Head Start Teacher Assistant

Innovative Network of Knowledge; Boerne (TX); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Innovative Network of Knowledge in Boerne, Texas, is seeking a compassionate Early Childhood Educator to promote child development and ensure a safe learning environment. Candidates should possess at least a high school diploma or GED, with a preference for a Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education. Additional qualifications include two years of experience in a preschool setting and effective communication skills in English and Spanish. The role involves implementing curricula and supporting children's progress through developmentally appropriate activities.

Qualifications

• Prefer two years of experience in a preschool classroom setting.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to lift up to 60 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Protect the health and safety of children under care.
• Assist with responsive care and effective teaching.
• Implement prescribed curricula for developmentally appropriate learning experiences.

Skills

Bilingual (Spanish)

Effective communication

Sensitivity to cultural characteristics

Organizational skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Child Development Associate Credential (CDA)

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

Job description

It’s a great feeling to work for a company that does so much good for others around the world!

Academic Requirements

Required - High school diploma or GED, and completion of Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) or state‑awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential, or enrollment in a program leading to an Associate or Bachelor’s degree, or enrollment in a CDA credential program to be completed within two years of hire. Prefer Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.

Work Experience

Prefer two years of experience in the preschool classroom setting. Prefer bilingual (Spanish).

Responsibilities

• Protect the physical and mental health and safety of children, ensuring no child is left alone or unsupervised while under our care.
• Assist with responsive care, effective teaching, and an organized learning environment that promotes healthy development and children’s skill growth aligned with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework for ages birth to five, including children with disabilities.
• Assist with implementing prescribed curricula to provide developmentally appropriate learning experiences in language, literacy, social and emotional development, math, science, social studies, creative arts, and physical development, and integrate child assessment data into individual and group planning.
• Support screenings, assessments, and ongoing evaluation of the child’s developmental level and progress in outcomes.
• Support opportunities for parents and family members to engage in their child’s development and in program services, including parent conferences, home visits, and group activities.
• Follow appropriate practices to keep children safe during all activities, including reporting suspected or known child abuse and neglect, and ensuring appropriate supervision of children at all times in accordance with standards of conduct.
• Comply with positive adult‑child interactions as measured by the CLASS Pre‑K instrument.
• Complete minimum training requirements as specified in state and federal standards.
• Maintain regular communication with teachers to keep them well‑informed about students’ behavior and progress.
• Maintain child files, classroom forms, and other documentation to ensure those documents are compliant, current, and organized.
• Monitor the classroom to ensure it is free from physical and environmental hazards.
• Ensure incident reporting occurs within the timeframes set by program policy and protocol.
• Use age‑appropriate equipment, materials, supplies, and physical space for indoor and outdoor learning environments, and change materials periodically to support children’s evolving interests and development.
• Support teachers’ response to classroom observations through modifications to teaching strategies and lesson plans in accordance with prescribed curricula.
• Communicate child observations to teachers, including identification of potential interference with a child’s development and school readiness.
• Support teachers’ coordination with education, family, mental health, and/or child‑development professional staff to address identified needs.
• Participate in school functions, scheduled meetings, and team decision and operations.
• Work collaboratively with other staff members, service providers, and professionals.
• Maintain confidentiality in all areas of child and program operations.
• Perform other job duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Respond sensitively and competently to the service population’s cultural and socio‑economic characteristics.
• Effective written and verbal communication in English and Spanish (preferred).
• Maintain emotional control and professional composure at all times.
• Working knowledge of all INK policies and procedures.
• Organize and prioritize duties and responsibilities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Work independently.
• Possess a valid driver’s license.
• Pass a health examination.
• Confirm work eligibility status.
• Pass a driving history check.
• Clear criminal background check.
• Lift up to 60 pounds.
• Stand, sit on the floor, bend, squat, kneel, lift children, and engage with children.
• Be exposed to communicable diseases and other hazards such as cigarette smoke, pets, and at‑risk neighborhoods.
• Travel up to 50% by car, bus, airplane, or train; travel may be required for conferences, meetings, and other duties at distant locations, and in some cases overnight travel.
• Occasional evenings or weekend work may be required for home visits, parent‑teacher conferences, Parent Committee meetings, community or social events such as field trips.

EEO Statement

INK is an Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”) Employer. It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of INK, not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.