Teacher Aide

DOUGLASS COMMUNITY SERVICES INC; Palmyra (MO); On-site; USD 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay at $15/hour

Full-time schedule 40 hours/week (49 w

No evenings or weekends

Paid holidays and breaks

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Free life insurance

401(k) with employer contributions

Generous PTO

14 paid holidays annually

Paid inclement weather days

Tuition assistance and professional开发

Career growth in Early Childhood

Job summary

Douglass Community Services, in Missouri, is seeking a Teacher Assistant to support Co-Teachers in creating a safe, nurturing learning environment for Head Start children. You will help with lesson planning, documentation, and developmentally appropriate activities to promote growth across physical, intellectual, social, and emotional domains.

The role emphasizes strong communication, confidentiality, and a commitment to teamwork, with opportunities for CDA credential progression within 18

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Ability to enroll in and complete a CDA credential program within 18 months of hire.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Enjoyment and comfort working with young children.
• CPR and First Aid certification required or ability to obtain and maintain certification.
• Ability to take initiative, exercise independent judgment, and work effectively as part of a team.
• Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to teamwork.
• Willingness to support program operations, including classroom and center-wide needs.

Responsibilities

• Helping establish a safe, healthy, and nurturing learning environment that encourages exploration and growth
• Assisting Co-Teachers with lesson planning, classroom strategies, documentation, and developmentally appropriate activities
• Supporting children’s physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development through positive interaction and guidance
• Promoting curriculum goals, including educational, social, and emotional learning objectives
• Incorporating nutrition, health, and self-care practices into daily classroom routines
• Building positive relationships with children and families to encourage engagement in learning
• Preparing classroom materials and ensuring readiness for daily activities under the direction of Co-Teachers
• Maintaining ongoing communication with staff, supervisors, parents, and service providers
• Maintaining confidentiality in all matters related to children, families, and staff
• Participating in ongoing professional development, including trainings, workshops, conferences, and coursework
• Reporting suspected child abuse or neglect in accordance with mandated reporter requirements and program procedures
• Supporting additional duties as assigned by the Supervisor

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Teamwork

Confidentiality

Initiative

Enjoyment and comfort working with **(

Education

High school diploma or GED

CDA credential program within 18 months of hire

Tools

CPR and First Aid certification

Job description

Help Children Learn, Grow, and Thrive in a Safe and Supportive Environment

Do you have a passion for early childhood education and a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young children? Are you looking for a rewarding role where you can support learning, encourage growth, and help build strong foundations for lifelong success?

Join our Head Start team and become part of a caring, collaborative classroom environment dedicated to supporting every child’s physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development. As a Teacher Assistant, you will work alongside Co-Teachers to create safe, nurturing, and engaging learning experiences that help children reach their full potential.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Competitive Pay (Level 18)
  • Starting at $15.00/hour

• Outstanding Work-Life Balance
  • Full-time schedule: 40 hours per week, 49 weeks per year
  • No evenings or weekends required
  • Paid holidays and breaks
  • Supportive, team-based environment

• Exceptional Benefits
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • FREE life insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions
  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • 14 paid holidays annually
  • Paid inclement weather days
  • Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities
  • Career growth within Early Childhood Education

What You'll Do

• Helping establish a safe, healthy, and nurturing learning environment that encourages exploration and growth
• Assisting Co-Teachers with lesson planning, classroom strategies, documentation, and developmentally appropriate activities
• Supporting children’s physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development through positive interaction and guidance
• Promoting curriculum goals, including educational, social, and emotional learning objectives
• Incorporating nutrition, health, and self-care practices into daily classroom routines
• Building positive relationships with children and families to encourage engagement in learning
• Preparing classroom materials and ensuring readiness for daily activities under the direction of Co-Teachers
• Maintaining ongoing communication with staff, supervisors, parents, and service providers
• Maintaining confidentiality in all matters related to children, families, and staff
• Participating in ongoing professional development, including trainings, workshops, conferences, and coursework
• Reporting suspected child abuse or neglect in accordance with mandated reporter requirements and program procedures
• Supporting additional duties as assigned by the Supervisor

What We're Looking For

• High school diploma or GED required
• Ability to enroll in and complete a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential program within 18 months of hire
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Enjoyment and comfort working with young children
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and uphold professional standards
• CPR and First Aid certification required or ability to obtain and maintain certification
• Ability to take initiative, exercise independent judgment, and work effectively as part of a team
• Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to teamwork
• Willingness to support program operations, including classroom and center-wide needs

The above description is not a comprehensive listing of all job-specific responsibilities, tasks, and duties.

Douglass Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and Drug-Free Workplace.