Part Day Preschool Teacher Assistant (Logan)

Bear River Head Start; Logan (UT); On-site; USD 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization is seeking a full-time Teacher Assistant to support educational development for Head Start children. The role involves creating a safe learning environment, promoting health, and engaging with families. Ideal candidates will have a passion for early childhood education and the ability to work with diverse populations. Benefits include full medical coverage and retirement plans.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Retirement Plan

Cafeteria Plan

Qualifications

• Must be proficient in speaking, reading, and writing in English.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred; in some areas required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in establishing and maintaining a safe, healthy learning environment.
• Support physical and intellectual development using appropriate equipment.
• Promote health and nutrition through planning activities.

Skills

Attention to detail

Compassion

Patience

Leadership

Teamwork

Organization skills

Strong ethics

Resourcefulness

Education

Preschool CDA

CPR Certification

First Aid Certification

Food Handler’s Permit

Job description

This Teacher Assistant position is full-time, 6.5 hours a day. The rate of pay is $14.52 hourly. Eligible for full benefits (including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, cafeteria plan, and retirement) and SEP retirement plan after 13 months of employment. Must be proficient in speaking, reading, and writing in English.

KEY FUNCTION:

Under the general direction of the PHS Center Based Coordinator, with possible direct supervision based on program needs, the PHS Teacher Assistant will assist in providing high-quality, individualized education to Head Start children in a developmentally appropriate environment. The role includes supporting Head Start parents in developing social skills, self-esteem, and peer involvement, as well as recruiting families and children for the program.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Assist in establishing and maintaining a safe, healthy, learning environment to prevent injuries, minimize hazards, and provide supervision.
• Promote health and nutrition through planning activities that encourage personal health and proper nutrition.
• Utilize the learning environment and routines to create an engaging, secure space that fosters play, exploration, and learning.
• Support physical and intellectual development using appropriate equipment and activities, respecting diverse learning styles.
• Communicate actively with children to support verbal and nonverbal expression of thoughts and feelings.
• Provide opportunities for children to express creativity through sound, rhythm, space, materials, and language.
• Support social and emotional development and guide children in practicing acceptable behaviors.
• Maintain positive relationships with families, encouraging involvement and supporting the child's connection to their family.
• Ensure program responsiveness to participant needs.
• Maintain professionalism and assist with referrals and documentation of disabilities.
• Make decisions based on early childhood knowledge and best practices.
• Assist in preparing weekly lesson plans and other paperwork as required.
• Handle CACFP paperwork and documentation.
• Prepare, serve, and clean up meals and snacks as needed.
• Complete daily health and safety checklists.
• Maintain confidentiality and promote inclusive practices involving parents and role models.
• Actively recruit families for Head Start and assist with home visits, meetings, and activities.
• Arrive at least 30 minutes before class to prepare.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION:

The Center Based Teacher supervises the Teacher Assistant.

QUALIFICATIONS: PERSONAL QUALITIES

• Attention to detail and ability to complete paperwork accurately.
• Knowledge of current early childhood research and implementation in the classroom.
• Understanding of multiple intelligences in children.
• Awareness of the needs of economically disadvantaged children and the philosophy of Head Start.
• Ability to work under stress and a proactive attitude.
• Strong ethics, organization skills, and patience.
• Ability to work with diverse families and cultures.
• Compassion, patience, and boundary-setting skills.
• Leadership, teamwork, innovation, and resourcefulness.
• A sense of humor.
• Pass a background check and possess strong computer skills.
• Ability to lift 40 lbs and perform physical activities such as sitting, kneeling, and getting up frequently.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Preschool CDA preferred; willingness to obtain within two years.
• CPR, First Aid certification, TB testing, Food Handler’s Permit required.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred; in some areas required.
• Ability to obtain a CDL for field trips if necessary.
• Experience with children required; Head Start Volunteer experience preferred.

All employment is contingent upon Policy Council approval, background check, and passing a drug test. Refusal to test disqualifies further employment consideration.