Early Head Start Assistant Teacher

HumanKind; Bedford (VA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

FSA

403(b) Retirement with match

Tuition Reimbursement

Life Insurance

Short/Long Disability

Job summary

HumanKind is seeking an Early Head Start Assistant Teacher to support infants and toddlers in Bedford, VA. The role emphasizes nurturing development, building trusting relationships, and contributing to a supportive classroom environment.

If you are patient, energetic, and eager to learn, join our team in this rewarding, collaborative role. You will work under the Lead Teacher, assist with daily routines, and help implement Head Start standards while promoting inclusive care and safety for all

Qualifications

• Foundational knowledge of infant and toddler development.
• Flexible, team-oriented attitude and willingness to step into a variety of roles as needed.
• Awareness of state and federal early childhood education standards and safety requirements.
• Strong communication skills, professionalism, and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
• Physical stamina and readiness to engage in active play, indoor and outdoor activities, and child care routines.

Responsibilities

• Support the Lead Teacher with daily routines and child-focused activities.
• Create and maintain a safe, emotionally secure, and developmentally appropriate environment.
• Step in to lead the classroom in the absence of the Teacher.
• Support the implementation of licensing, Head Start, and nutrition program standards.
• Collaborate with team to ensure inclusive care for all children.

Skills

Foundational knowledge of infant and/t

Team-oriented attitude

Standards awareness (Head Start)

Strong communication skills

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

About this position

Position Title: Early Head Start Assistant Teacher

Location: Bedford, VA

• Salary Range: $16.50-$19.00
• Over 5 weeks of Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay to use at your discretion
• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 403(b) Retirement plan with company match and contribution
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Life insurance, Short Term and Long Term Disability insurance

Deadline to Apply: 09/14/26

Summary : Do you have a passion for working with young children and want to make a difference in their earliest years? Join our Early Head Start team as an Assistant Teacher, where you’ll support infants and toddlers during their most formative stages of development. This role is a chance to build meaningful relationships, foster emotional and cognitive growth, and contribute to a supportive and enriching classroom environment. If you're patient, energetic, and eager to learn, we invite you to grow with us in this rewarding, team-centered position.

Success In This Role Looks Like :

• Supporting the Lead Teacher with daily routines and child-focused activities that nurture development.
• Creating and maintaining a safe, emotionally secure, and developmentally appropriate environment.
• Stepping in confidently to lead the classroom in the absence of the Teacher.
• Supporting the implementation of all licensing, Head Start, and nutrition program standards.
• Collaborating with team members to ensure all children, regardless of ability, receive inclusive care and support.
• Assistant Teacher > Teacher > Supervising Teacher > Center Manager > Director of Early Head Start
• Assistant Teacher > Teacher > Education Specialist > Education Manager > Director of Early Head Start
• Assistant Teacher > Family Engagement Specialist > Lead Family Engagement Specialist > Family Services Manager > Director of Early Head Start
• Assistant Teacher > Health and Disabilities Specialist > Health and Disabilities Manager > Family Services Manager > Director of Early Head Start

What You Bring To The Team :

• Foundational knowledge of infant and toddler development and the ability to work with mixed-age groups.
• A flexible, team-oriented attitude and a willingness to step into a variety of roles as needed.
• Awareness of (or willingness to learn) state and federal early childhood education standards and safety requirements.
• Strong communication skills, professionalism, and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
• Physical stamina and readiness to engage in active play, indoor and outdoor activities, and child care routines.

Requirements for Consideration:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Six months’ experience with infant and toddler education or care.

Why Join HumanKind:

At HumanKind, your work has real impact. Whether you’re working directly with children and families or supporting programs behind the scenes, you’ll be able to see how what you do contributes to meaningful outcomes in your community.

We’re a mission-driven, growing organization where your role won’t feel small. You’ll have opportunities to learn, take on new challenges, and grow your career over time. Many of our team members expand their responsibilities or move into new roles as they develop.

You’ll also be part of a supportive, close-knit team that values collaboration, kindness, and showing up for one another. We work hard, but we also enjoy what we do—and who we do it with.

We Value:

• Actively working for equity and inclusivity, practicing humility and curiosity, taking responsibility, continuously evolving for change.
• Prioritizing caring for our people, fostering a nurturing environment, celebrating small wins, acknowledging challenges, embracing innovation and adaptability.
• Nurturing growth in ourselves and others, leveraging strengths, equipping with tools for success, fostering a positive learning environment.
• Staying mission-focused, serving with empathy, putting egos aside, upholding ethics, communicating openly, providing support, and encouraging feedback.

Additional Information

HumanKind is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace for all employees and applicants.

HumanKind is a drug-free workplace. Employment is contingent upon successfully completing all required background checks and drug screening requirements.

While our recruitment platform may offer optional AI-based tools, HumanKind does not rely on artificial intelligence to evaluate, screen, or disqualify candidates. Every application is reviewed by our team, and applicants have the option to opt out of AI assessments at any time.

Salary Information