Assistant Teacher - Head Start

Mississippi State University; Mississippi; On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned educational institution is seeking an Assistant Teacher for a Head Start classroom in Hancock County. The role involves assisting the lead teacher with children ages 3-5, ensuring their educational and emotional needs are met. Ideal candidates should have a CDA credential or a degree in Early Childhood Education, alongside relevant experience. The position is full-time with responsibilities that include collaborating with families and staff, and participating in children's activities.

Qualifications

• CDA credential or relevant degree within one year.
• Experience teaching preschool children preferred.
• Knowledge of child growth and development.

Responsibilities

• Assist the lead teacher in a classroom of 3-to 5-year-old children.
• Serve as a bus monitor during routes.
• Support children's emotional, social, physical, and intellectual needs.

Skills

Education in Early Childhood Education

Experience with preschool children

Intermediate computer literacy

Education

CDA credential or degree in Early Childhood Education

Job description

Apply now Job no: 509729
Position type: Full-Time 12-Month
Department: 012102 - Human Sciences- Early Childhood
Location: Hancock County
Categories: Support Staff, Head Start Positions
Position Open Date: Sep 8 2025

Position Function

This position serves as an Assistant Teacher for a Head Start classroom. The assistant teacher shares responsibility for a Head Start classroom of 3- to 5- year old children. S/he works collaboratively with the teacher, family members and other staff to achieve positive outcomes for children of all abilities.

Throughout its history, Mississippi State University-Extension (MSU-ES) has demonstrated a deep and abiding commitment to programs that directly impact young children and their families. In the past decade, MSU-ES has distinguished itself as Mississippi’s premier infrastructural support of high-quality early childhood education.

Area of Specialization

MSU Extension Head Start Programs - Hancock County

Anticipated Appointment Date

October 2025.

Responsibilities

1. Assist the lead teacher in a classroom of 3-to 5 year-old children.
2. Demonstrates a warm, calm, and unhurried manner.
3. Serves as a role model for children and families.
4. Serve as a bus monitor during morning and afternoon bus routes.
5. Provides for the education, care, safety, and well-being of all children in the group.
6. Meets the children’s emotional, social, physical, and intellectual needs.
7. Assist in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate learning activities.
8. Maintains a cooperative relationship with children, co-workers, and parents.
9. Demonstrates increasing understanding of child growth and development in working with children, in talking with parents, and in recording activities.
10. Attends staff meetings, reports problems of child or room management to the Classroom Teacher promptly.
11. Attends in-service training, keeps current on developments in field of child development.
12. Follows personnel policies of the MSU-ES Head Start program and the University.
13. Assist in managing a safe, clean, and pleasant environment for young children.
14. Provides peer coaching with the lead teacher to other assistant teachers, floaters, and substitute teachers.
15. Models exemplary classroom practices for other assistant teachers especially those detailed in the Teacher Success Rubric and CLASS.
16. Responsible for collaborating with the Lead Teacher in the preparation of daily lesson plans.

The assistant teacher is responsible for assisting in the Head Start classroom of 3-5 year old children. S/he works collaboratively with a lead teacher, family members and other staff to achieve positive outcomes for children of all abilities. The teacher’s role encompasses effective practice in the following as outlined in our Teacher Success Rubric (TSR):

• CLASS teacher-child interactions
• Learning environment
• Curriculum
• Child assessment
• Meeting all children’s needs
• Working with families
• Professional growth and collaboration

Performs any related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• CDA credential or enrolled to complete within one year of hire or a degree in Early Childhood Education or related field with nine (9) credits in Early Childhood Education or enrolled to complete degree (with related credits) within one year of hire.

Licensures:

• Meets required standards as specified by the State Department of Health/Child Care Licensure Standards for staff including finger printing and background check.
• Obtain certification in CPR and First Aid within the 9 months of employment.
• Physical exam and background checks are required for this position.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation - Travel required locally or long-distance up to 10% of the time for work-related meetings and functions.

Substitutions:

• An equivalent combination of related education and related experience may be considered for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience teaching preschool children including group experience with children from birth to four years old.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Current understanding of MS Child Care Licensing requirements
• Current understanding of Head Start Performance Standards
• Able to anticipate the needs of children
• Must be able to organize and execute daily activities
• Works well with other staff
• Intermediate computer literacy skills in email, Microsoft Office.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Must be able to lift a child weighing 40 pounds, 20 times a day if needed.
• Moderate to loud noise levels.
• This position will be inside and outside supervising children as weather permits as well as monitoring children on bus routes. Due to the primary work with young children, some exposure to communicable disease is likely.

All applicants MUST apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu to be considered for this position.

The following documents and information are required for application:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Contact information for at least three professional references

Screening Date:

Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Statement: Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, [phone].

Accommodation

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: [phone] or [e-mail]. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at [phone] or [e-mail].

Advertised: Sep 08 2025 Central Daylight Time

Applications close: Mississippi - Not located on main campus