Early Head Start Teacher Assistant

Rutherford County Schools; Spindale (NC); On-site; USD 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Rutherford County Schools Carver Center in Spindale, North Carolina seeks an Early Head Start Teacher Assistant to provide high-quality, developmentally appropriate care for infants and toddlers and to build strong partnerships with families. The position reports to the Preschool Director and is a 12-month role with pay and benefits established by Rutherford County Schools.

The incumbent will support lesson planning, supervision, family communication, and coordination with staff to meet each

Qualifications

• CDA or comparable credential in early childhood development with infant/toddler focus.
• Associate or bachelor's in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred.
• Must meet NC child care licensing and background check requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide developmentally appropriate care and learning experiences for infants and toddlers.
• Develop and implement lesson plans and classroom routines.
• Maintain active supervision at all times and follow child-count procedures.
• Ensure safe feeding, diapering, hygiene, and sleep practices.
• Observe and document progress and communicate with families.

Skills

Infant/toddler development

Active supervision

Nurturing relationships

Communication

Education

CDA credential

Associate or Bachelor in Early Childhood Education

Job description

Early Head Start Teacher Assistant

Rutherford County Schools Carver Center - Spindale, North Carolina Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in North Carolina School Jobs , and Rutherford County Schools

Job Details

Job ID: 5919085

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Sep 09, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Early Head Start Teacher Assistant

Reports To: Preschool Director and/or Designee Terms of Employment: 12-month position; teacher assistant hourly pay and benefits established by Rutherford County Schools.

Position Summary

The Early Head Start Teacher provides high-quality, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate care and education for infants and toddlers. The teacher creates a safe, responsive learning environment that supports each child’s social-emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development while building strong partnerships with families.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide responsive, individualized care and developmentally appropriate learning experiences for infants and toddlers.
• Develop and implement lesson plans, classroom routines, and learning experiences based on children’s developmental needs and interests.
• Maintain active supervision at all times and follow required procedures for child counts, transitions, arrival, dismissal, and name-to-face verification.
• Maintain safe and appropriate practices for feeding, diapering, toileting, handwashing, sanitation, and safe sleep.
• Conduct ongoing observations and assessments, document children’s progress, and use assessment information to individualize learning experiences.
• Establish positive relationships with families and maintain regular communication regarding children’s development, routines, and needs.
• Participate in required parent conferences, home visits, family engagement activities, screenings, referrals, and transition activities.
• Support children with disabilities and participate in the implementation of IFSPs and other individualized services as appropriate.
• Maintain accurate and timely attendance, assessment, meal, incident, and other required program documentation.
• Work collaboratively with the Teacher Assistant, Family Advocate, program specialists, and other staff to meet the individual needs of children and families.
• Maintain confidentiality and immediately report child safety concerns, suspected abuse or neglect, injuries, supervision incidents, and other reportable events according to established procedures.
• Participate in required training, coaching, staff meetings, and continuous program improvement activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the Early Head Start program.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must have, at minimum, a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or comparable credential and training or equivalent coursework in early childhood development with a focus on infant and toddler development , as required by the Head Start Act.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Birth-Kindergarten Education, Child Development, or a related field preferred.
• Must meet applicable North Carolina child care licensing requirements.
• Experience working with infants and toddlers preferred.
• Must meet all required background check, health and safety training, and professional development requirements.

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of infant and toddler development and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Ability to establish nurturing, responsive relationships with young children and positive partnerships with families.
• Ability to actively supervise children and maintain a safe, organized learning environment.
• Strong communication, teamwork, dependability, and professionalism.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and accurate program documentation.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to actively supervise and care for infants and toddlers throughout the workday, including sitting on the floor, lifting and carrying children, assisting with feeding and diapering, and participating in indoor and outdoor activities.

Disclaimer:The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to this job.

Position Type: Full-Time

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Tammie Ash , Executive Director of Human Resources
• 382 West Main Street
• Forest City, North Carolina 28043
• Phone: [phone]
• Fax: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]

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