Teacher Assistant

Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC); Springfield (MO); On-site; USD 24,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

Medical and Dental Insurance

Tuition Assistance

Paid Training Opportunities

Family-Friendly Work Environment

Positive Team Culture

Job summary

Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC) Head Start seeks an Early Head Start Infant/Toddler Teacher Assistant to join three classrooms. You will work with teaching staff to provide high-quality care and education for infants and toddlers, emphasizing responsive caregiving and developmentally appropriate activities.

The role requires a High School Diploma or GED plus infant/toddler credentials, with opportunities to pursue an employer-paid early childhood certification.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Six college credits or Infant/Toddler CDA certification preferred.
• Experience working with infants and toddlers is required.
• Willingness to pursue Early Childhood Development specialization (employer-paid).
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Support daily classroom operations in three Early Head Start classrooms.
• Assist with providing responsive care and supervision to infants and toddlers.
• Build positive relationships with children and families.
• Support implementation of developmentally appropriate activities and routines.
• Collaborate with staff to maintain a safe, nurturing environment.
• Promote social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Confidentiality

Developmental practices

Nurturing environment

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Six college credits or Infant/Toddler CDA

Experience with infants/toddlers

Willing to obtain ECD Specialization (Ozarks Tech)

Team/independent work ability

Early Childhood degree (preferred)

Transcript with application (preferred)

Job description

Position Information

Position Title: Teacher Assistant

Department: Head Start – Early Head Start

Location: Springfield Locations

Reports To: Center Supervisor

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Employment Type: Full-Time

About Us

Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing poverty and strengthening communities by providing services and support to individuals and families throughout the Ozarks.

OACAC Head Start provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, and family support services to children ages birth through five and their families, preparing children for success in school and life.

Position Overview

OACAC Head Start is seeking motivated team members for the position of Early Head Start Infant/Toddler Teacher Assistant. This position supports three Early Head Start classrooms and works collaboratively with teaching staff to provide high-quality care and education to infants and toddlers. Teachers work as part of a relationship-based team and provide responsive caregiving that promotes healthy development and school readiness.

Work Schedule

• Monday–Friday
• Shifts vary between 7-5
• Full Time

Key Responsibilities

• Support daily classroom operations in three Early Head Start classrooms
• Assist with providing responsive care and supervision to infants and toddlers
• Build positive relationships with children and families
• Support implementation of developmentally appropriate activities and routines
• Work collaboratively with teaching staff to maintain a safe and nurturing environment
• Promote children's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• Six (6) college credit hours or Infant/Toddler CDA
• Experience working with infants and toddlers
• Willingness to obtain Early Childhood Development Specialization Certification through Ozarks Tech (paid for by employer)
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Preferred Qualifications

• Early Childhood degree
• Copy of transcript required with application

Required Skills And Abilities

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff and families
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices for infants and toddlers
• Ability to provide a positive, nurturing, and relationship-based learning environment

Compensation

• Salary range: $17.06-20.24 per hour

Benefits

• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Medical and Dental Insurance
• Tuition Assistance
• Paid Training Opportunities
• Family-Friendly Work Environment
• Positive Team Culture

Additional Information

Application Deadline: October 2, 2026

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Valid driver's license (if applicable)
• Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) monitoring (if applicable)
• Family Care Safety Registry (FCSR) background check

Equal Opportunity Employer

Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected status.