Head Start Teaching Assistant

Uethda; Church Hill (TN); On-site; USD 18,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage paid by State ofTN

Retirement Plan: TCRS

Group Life Insurance fully paid by UET

Dental, Vision, Disability options

401(k) and 457 Savings Plan available

Job summary

UETHDA is seeking a Head Start Teaching Assistant to support early childhood education for 3–5 year-olds in Hawkins County, Tennessee. You will work with the lead teacher to create a nurturing classroom environment and assist with daily activities that promote social, emotional, and cognitive development.

The role includes conducting home visits, attending parent meetings, and coordinating with families to access community resources.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent and obtain a CDA credential within 2 years of employment.
• One year’s experience working with preschool children.
• Must meet all requirements outlined in the Tennessee DHS Standards for Day Care Centers Serving Preschool Children.
• Valid Tennessee Driver's License/ Proof of auto insurance.

Responsibilities

• Support children's social and emotional development using positive guidance.
• Help organize and maintain a safe, healthy classroom and teach transportation safety.
• Observe, assess, and assist in planning activities to meet each child’s needs.
• Conduct home visits, attend parent meetings, and communicate with families.
• Collaborate with staff to support families and access resources.
• Prepare records, submit reports, and attend meetings and training.
• Follow agency policies and complete tasks assigned by supervisors.
• Assist children on and off the bus as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Creative problem solving

Proficient written and verbal comms

Microsoft Office (basic)

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

CDA credential within 2 years

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education/Child Development

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Head Start Teaching Assistant | Hawkins County, TN

Position Summary

Make a Difference in the Lives of Young Children

Are you looking for a rewarding career in early childhood education? As a Head Start Teaching Assistant, you’ll help children ages 3–5 develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in school and beyond. Head Start goes beyond traditional preschool by supporting the whole child through education, health, nutrition, and family engagement—and your role is key to that mission.

Working alongside the lead teacher, you’ll help create a nurturing, engaging classroom where children feel supported, valued, and excited to learn. You’ll assist with daily learning activities, encourage social and emotional growth, and build positive relationships with children and their families.

Essential Functions

Support children's social and emotional development using positive guidance

Help organize and maintain a safe, healthy classroom and teach transportation safety

Observe, assess, and assist in planning activities to meet each child’s needs

Conduct home visits, attend parent meetings, and communicate with families

Collaborate with staff to support families and access resources

Prepare records, submit reports, and attend meetings and training

Follow agency policies and complete tasks assigned by supervisors

Assist children on and off the bus as needed

Perform other duties as assigned

Paid Fall Break, Winter Break, Spring Break and holidays

Healthcare coverage is provided through the State of Tennessee, with UETHDA covering 100% of the monthly premium for employee-only plans (valued at approximately $600 per month or $7,200 annually). Additional coverage options are available, with any cost difference paid by the employee

1 day of healthcare/personal accrued per month (12 days per year)

Retirement Plan: Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS). Eligible employees contribute 5% of annual wages on a pre‑tax basis to the defined TCRS plan. UETHDA contributes an amortized amount as determined by TCRS. Employees become fully vested after five years of eligible service.

Group Term Life Insurance (coverage equal to 1.5 times annual wages) and Voluntary Life Insurance are offered, with Group Term Life fully paid by UETHDA.

Dental, Vision, Short‑Term Disability, and Long‑Term Disability options are available at 100% cost to the employee.

Additional 401(K) and 457 Savings Planalso available without employer match

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and obtain a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential within 2 years of employment.
• One year’s experience working with preschool children.
• Ability to think and problem‑solve creatively.
• Basic Use of Microsoft Office Programs.
• Proficient written and verbal communication.
• Must possess 20/40 vision with or without corrective lenses.
• Hearing range must be within normal limits with or without hearing aids.
• Must possess the physical ability to get down on the floor with the children, sit on the child‑size furniture, run after children, and chase children if necessary.
• Must possess the physical ability to lift furniture, equipment, and children weighing up to (50) pounds.
• Must meet all requirements outlined in the State of Tennessee DHS “Standards for Day Care Centers Serving Preschool Children.”
• Valid Tennessee Driver's License/ Proof of auto insurance.
  

EOE Statement

UETHDA hires high quality staff from a variety of fields and education levels who have a passion for changing the lives of others. UETHDA is an equal opportunity employer (EOE).

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full‑time non‑exempt position paid hourly. This position will work approximately 30 hours per week, 44‑46 weeks per school year with a summer lay off of approximately 6 to 8 weeks. Working days are Monday through Friday with varying day shift. Elected benefits continue during temporary summer lay‑off. Work is based in the Hawkins County, Tennessee area.

Salary Based 100% on Education Degree

$13.00 hourly for high school education

$14.75 hourly for bachelor of science degree in Early Childhood Education/Child Development

Teaching Assistants may qualify for supplemental TN DHS childcare WAGE$ based on education and service requirements.