Assistant Teacher I

Save the Children US; Ripley (TN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health coverage

Retirement savings plan

Professional development assistance

Job summary

Save the Children US is seeking an Assistant Teacher in Ripley, Tennessee, to supervise and engage with children during daily activities. The ideal candidate should hold a Child Development Associate credential and demonstrate a strong ability to work collaboratively with staff and families.

This role involves planning and conducting activities alongside the Head Start Teacher, ensuring a safe learning environment while actively participating in children's development and well-being.

Benefits include health coverage, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Child Development Associate or equivalent required.
• Professional proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Successful interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Engage with and supervise children during activities.
• Assist in planning activities with the Head Start Teacher.
• Maintain a safe and appropriate learning environment.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Child supervision

Collaboration with parents

Planning and conducting activities

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Child Development Associate (CDA)

Job description

Position Title: Assistant Teacher

Employee Type: Full-Time Regular

Supervisor Title: Teacher, Head Start or Center Director

Division: Head Start, U.S. Programs

What You’ll Be Doing (Essential Duties)

• not inclusive of all role responsibilities. May be subject to change
• Engage with children during all activities throughout the day; provide constant supervision of children during all learning activities indoors and outdoors and ensure safe environment.
• Assist in planning and conducting activities with Head Start Teacher to meet individual needs of children in accordance with the daily schedule.
• Guide and facilitate activities with Head Start Teacher including classroom projects and field trips.
• Maintain classroom management using developmentally appropriate techniques.
• Provide a safe and developmentally appropriate learning environment; interact with children one-on-one and in small groups.
• Build effective relationships within the organization, the children and their families.
• Protect the safety of children by implementing active supervision techniques to ensure no child is left alone or unsupervised at any time
• Work closely with management to ensure program complements Head Start Program Performance Standards.
• Serve as a liaison between staff and parents; partner with parents in the education of their children including encouraging classroom involvement and home activities.
• Participate in parent-teacher conferences to discuss children’s individual development and progress.
• Eat with and assist children with eating at mealtime to teach social and self-help skills and sound nutritional practices.
• Assist children in health and personal habits, such as resting, brushing teeth and toilet habits.
• Assist the Head Start Teacher in record keeping; conduct and document observations, assessments and screenings.
• Participate in staff meetings, committees and training sessions.
• Assist in the mobilization and documentation of matching in-kind activities, goods and services.
• Work may require the flexibility to stay until all children have left the program.
• In cooperation with supervisor, develop and document progress on professional development plan.
• Will be required to take the lead in the absence of a teacher.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Child Development Associate (CDA) or credential of a state-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential or be enrolled in a CDA credential program to be completed within two years of the time of hire.
• Professional proficiency in spoken and written English
• Demonstrated knowledge of the purpose of the Head Start/Early Head Start program.
• Demonstrated successful interpersonal, communication and organizational skills; ability to follow directions and take initiative.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate successfully with individuals and teams at all levels, including students, families, coworkers, and community members.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with Head Start Teacher, other staff, parents and community partners in the provision of high-quality services to children and families.
• Proven ability to keep all information on families strictly confidential.
• Professional proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and online client management systems.
• Must participate in professional development training including basic first aid and pediatric CPR certification as required by state licensing and HSPPS

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual preferred (English/Spanish or English and other languages used by children and families).
• If in North Carolina, holding a Birth‑Kindergarten (B‑K) Licensure preferred.

Additional Qualifications

• Physical Requirements related to essential functions: Ability to perform medium to heavy physical work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently and up to 5‑10 pounds constantly, performing such activities as sitting, crawling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting and grasping. This also includes some duties that require repetitive action and motion skills, keyboarding and computer use.
• Clear pre‑employment background check requirements, including local, state, and national criminal records check, sex offender registries, employment, and education verifications (including child abuse registry check if required by state regulations) and pass all state and local health requirements required post job offer and prior to employment.
• This position may require the incumbent to operate a motor vehicle to fulfill certain essential functions of the job. The incumbent should maintain a valid driver’s license and remain in compliance with any Save the Children policies pertaining to the safe operation of motor vehicles.

Current and former Head Start/Early Head Start parents will receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are qualified.

Benefits

• Paid time off: 10 days winter break and 5 days spring break, 5 personal days, 11 holidays plus 2 floating holidays per year.
• Health: Competitive health care, dental and vision coverage for you and your family. Employer paid short term disability and long-term disability benefits.
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA): Option to select HSA if enrolled into a High‑Deductible Health Plan in which the company matches a portion of the contribution.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Option to enroll in health care and dependent care options.
• Life: Agency paid life and accidental death and dismemberment benefits (AD&D).
• Family: Parental/adoption, fertility benefits
• Employee Rewards Program: Annual merit increases and/or additional incentives for eligible employees
• Retirement: Retirement savings plan with employer contributions (after one year)
• Wellness: Health benefits and support through Calm and company‑hosted events
• Employee Assistance Program: Free and confidential assessments, short‑term counseling, referrals, and follow‑up services
• Learning & Growth: Access to internal and external learning & development opportunities and mentorships. Certification and tuition assistance.