Osceola Head Start – Teacher Assistant

South Central Iowa Community Action Program, Inc.; Osceola, Northern (IA, KY); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Holidays

Retirement options

Job summary

South Central Iowa Community Action Program (SCICAP) invites you to join our Head Start team in Osceola, IA as a Teacher Assistant. You will support the Lead Teacher, help create a safe, engaging learning space, and assist with meals and classroom prep.

bilingual English/Spanish communication will aid family interactions, and you may pursue a CDA within two years of hire. This is a full-time, school-year position aligning with Clarke Community Schools calendar.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Preference given to candidates with a Child Development Associate (CDA) or Early Childhood coursework. Must be willing to complete a CDA within two years of hire if candidate does not have a current CDA.
• Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. and meet physical requirements of the position.
• Must pass pre-employment background checks and meet Head Start health requirements.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills are a must.

Responsibilities

• Support the Lead Teacher in implementing daily classroom activities aligned with Head Start performance standards and curriculum.
• Use both English and Spanish to support communication with children and families.
• Engage children in meaningful learning through play-based experiences that promote cognitive, social, and emotional growth.
• Assist with meal service, classroom preparation, and clean‑up.
• Promote a positive, inclusive classroom culture and model respectful behavior.
• Work collaboratively with center staff, families, and community partners.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and welcoming classroom environment.
• Provide translation and interpretation support during parent interactions, family events, and classroom communications.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Communication

Teamwork

Organization

Education

High School Diploma or GED

CDA preferred

Early Childhood coursework

Job description

Location: Osceola, Iowa
Position Type: Monday-Friday, Full-Time, School Year
Start Date: ASAP

Make a Difference in a Child’s Life—Join Our Team!

South Central Iowa Community Action Program (SCICAP) is seeking a compassionate, energetic, and dependable Teacher Assistant for our Head Start classroom in Osceola, Iowa. As a key member of our early childhood education team, you will help provide a nurturing, safe, and developmentally appropriate environment where preschool children can learn and grow.

Responsibilities:

• Support the Lead Teacher in implementing daily classroom activities aligned with Head Start performance standards and curriculum.
• Use both English and Spanish to support communication with children and families.
• Engage children in meaningful learning through play-based experiences that promote cognitive, social, and emotional growth.
• Assist with meal service, classroom preparation, and clean‑up.
• Promote a positive, inclusive classroom culture and model respectful behavior.
• Work collaboratively with center staff, families, and community partners.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and welcoming classroom environment.
• Provide translation and interpretation support during parent interactions, family events, and classroom communications.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of a High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Preference given to candidates with a Child Development Associate (CDA) or Early Childhood coursework. Must be willing to complete a Child Development Associate (CDA) within two years of hire if candidate does not have a current CDA.
• Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. and meet physical requirements of the position.
• Must pass pre-employment background checks and meet Head Start health requirements.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills are a must.

Why Work for SCICAP Head Start?

• Meaningful work with children and families in your community
• Paid training and opportunities for career development
• Family-friendly schedule that follows the Clarke Community Schools school calendar
• Supportive team environment
• Employee benefits (for eligible employees), including paid time off, holidays, health insurance, and retirement options

South Central Iowa Community Action Program is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.