Head Start Teacher Assistant

Rolling Plains Management Corporation; Olney (TX); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision insurance

Life insurance

Dependent care FSA

Telemedicine EAP

401K match

Paid leave & holidays

Longevity pay

Voluntary benefits

Job summary

Rolling Plains Management Corporation is seeking a Head Start Teacher Assistant for the Olney Child Development Center in Olney, Texas. This position is full-time, 40 hours per week, with typical Monday–Friday hours and possible variations by the Center Director.

The role supports lead teachers, helps implement standards, and requires a CDA within a year; a high school diploma or equivalent is required. Benefits include medical/dental/vision, life insurance, 401(k), and paid leave.

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with diverse groups of people.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with clear documentation.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage responsibilities, and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Actively supervise children during indoor and outdoor activities.
• Assist with developmental screenings, assessments, and learning plans.
• Support planning and implementing classroom activities based on IEPs and curriculum.
• Follow policies and ensure safety and compliance with Head Start standards.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Rapport building

Professional communication

Written and verbal communication

Prioritize tasks

MS Office proficiency

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Preschool CDA within 12 months

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: Olney, TX 76374, Salary Range: $12.58 - $15.72 Hourly, Head Start Teacher Assistant

Location: Olney, Texas

Employer: Rolling Plains Management Corporation (RPMC)

Status: Full-Time (40 hours per week, primarily Monday–Friday; however, hours may fluctuate.

Position Summary

Rolling Plains Management Corporation is seeking applicants for the position of Head Start Teacher Assistant for the Olney Child Development Center in Olney, Texas.TAll Head Start Teacher Assistants-in-Training will be considered “Provisional Employees” classified as “in training” positions while working on meeting the required qualifications. As a “Provisional Employee,” they have up to one year from the hire date to complete the Child Development Associate (CDA) in preschool training and obtain the CDA Credential from the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition. The normal work hours are 30 - 40 hours per week, mostly Monday - Friday, but may be varied by the Center Director to accommodate all the Center's open hours and other needs.

Under the supervision of the Center Director, the Head Start Teacher Assistants “in training” assist the Lead Teacher in planning, implementing, and administering the program in compliance with the Child Care Minimum Standards, Head Start performance standards, the Agency's school readiness goals, and all other federal, state, and local regulations relating to children ages three to five. All Head Start Teacher Assistants-in-Training staff shall agree to abide by the program's Standards of Conduct introduced during pre-service and /or orientation. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Actively supervise children during indoor and outdoor activities at all times to ensure their well-being, safety, and security
• Assist with developmental screenings, assessments, and ongoing evaluations to identify developmental and learning needs and develop individualized learning plans
• Assist with planning and implementing classroom activities based on individual learning plans:to ensure each child’s development, disabilities, curriculum, and performance standards are adhered to meet the Individual Education Plan (IEP)
• Builds a positive relationship with children which focuses on positive communication, appropriate physical proximity, respect, positive discipline, and guidance
• Per the training plan schedule, complete course work of Child Development Associate (CDA)
• Protect all children from corporal punishment or other forms of child maltreatment or verbal abuse as a method of discipline
• Follow policies and practices related to toileting and rest time
• Support the individual needs of children who qualify for special education services by participating in the development of an Individual Family Service Plan
• Respond appropriately to emergencies for immediate resolution
• Fulfill role as mandated reporter as stated in Child Abuse and Neglect Policy
• Ensure and implement CLASS strategies to foster continuous interactions with children
• Assure child-staff ratio is always maintained
• Follow all applicable laws and regulations, including the Licensing Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), RPMC policies, and procedures, Child Care Minimum Standards, and other federal, state, and local regulations
• Attend all professional development
• Maintain cleanliness of the classroom
• Review and reconcile equipment inventory for your assigned classroom annually or upon request.
• Other duties and special projects as assigned

