Head Start Teaching Assistant

Kansas City Public Schools; Kansas City (MO); On-site; Full time

Job summary

Kansas City Public Schools is seeking a Head Start Teaching Assistant to work alongside the Classroom Instructor. This role involves implementing curriculum, supporting children's development, and maintaining a positive classroom environment. The ideal candidate will have a CDA or be enrolled in a related degree program, with experience in early childhood education. Benefits include health insurance and retirement plans.

Benefits

Retirement Programs

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Life Insurance

Qualifications

• Experience working with young children and families.
• Successful completion of required background check.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with the Classroom Instructor to develop lesson plans.
• Records observations and supports children's development.
• Maintains a safe and healthy classroom environment.

Skills

Collaboration

Child Development

Communication

Education

Preschool Child Development Associate Credential (CDA)

Associate Degree in Early Childhood

Job description

KANSAS CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Job Description

Job Title: Head Start Teaching Assistant

Job Title Code: 01079

Salary Grade: Z03H-Z05H $16.30 - $27.63

Department: Office of Early Learning

Reports To: Head Start Early Learning Community School Site Supervisor

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Purpose of Job

The HS Teaching Assistant works alongside the Head Start Classroom Instructor to implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and daily activities that support children’s health, social-emotional development, and school readiness.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Collaborates as a team member with the Head Start Classroom Instructor to develop and implement weekly lesson plans utilizing the approved curriculum, assessment, and daily classroom routine. Individualizes lesson plans.
2. Records observations of children and collects data to support the ongoing developmental assessment process utilizing the DRDP (Desired Results Developmental Profile). This requires the use of an iPad and other technology methods.
3. Promotes and supports children’s social, emotional, and physical development consistent with the philosophy of Head Start, Trauma Smart, and Conscious Discipline classroom management techniques. Establishes and maintains respectful and responsive interactions, even when challenging behaviors are present. Supports the development of adaptive skills.
4. Supports a classroom environment that aligns with CLASS (Classroom Assessment Scoring System). This includes creating a positive climate, engaging in meaningful interactions, and promoting language and critical thinking skills.
5. Maintains a safe and healthy classroom environment as required by Head Start Program Performance Standards. This includes the effective supervision of children, utilizing C.A.S.E. when transitioning children from one location to another, and maintaining the required classroom ratio. Monitors the arrival and departure of children and records attendance accurately and consistently.
6. Assists with the display and presentation of children’s work. Participates in home visits and parent-teacher conferences, partnering with families around their child’s education. Completes supporting documentation.
7. Participates in assigned trainings (minimum 15 hours annually), professional learning communities, and collaborates professionally with Head Start content leads and management team.
8. Maintains professional and positive relationships with families. Engages families in classroom volunteer and building-wide activities.
9. Treats children, families, and colleagues with professionalism and supports a positive work environment that aligns with the philosophy of KCPS Head Start, Trauma Smart, and Conscious Discipline.
10. Follows district guidelines for reporting incidents of suspected abuse, neglect, or contagious disease.
11. Utilizes relevant district and Head Start software and technology effectively in the performance of duties. Completes paperwork according to assigned timelines and follows code of conduct and confidentiality policies.
12. Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Minimum Qualifications

• Possess a Preschool Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) or be enrolled and complete the CDA or degree within 2 years per MARC.
• Experience working with young children and families.
• Successful completion of required background check and submission of an initial physical and TB screening.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate Degree in Early Childhood.
• Three (3) years successful experience working with Pre-K children and their families.
• Experience working in culturally diverse communities.
• Experience working with Head Start programs.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job requires that the employee be able to sit, stand, walk, speak, hear, use hands, fingers, reach with hands and fingers; bend, stoop, lift objects/children of at least forty pounds; use stairs; move quickly from one space to another; spend extended time outdoors in a variety of weather conditions; visual ability requires mono and color vision.

Terms of Employment

Length of work year: 10 months

Benefits: Retirement Programs, Health, Dental, and Life Insurance are provided.

KCPS Defined Benefit Pension plan – mandatory 9% contribution is required from employee and matched by KCPS; Voluntary retirement savings plans are also available.