Head Start Teaching Assistant-1

60 Innovative Network of Knowledge; East Parkview (LA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

60 Innovative Network of Knowledge is seeking candidates for early childhood education roles focused on ensuring the safety and development of children. Ideal applicants will have a high school diploma and CDA, and experience in preschool settings is preferred.

The position emphasizes effective communication with children and families, adherence to safety protocols, and collaboration with staff. Bilingual candidates in English and Spanish are preferred. Training and a valid driver's license are required for this role.

Qualifications

• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to lift up to 60 pounds.
• Exposure to communicable diseases and other hazards.

Responsibilities

• Protect the physical and mental health and safety of children.
• Assist with developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
• Support assessments and ongoing evaluations of children's development.

Skills

Effective written and verbal communication in English and Spanish

Organizational skills

Ability to respond sensitively to cultural characteristics

Education

High school diploma or GED

Completion of Child Development Associate Credential (CDA)

Preferred Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education

Job description

Academic & Experience Requirements

• High school diploma or GED, and completion of Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) or a state‑awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential.
• Enrollment in a program that will lead to an Associate or Bachelor’s degree, or enrollment in a CDA credential program to be completed within two years of hire.
• Prefer a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• Prefer two years of experience in the preschool classroom setting.
• Prefer bilingual (Spanish).

Critical Action Items & Measurable Deliverables

• Protect the physical and mental health and safety of our children and ensure no child is left alone or unsupervised while under our care.
• Assist with the provision of responsive care, effective teaching, and an organized learning environment that promotes healthy development and children’s skill growth aligned with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five, including children with disabilities.
• Assist with the implementation of prescribed curricula to provide developmentally appropriate learning experiences in language, literacy, social and emotional development, math, science, social studies, creative arts, and physical development, and integrate child assessment data in individual and group planning.
• Support screenings, assessments, and ongoing evaluation of the child’s developmental level and progress in outcomes.
• Support opportunities for parents and family members to engage in their child’s development and in program services, including but not limited to parent conferences, home visits, and group activities.
• Follow appropriate practices to keep children safe during all activities, including reporting at a minimum suspected or known child abuse and neglect; appropriate supervision of children at all times; and all standards of conduct.
• Comply with positive adult‑child interactions as measured by the CLASS: Pre‑K instrument.
• Complete minimum training requirements as specified in state and federal standards.
• Maintain regular communication with teachers to ensure they are well‑informed about their students’ behavior and progress.
• Maintain child files, classroom forms, and other documentation and ensure those documents are compliant, current, and organized.
• Monitor classroom and make certain it is free from physical and environmental hazards.
• Ensure incident reporting occurs within the timeframes designated in program policy and protocol.

Other Responsibilities

• Use age‑appropriate equipment, materials, supplies and physical space for indoor and outdoor learning environments, including functional space, and change materials periodically to support children’s evolving interests and development.
• Support teachers’ response to classroom observations through modifications to teaching strategies and lesson plans in accordance with prescribed curricula.
• Communicate child observations to teachers, including the identification of potential interference with a child’s development and school readiness.
• Support teachers’ coordination with education, family, mental health and/or child development professional program staff to address identified needs.
• Participate in school functions, scheduled meetings and team decision and operations.
• Work collaboratively with other staff members, service providers and professionals.
• Maintain confidentiality in all areas of child and program operations.
• Perform other job duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Ability to respond sensitively and competently to the service population’s cultural and socio‑economic characteristics.
• Effective written and verbal communication in English and Spanish (preferred).
• Ability to maintain emotional control and professional composure at all times.
• Working knowledge of all INK policies and procedures.
• Ability to organize and prioritize duties and responsibilities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to work independently.
• Possess a valid driver’s license.
• Complete and pass health examination.
• Confirm work eligibility status.
• Successfully pass driving history check.
• Clear criminal background check.
• Required to lift up to 60 pounds.
• Required to stand, sit on the floor, bend, squat, kneel, lift children, and engage with children.
• Exposure to communicable diseases, and other hazards such as cigarette smoke, pets, at risk neighborhoods, etc.
• Travel up to 50% by car, bus, airplane, or train may also be required for attendance at conferences, meetings and other duties carried out at distant locations in and out of state and in some cases where some overnight travel may be required.
• Some evenings and weekend work may occasionally be required for events such as home visits, parent‑teacher conferences, Parent Committee meetings, community, and social events such as field trips.

Health and Travel Policies

All new hires must receive an annual Influenza vaccination or obtain an approved exemption as a medical or religious accommodation. This is a condition of employment and all new hires will be responsible for providing proof.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

INK is an Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”) Employer and is committed to not discriminating on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination.