Head Start Teacher Assistant (#427) - Early Childhood Complex

Rapid City Area Schools; Kansas; On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

USD 489 is seeking a Head Start Teacher Assistant to support the lead teacher in a dynamic Early Childhood classroom in Kansas. This full-time paraprofessional role focuses on assisting with curriculum, child goals, and safe, engaging activities for preschoolers.

Applicants should have a High School Diploma or GED and prefer experience with young children. Certifications such as CPR, First Aid, and CDA are encouraged, with a TB test, background check, and physical exam required before starting.

Qualifications

• Must have a High School Diploma or GED.
• Prefer candidates with experience working with young children.
• Willing to certify: CPR, First Aid, CDA.
• Must pass TB Skin Test, Kansas Bureau of Investigation background check, and Physical Exam.

Responsibilities

• Assists in developing and implementing the current education curriculum.
• Provides a safe and healthy learning environment.
• Maintains open communication with staff, families, and volunteers.
• Engages and supports children and families to enhance life skills.
• Promotes and respects the Code of Ethical Conduct as set forth by NAEYC.
• Completes all other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Team player

Driver's license

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Head Start Teacher Assistant (#427) - Early Childhood Complex

Job Posting ID: 659 Location(s): ECC - LaCrosse Employment Type: Full Time Posted Date: 09/11/2026 Deadline: Until Filled

Position Info

About USD 489

Disclaimer Statement

General Function

To assist the lead teacher and share responsibilities to ensure a well-managed center.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

• 1. Assists in developing and implementing the current education curriculum.
  • Works with teacher to plan individual child goals and activities.
  • Participates in on-going child assessment.
  • Works with the teacher to organize the environment to support children’s development.
  • Supports children’s learning in every area of the classroom and outdoors.
  • Participates in team teaching possibilities.
  • Works with individual children, implementing lesson plans and activities to meet classroom individual goals as well as IEP goals and objectives.
• 2. Provides a safe and healthy learning environment.
  • Follows staffing pattern as assigned by teacher to ensure children’s safety.
  • Performs cleaning and organizing duties as assigned.
  • Assists teacher in providing positive guidance to children.
  • Promotes preventative wellness.
• 3. Maintains an open communication system.
  • Participates openly in classroom meetings.
  • Practices open communication with staff, families, and volunteers.
  • Participates in program activities as appropriate.
• 4. Engages and supports children and families to enhance life skills.
  • Establishes and maintains rapport with families which is open, honest and caring.
  • Attends and assists with parent activities.
  • Models skills which promote healthy environments for children.
• 5. Promotes and respects the Code of Ethical Conduct as set forth by NAEYC.
  • Maintains a professional manner and appearance at all times.
  • Insures confidentiality.
  • Adheres to a mandatory reporting policy for child abuse and neglect.
• 6. Completes all other duties as assigned.

Scope of position

Reports to the teacher. Receives moderate supervision from teacher and central office staff. Supervises children and volunteers. Works with 1-5 staff members and volunteers. Position requires decisions regarding duties and responsibilities. Moderate decisions need to be made related to children and families. Assumes supervision of the classroom during the absence of the teacher. Ongoing staff development is an integral part of the position.

Knowledge, skills, and technical ability

Must have a High School Diploma or General Education Degree. Prefer candidates with experience working with young children.

Willing to certify

• CPR
• First Aid
• Child Development Associates Credential (CDA)

Must pass prior to starting position

• TB Skin Test
• Kansas Bureau of Investigation background check
• Physical Exam

Physical Requirements

• Frequent lifting of 10-25 lbs.
• Occasional lifting & moving of 50 lbs.
• Bending, squatting, and kneeling occur frequently on a daily basis.
• Fine manipulation occurs frequently.

Requires

• Good communication skills including oral, written, and listening.
• Interpersonal skills working with children, volunteers, families, and community members.
• Ability to make good decisions.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule.
• Willingness to work as a team player.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable means of transportation.

Working conditions

Assistants work 98% of the time in the classroom. Conditions include a high noise level and a fast-paced schedule. About 2% of the time is spent working with families or in the community. Must be able to lift, move and handle up to 50 pounds. Position requires much physical activity interacting with children and requires the ability to work in a noisy environment.

Compensation

Based on the USD 489 Paraprofessional Salary Schedule and benefit package. Compensation will be provided for non-district days worked.

Hays School District

Hays School District has about 3,000 students that are enrolled in a high school, middle school, four elementary schools, and an alternative school. The staff of Unified School District No. 489 are recognized throughout Kansas and across the nation as leaders in educational excellence.

Hays Public Schools enjoy tremendous support from the community. Through this support, USD 489 is able to offer programs like all-day, kindergarten, the smallest class sizes in the state for districts our size, and a longer school year. An extensive special education program serves children with special needs. Early childhood programs serve children and their families in a three-county area from before-birth to age six. Technology, throughout the district, is used to supplement and strengthen the instructional program. The most noticeable aspect of our technology is in our ratio of students to computers. At Hays High and the middle schools it is 1:1; and 2:1 in the elementary schools.

While doing an excellent job on the test score race, the staff continues to seek to develop the creativity, curiosity, and problem solving skills of students as well. The challenges of the future are best dealt with by applying creativity and foresight to a solid foundation. We are equipped at USD 489.

To learn more about our schools, visit our website at www.usd489.com .

USD 489, Ellis County, Kansas, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or handicap in admission or access to or treatment or employment in its programs and activities. If you have questions regarding the above, please contact the Title IX Coordinator or the Section 504 Coordinator in the office of the Superintendent of Schools, 323 W. 12th Street, Hays, Kansas 67601, [phone].