Floater Assistant Teacher

Mississippi State University; Mississippi; On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established institution is seeking a dedicated Floater for a Head Start center. This role involves collaborating with teachers to ensure a nurturing classroom environment for children of all abilities. You will implement engaging curriculum, support children's development, and foster family involvement. Ideal candidates will have a CDA credential or degree in Early Childhood Education, along with experience teaching preschool-aged children. Join this vibrant team to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young learners and help shape their futures in a supportive educational setting.

Qualifications

• CDA credential or degree in Early Childhood Education required.
• Experience teaching preschool children from birth to four years old.

Responsibilities

• Support classroom operations and implement curriculum for children.
• Maintain a child-centered learning environment and document progress.

Skills

Child Growth & Development

Communication

Planning & Evaluation

Professional Development

Technology

Education

CDA credential or degree in Early Childhood Education

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Apply now Job no: 508992
Position type: Full-Time 12-Month
Department: 012102 - Human Sciences- Early Childhood
Location: Harrison County
Categories: Support Staff, Head Start Positions
Position Open Date: Mar 19 2025

Position Function:

This position serves as a Floater for a Head Start center. The Floater will work collaboratively with the Teacher to ensure the successful operation of a classroom of children. The Floater also works with a team of other classroom staff and family members to implement curriculum to achieve outcomes for children of all abilities.

Anticipated Appointment Date: May 2025.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Floater demonstrates competency to perform functions that include:

1. Child Growth & Development: Uses knowledge of the principles of child growth and development to work with children and communicate with internal and external stakeholders.
2. Maintains a child-centered curriculum and learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation to promote development in all domains for children of all abilities.
3. Addresses challenging behaviors by observing to determine possible causes of the behavior, implementing preventive measures, teaching the child new social and communication skills and partnering with families to support the child at home.
4. Uses observations of children and anecdotal notes to document children’s progress and individualize curriculum.

General Professional Competencies:

1. Planning & Evaluation
2. Professional Development
3. Communication
4. Technology

The Floater responsibilities chiefly fall within the following core functions, although s/he may perform other tasks as needed and assigned to support the program:

1. Communication and Service Coordination
2. Record Keeping and Reporting
3. On-going Monitoring/Self-assessment
4. Planning and implementing learning experiences that advance the intellectual and physical development of children.
5. Establishing and maintaining a safe, healthy learning environment.
6. Supporting the social and emotional development of children.
7. Encouraging the involvement of the families of the children in a Head Start program.

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.

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

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.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

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

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

• Physical exam and background checks are required for this position.
• Travel required locally or long-distance up to 10% of the time for work-related meetings and other functions.
• 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 or Curriculum Vitae
• Contact information for at least three professional references
• Current unofficial transcript (with social security numbers removed prior to submission)

An official transcript will be required if selected for employment.

Screening Date: March 26, 2025, until filled.

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.