Teacher Assistant

East Central Kansas Economic Opportunity Corp.; Garnett (KS); On-site; USD 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

East Central Kansas Economic Opportunity Corp. (ECKAN) Head Start is seeking a caring Teacher Assistant to support a safe and engaging classroom. You will assist with daily activities, lesson plans, child supervision, and family-centered learning experiences.

The position emphasizes teamwork, developmentally appropriate activities, and strong communication. A CDA or the ability to obtain within the first year is required, along with safety and health clearances.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• CDA credential required, or able to obtain within first year.

Responsibilities

• Support the Teacher with daily classroom activities and routines.
• Provide active supervision and ensure safety and well-being of children.
• Create a warm, positive, developmentally appropriate classroom environment.
• Engage with children at their developmental level through conversation, play, and learning activities.
• Assist with implementing weekly lesson plans and classroom activities.
• Participate in activities that promote children’s social, emotional, physical, and educational development.
• Assist with observing and assessing children’s developmental progress and needs.
• Encourage healthy eating habits and participate in mealtime activities.
• Maintain a clean, organized classroom and support home visits and conferences.
• Attend staff meetings and required training; occasional overnight travel may be required.
• Maintain records and confidentiality per ECKAN policies.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Computer basics

Education

High school diploma or GED

CDA credential

Job description

Description

SUPERVISOR: Teacher

SUPERVISES: None

WORK PERIOD: 10 months per/year

EXEMPTION STATUS: Non-exempt

POSITION SUMMARY: ECKAN Head Start is seeking a caring and dependable Teacher Assistant to support a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment. This position assists with daily classroom activities, lesson plans, child supervision, and developmentally appropriate learning experiences while supporting the needs of children and families.

If you enjoy working with young children, are a team player, and want to make a difference in the lives of children and families, we’d love to hear from you!

What You’ll Do:

• Support the Teacher with daily classroom activities and routines.
• Provide active supervision and always ensure the safety and well-being of children.
• Create a warm, positive, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.
• Engage with children at their developmental level through conversation, play, and learning activities.
• Assist with implementing weekly lesson plans and classroom activities.
• Participate in activities that promote children’s social, emotional, physical, and educational development.
• Assist with observing and assessing children’s developmental progress and individual needs.
• Encourage healthy eating habits and participate in mealtime activities with children.
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming classroom.
• Support the teaching team with required home visits and parent-teacher conferences.
• Attend staff meetings, workshops, and required training, which may occasionally include overnight travel.
• Maintain accurate and timely records in accordance with ECKAN policies and procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality and follow ECKAN’s Code of Ethical Conduct.
• Support ECKAN’s mission, vision, and commitment to helping people and changing lives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Skills & Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential required, or the ability to obtain a CDA within the first year of employment.
• Ability to successfully complete required KBI/background checks and health requirements.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Basic computer and office skills.
• Ability to regularly kneel, stoop, bend, sit on the floor, and move throughout the classroom.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 40 pounds.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet ECKAN insurance requirements, when applicable.