Head Start Teaching Assistant

Upper East Tennessee Human Development Agency; Church Hill (TN); On-site; USD 18,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

Upper East Tennessee Human Development Agency is hiring a Head Start Teaching Assistant in Hawkins County, TN. You will support 3–5 year olds with social and emotional growth and assist the lead teacher in daily activities.

The role focuses on creating a nurturing classroom, building strong family connections, and promoting safe, engaging learning experiences. Requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent and a CDA within 2 years, plus experience with preschoolers.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and obtain a CDA credential within 2 years of employment.
• One year’s experience working with preschool children.
• Basic use of Microsoft Office Programs.
• Proficient written and verbal communication.
• Vision (20/40) with or without corrective lenses and normal hearing.
• Ability to physically work with children and lift items up to 50 pounds.
• Must meet Tennessee DHS Day Care Center standards.

Responsibilities

• Support children's social and emotional development using positive guidance.
• Help organize a safe, healthy classroom and reinforce transportation safety.
• Observe, assess, and assist in planning activities for each child.
• Conduct home visits, attend parent meetings, and communicate with families.
• Collaborate with staff to assist families in accessing resources.
• Prepare records, submit reports, and attend meetings and training.
• Assist children on and off the bus as needed.

Skills

Communication

Problem solving

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

CDA Credential

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Head Start Teaching Assistant | Hawkins County, TNPosition SummaryMake a Difference in the Lives of Young ChildrenAre 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.If you’re passionate about helping young learners thrive and want to be part of a team that makes a lasting impact every day, we encourage you to apply.Essential FunctionsSupport children's social and emotional development using positive guidanceHelp organize and maintain a safe, healthy classroom and teach transportation safetyObserve, assess, and assist in planning activities to meet each child’s needsConduct home visits, attend parent meetings, and communicate with familiesCollaborate with staff to support families and access resourcesPrepare records, submit reports, and attend meetings and trainingFollow agency policies and complete tasks assigned by supervisorsAssist children on and off the bus as neededPerform other duties as assignedBenefitsPaid Fall Break, Winter Break, Spring Break and holidaysHealthcare 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 employee1 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 Plan also available without employer matchMinimum RequirementsHigh 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 aides.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 StatementUETHDA 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 WorkThis 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$14.75 hourly for bachelor of science degree in Early Childhood Education/Child DevelopmentTeaching Assistants may qualify for supplemental TN DHS childcare WAGE$ based on education and service requirements.