Head Start Teacher Assistant

You Thrive Florida; Spring Hill (FL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization seeks a full-time Classroom Assistant in Spring Hill, Florida. This engaging position involves supporting teachers in managing classrooms and enriching children's learning experiences. Responsibilities include organizing activities, maintaining a safe environment, and engaging with parents regularly. Full benefits including health, paid time off, and professional development opportunities are offered.

Benefits

Employer-paid health benefits

8% non-matching retirement

14 company-paid holidays

Pet Insurance

Basic $30,000 Life Insurance Policy

Long-Term Disability (LTD)

Qualifications

• Must enroll and complete a CDA Credential within 9 months of hire.
• Must enroll in an Associate Degree program within 2 years after completing CDA.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers with developmentally appropriate activities for children.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and orderly classroom and playground.
• Engage with parents and document participation and concerns.

Skills

Lesson planning

Activity coordination

Working with children with special needs

Communication

Confidentiality

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential

Tools

Computer

Calculator

Phones

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY: Responsible for supporting the needs by assisting the teacher with the day-to-day operation and management of the classroom. Assisting with guiding and directing the learning experiences for children by providing a developmentally appropriate learning environment.

Please apply online at www.youthrivefl.org

Only completed and signed applications will be considered.

Full Time Position - Benefits Eligible: Teacher Break Pay, Sick, PTO, Employer-paid health benefits, 8% non-matching retirement, 14 company-paid holidays, Pet Insurance, Basic $30,000 Life Insurance Policy, and Long-Term Disability (LTD). Public Service Loan Forgiveness Qualified Employer.

Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 3:30 pm

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Assists teachers in providing developmentally appropriate activities to enhance physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of children, ensuring each child's individual needs are met. Implements lesson plans collaboratively using established curricula, providing small group, large group, and individual experiences.
• Guides children in developing basic concepts as prescribed in education, nutrition, health, dental, and mental health. Prepares children for screening and exam procedures such as vision, hearing, dental, speech, and developmental assessments to encourage successful completion.
• Assists teachers with ongoing observation and assessment of each child, utilizing required tracking, anecdotal notes, health checks, and other documentation.
• Supports maintaining Education Child Portfolios for each child with current documentation.
• Works with teachers to identify children with suspected delays or concerns and supports the implementation of IEPs.
• Implements and documents organized outdoor play, providing guidance to promote gross motor skills and ensuring a balance of indoor and outdoor activities.
• Maintains a safe, clean, and orderly classroom and playground, reporting repairs and unsafe areas to supervisors.

• Supports classroom supply management to meet children's physical and developmental needs.
• Participates in learning experiences that promote problem-solving, exploration, and language development through open-ended questions.
• Promotes positive self-concept and social skills, fostering cultural and ethnic acceptance.
• Provides supervision to children at all times, maintaining proper child/staff ratios.
• Maintains accurate attendance records and communicates absences to families.
• Participates in mealtime supervision, including family-style dining, and supports healthy cooking activities reflecting the cultural diversity of the children.
• Assists with safety drills, maintains first aid supplies, and ensures OSHA standards are met.
• Engages with parents through regular contact, home visits, and conferences, documenting participation and concerns.
• Assists with documentation for USDA/Child Care Food Program and ensures timely data entry and quality assurance.

• Participates actively in center activities, parent meetings, and community events.
• Acts as an advocate and role model for families, recruiting children and supporting program development.
• Contributes to staff training plans and participates in ongoing professional development.
• Maintains confidentiality and effective communication with staff and families.
• Organizes and prioritizes tasks, participates in safety drills, and complies with all policies and regulations.

NON-ESSENTIAL/SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:

Performs additional duties as assigned by supervisors. This description provides essential information about the position and is not exhaustive of all duties, skills, or working conditions.

JOB STANDARDS:

Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent. Must enroll within 90 days of hire to complete a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential within 9 months. After completing CDA, must enroll to complete an Associate Degree within 2 years.

Experience: None required.

Licenses & Certifications: Valid Florida driver’s license and insurability. Subject to background checks.

CRITICAL SKILLS, ABILITIES, & EXPERTISE:

Physical Requirements: Constant talking, standing, sitting, squatting, kneeling, use of fingers, arms, hands, legs, walking, reaching, handling, grasping, climbing, bending, balancing, pushing, pulling, and driving. Correctable eyesight and hearing are essential.

Equipment: Computer, copier, calculator, phones, small office and instructional equipment, vehicle.

Skills & Expertise: Lesson planning, activity coordination, working with children with special needs, establishing relationships, accurate work, punctuality, decision-making, communication, data analysis, computer proficiency, confidentiality, responsibility, and accountability.

ENVIRONMENTAL JOB FACTORS:

Job Location: Primary at Head Start facilities in Hernando, Sumter, and Volusia counties, with occasional travel.

Work Environment: Office setting, outdoor work, and vehicle operation, with frequent interaction with children and staff.