Head Start Teacher Assistant

YMCA of Frederick County; Maryland; On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free Household Membership

Medical, Dental & Vision

Life insurance

Short and Long Term Disability

Retirement benefits vest at 12% after

PTO and Bereavement leave

Discount on childcare

Job summary

YMCA of Frederick County is seeking a dedicated Head Start classroom assistant to support the teacher in delivering engaging activities and creating a nurturing learning environment for preschool children.

The role emphasizes collaboration with families, cultural responsiveness, and adherence to Head Start standards. Strong communication skills and bilingual ability are valued.

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications include HS diploma/GED plus CDA, or enrollment in CDA program, or an Associate/Bachelor degree.
• Some experience working with preschool-aged children.
• CPR, AED and First Aid certifications required or listed in YMCA trainings.

Responsibilities

• Assist the teacher with classroom activities, field trips, and outdoor activities.
• Help develop materials and activities aligned with cultural backgrounds of children and families.
• Participate in screening, observation and documentation of children.
• Supervise mealtime and promote healthy eating and social skills.
• Maintain confidentiality and support parent/family involvement.

Skills

Preschool experience

Effective communication

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

High school diploma/GED

CDA credential

Enrolled in CDA credential program

Associate or Bachelor degree

Job description

Deadline to apply: November 15, 2026POSITION SUMMARY:This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. This position works as a part of a teaching team partnering with the teacher in developing activities for Head Start children to provide them with varied experiences and an appropriate learning environment. This position works along with the teacher to attain the goals of the program. The position may be reassigned to various classrooms/centers as deemed necessary for program operations.BENEFITS:We offer an extensive benefits package for our full-time employees which includes:Free Household MembershipMedical Dental & VisionLife insuranceShort and Long Term DisabilityRetirement benefits will vest at 12% after 2 years of employmentDiscount on childcare and other Y programsPaid Time OffBereavement leaveKNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:Ability to communicate both written and orally.Ability to follow directions from both written and oral instructions.Ability to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence.Ability to communicate with families and children in a positive and helpful manner.Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from community.Bilingual fluency (English/ Spanish) preferred.Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts and percentages.Ability to produce and interpret graphs, charts, spreadsheets and other mathematical reports.Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.Ability to maintain confidentialityThis position will have intermediate to advanced knowledge of technological equipment (computers/laptops, iPods, digital camera, etc.) and programs maintained and used by the organization, including, but not limited to Microsoft Office, Teaching Strategies, and online trainings.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:Assists the teacher in all classroom activities, field trips and outdoor activities including the development of lesson plans.Assists in developing materials and providing activities related to the cultural background of the children and families served.Participates in the screening, observation and documentation of children.Helps supervise at mealtime, eating with the children to encourage good nutrition and proper social skills.Helps keep the classroom and its contents clean and orderly.Uses initiative and imagination to assist the child and be perceptive and knowledgeable about the needs of each child.Assists the teacher in any aspect of the program as the need arises.Takes charge of the class in the teacher's absence.Makes home visits with the teacher as required or requested and documents them as requested.Understands, generates and documents in-kind and other allowable costs applied toward the non-federal share requirement.Attends all workshops and meetings as deemed necessary by the immediate supervisor.Attends all required staff and parent meetings and activities.Responsible for understanding Head Start Performance Standards and local child care licensing regulations.Expected to be knowledgeable of the regulations associated with prevention of occupational disease and injury, including the exercise of universal precautions and the prevention of contamination.Positively promotes Head Start in the community.Maintains strict confidentiality with respect to Head Start children, families and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures.Assists the teacher in meeting the program's needs for parent/family involvement in each classroom.Establishes a relationship of trust and rapport with the families of the children.Communicates with families to facilitate positive interaction with the program, awareness of the child’s needs and development, how the activities of the program promote positive development and their roles in the child’s overall education and development.Participates in the training of families as requested.Involves parents/families in the educational activities of the program:to emphasize their role as the principal influence on the child's education and development; andto assist parents/families to increase their knowledge, understanding, skills and experience in basic child development.Assists with identifying and arranging for parents to volunteer in the classroom as volunteers and substitutes.Assists the teacher with collecting monthly in-kind records from parents and community members participating in the program.Assists with the supervision of all assigned volunteers in the classroomQUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:Minimum requirement for the position is one of the following:High school diploma/GED and a current Child Development Associate (CDA); orEnrolled in a CDA credential program to be completed within two years of being hired into the position; orAssociate or Bachelor degree (in any area); orBe enrolled in a program leading to an associate or baccalaureate degree.Some experience working with preschool-aged childrenYMCA CERTIFICATES/TRAININGS:Blood borne Pathogen TrainingCode of Conduct TrainingActive Supervision TrainingCPR, AED, and First Aid CertificationsAcceptable screening results to include comprehensive background check and initial health examWORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:Must have transportation to perform all duties.Occasional need to provide gentle physical restraint to children.Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.Exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids.Must be able to lift and/or assist children up to 50 pounds in weight.Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate.Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergencyNoise level in work environment may be moderate to loud.Work is typically performed in a classroom setting and some office work required.Evening and weekend work will be required.