace with the energy level of the children. Must recognize hazards and dangerous situations and take appropriate action. Must be available to accompany children on field trips and assisting them on/off the bus and crossing the street.

Mental Demands

Must demonstrate good communication and speaking skills to receive and give information in person and by telephone. Must demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills. Must have the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Must have the ability to apply Early Childhood Development knowledge and focus on infant/toddler theory in daily activities, and adapt to the individual needs of children.

Special Demands

Must possess superior customer service skills. Must possess proficient knowledge and ability to use a computer (must be keyboard proficient) and other office technology (i.e. telephone, fax, etc.).

Must have the ability to supervise and monitor children at all times to ensure a safe environment including the physical ability to monitor and move quickly in order to respond to children who are very active and may need removed or redirected in order to ensure their safety or the safety of others.

Must have a valid drivers' license and a satisfactory driving record.

Requirements

Education

High School Diploma or GED required.

License / Certification

Must obtain Child Development Associate (CDA) within eighteen (18) months of start date.

Experience

A minimum of six (6) months experience working with toddlers and pre-school age children preferred.