Communication

• Plan instructional activities, prepare teaching materials, prepare reports, such as classroom observations, individual child observations, daily activity charts, and program records
• Communicate regularly with parents/guardians about their child's routines, needs, developmental opportunities, and daily activities (written and/or verbally)
• Maintain up-to-date documentation, files, and records according to RPMC, Head Start Performance Standards, and local, state, and federal regulations
• Immediately report any concerns related to the health and safety of the child to a supervisor

Teamwork

• Address mitigating concerns: inclusive but not limited to classroom management, behavior management, child health and safety, child development, and any other concerns requiring intervention
• Observe and address challenging behaviors to determine cause and implement preventive measures, teach a new behavior, communication, and/or social skill to minimize or eliminate the behavior
• Work closely with assigned Education Specialist, other classroom teachers, and the administrative staff to ensure program operations are supporting and meeting program goals, objectives and learning outcomes
• Work as part of the team and show professionalism by modeling and demonstrating a positive attitude and positive working relationships while maintaining strong ethical boundaries

Building Relationships

• Participate in the development of an Individual Family Service Plan for children
• Conduct parent‑teacher conferences as required by Head Start Standards
• Conduct home visits as outlined in Head Start Performance Standards
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with other classroom teachers, administrative staff, children, and parents to ensure the children receive a quality learning experience. Actively participate in exhibiting cultural awareness and sensitivity when interacting with children,parent(s)/guardian(s), staff, and the community
• Demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity in both interactions with children, parent(s)/guardian(s), other staff, and community members and in the selection of materials and delivery of instruction

Benefits Package

• Medical premium contribution and employer paid dental, and vision insurance
• $25,000 life insurance policy at no cost to employee
• Dependent care FSA (up to $5000 per year provided by employer)
• Telemedicine, tele‑counseling, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Matching 401K plan
• Paid sick leave, vacation leave, and 14 paid holidays
• Longevity Pay
• Voluntary benefits: critical illness, accident, long‑term disability, and supplemental life insurance

Additional Details

• Sign‑On Bonus Offered!
• Position remains open until filled

Qualifications

• The Head Start Teacher Assistant-in-Training must obtain a Preschool CDA within a year of the hire date.
• Must be 18 years of age.
• High School Diploma or the equivalent
• Able to attend training in Early Childhood Development with a focus on preschool development
• Must be willing to take and pass a drug/alcohol test and comply with the "Drug-Free" Agency Policy.
• Must be able to pass regular criminal history checks.
• Must submit to TB tests as required.
• Must possess the ability to provide reliable self-transportation capable of regional travel.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Texas motor vehicle operator's permit of appropriate classification and endorsement.
• Must agree to maintain a satisfactory MVR and minimum requirement of insurability as required by law. The agency may conduct MVR background checks.

Abilities, Skills, & Knowledge for an Head Start Teacher Assistant‑In‑Training

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work and interact with diverse groups of people
• Ability to build a positive rapport with children, parents/guardians, and team members
• Demonstrated ability to communicate professionally and interact with all levels of management in a clear and concise manner
• Strong written and verbal communication, including preparation of quality well‑written documents
• Ability to prioritize tasks, projects, and meet deadlines
• Strong computer skills and high proficiency with Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel and Outlook)

Physical Demands

• Ability to maintain physical condition and stamina appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include sitting or standing for extended periods of time, driving or riding in a sedan, bus or van, and interacting with children at the child’s eye level (which includes floor activities) or other duties assigned.
• The usual requirements in a classroom environment may require lifting boxes of supplies, equipment and occasional adjustments of office furniture.
• Occasional pushing, pulling, lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds.
• Regularly required to sit for extended periods of time.
• May require long periods of standing or walking.
• Frequent bending or squatting required.

Work Environment

• Possess ability to adapt to inclement weather conditions and/or situations.
• Ability to travel, occasionally long distances.
• Noise level could be moderate to loud working in a center.
• Ability to work in a stressful environment and deal effectively with stress.
• Ability to perform duties and adapt to flexible work schedules as established by management.

Travel Requirements

• Light travel - ability to travel for activities such as home visits, meetings, classes, and workshops in and out of the service area.
• Must be able to travel by air as needed to attend training, conferences, and related activities.

Rolling Plains Management Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and provider.