Teacher Assistant

Centro de la Familia de Utah; Saguache (CO); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Centro de la Familia de Utah in Colorado is seeking a Teacher Assistant to support the Lead Teacher and Education Specialist in a developmentally appropriate Head Start program. You will help implement activities, supervise children, and engage with families in their preferred language.

The role requires CPR, First Aid, and Food Handler permits, a willingness to work with children who have special needs or limited English, and ideally bilingual Spanish and English.

Qualifications

• Preschool CDA or plan to earn within six months.
• CPR, First Aid, and Food Handler permits.
• Willingness to work with children with special needs and limited English.
• Preferred bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English.

Responsibilities

• Assist in classroom management and supervision of children.
• Support daily planning and activities aligned with Head Start standards.
• Create a safe, engaging learning environment through play.
• Assist with meals and snack routines for children.
• Communicate with families and caregivers in their preferred language.

Skills

Bilingual Spanish/English

Education

Preschool CDA

Associate/Bachelor's degree in ECE or related field

Job description

Join Our Team at Centro de la Familia!

Are you passionate about nurturing the growth and development of young minds? Join us at Centro de la Familia, where we create exceptional opportunities for children and families through our early childhood education programs. Right now, we're looking for a Teacher Assistant to become a crucial part of our team.

Position Overview:

As an integral part of our team, under the guidance of the Lead Teacher and Education Specialist, you will:

• Administer a developmentally, linguistically, and culturally appropriate early childhood education program.
• Meet the individual and holistic needs of infants and toddlers.
• Work closely with parents and families, ensuring they are included in the planning and execution of their child's education.
• Collaborate with staff, parents, and volunteers, and be directly involved in providing meals and snacks for children.
• Assume Teacher duties in the temporary absence of the Teacher.

Key Responsibilities:

• Classroom Environment: Assist in managing the classroom, supervising children, and engaging them in learning activities both indoors and outdoors.
• Program Planning: Support daily planning to promote children's growth and development, adhering to Head Start Performance Standards and CDLF Service Plan.
• Learning Environment: Use space, relationships, materials, and routines to create an interesting, secure, and enjoyable environment for play, exploration, and learning.
• Physical Development: Implement activities that promote children's physical development and encourage curiosity, exploration, and problem-solving.
• Communication: Actively communicate with children, providing opportunities for verbal and nonverbal communication.
• Creative Expression: Stimulate children's creative abilities through play with sound, rhythm, language, materials, space, and ideas.
• Emotional Security: Help each child develop a sense of independence and pride in themselves, fostering acceptance and mutual respect among peers.
• Behavioral Development: Create a supportive environment for children to practice appropriate and acceptable behaviors.
• Individualized Learning: Use observations and assessments to plan personalized learning activities and track progress.
• Health and Safety: Maintain cleanliness and sanitization of toys and surfaces, following CDLF's guidelines.

Parent & Family Involvement:

• Encourage and partner with parents for active participation in the program.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding children and families.
• Communicate with parents in their preferred language.
• Suggest at-home activities and materials for parents.
• Support bilingual development and cultural heritage.

Requirements

The ideal candidate will have:

A current Preschool CDA (Childhood Development Associate) or a written plan to earn one within the first six months or an associate/bachelor's degree in early childhood education/child development or a related field within two years from the date of hire.

Current CPR, First Aid, and Food Handler's permits.

A willingness to work with children with special needs and those with limited or no English language skills.

Preferred bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English.

This role involves physical capabilities, including extended periods of walking, standing, kneeling, crouching, lifting/moving up to 50 pounds, as well as the ability to sit on the floor, crawl, run, and perform various activities associated with preschool care.

Why You'll Love It Here:

We are passionate about our work and the incredible children and families we have the privilege to support. We have been dedicated to Community and Family Engagement since 1975, have been operating Head Start Programs since 1991, and have experience managing programs in challenging, isolated, and underserved areas. Our curricula and programs are rooted in science, and we are committed to the professional growth of minority communities. Plus, our team includes bilingual and bicultural staff to ensure inclusive and culturally sensitive care.