Teacher Assistant, Head Start

Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara County; Santa Maria (CA); On-site; USD 24,796 - 26,174; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Life insurance

11 paid holidays

Retirement plan with up to 5% match

Job summary

Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara County is seeking a full-time Head Start Teacher Assistant in Santa Maria. The role involves supporting classroom teachers to provide a high-quality early childhood program while ensuring child safety and well-being. The ideal candidate will have a Child Development Teacher Assistant Permit and knowledge of child guidance methods. The position offers a competitive wage of $18.00–$19.00 per hour based on qualifications, along with comprehensive benefits, including medical and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• Requires Child Development Teacher Assistant Permit and enrollment in related credential program.
• Must obtain and maintain Pediatric First Aid and CPR card.
• Experience with children with disabilities preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise children and assist teachers in activities.
• Help maintain clean and organized classroom.
• Support children with toileting and other physical care needs.

Skills

Positive child guidance

Effective communication

Knowledge of Internet software

Computer skills

Education

Child Development Teacher Assistant Permit

Child Development Associate credential program

Job description

Want to make a difference in a child’s life? Join CommUnify’s team by becoming a Head Start Teacher Assistant! Our agency provides employees with a positive work environment and the ability to balance work & home along with excellent benefits. Our benefit package includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance including sick, vacation, and personal leave with 11 paid holidays and a fully vested retirement plan with an up to 5% match.

Position is a full‑time temporary role that will earn sick leave. Starts out between $18.00–$19.00 per hour depending on how many Early Childhood Education units you have completed. Position located in Santa Maria at the Alvin Head Start Center.

Under the supervision of a Site Supervisor, the Teacher Assistant supports the classroom teachers of a center to carry out a high‑quality early childhood program.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• When in the teacher/child ratio, maintains 100% supervision of all children, by sight and sound at all times.
• Consistently uses positive child guidance methods.
• Develops positive relationships with each child and with parents.
• Assists in meal preparation, mealtime and clean up.
• Sets cots or mats out for nap time and assists children during napping.
• Helps to maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary classroom environment.
• Maintains the confidentiality of records and information about enrolled families.
• Attends and contributes to regular staff meetings and curriculum planning meetings.
• Helps to implement the curriculum under teacher direction, including small group, field trips, mealtimes, and one on one activities with children.
• Contributes to child observations and ongoing assessment.
• Assist children with toileting, diapering and/or feeding and other physical care needs.
• Is aware of all center’s children with food allergies, and ensures they receive the doctor recommended substitutions.
• Is sensitive to children with special needs.
• Functions as a positive team member. Communicates effectively with families and co-workers.
• Attends parent meetings and home visits when requested.
• Performs other comparable related duties as required.

Education and/or Experience

Child Development Teacher Assistant Permit or higher from California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and enrolled in a Child Development Associate credential program to be completed within two (2) years of hire.

Computer Skills

Knowledge of Internet software and Word Processing software.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Obtain and maintain a current Child Development Permit for position held. Must obtain and maintain a Pediatric First Aid and CPR card.

Other Skills and Abilities

Experience working with children with disabilities desirable; bilingual preferred.

Other Qualifications

Successfully complete a pre-employment physical examination. Obtain a tuberculosis clearance and clear Community Care Licensing fingerprint process. Provide verification of State required vaccines upon hire for Influenza (from August 1 to December 1), Pertussis, and Measles. Exceptions to vaccinations: Flu can be waived by completing annual waiver.

CommUnify, EOE