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 Insurance

Dental Insurance

Tuition Assistance

Paid Training Opportunities

Family-Friendly Work Environment

Positive Team Culture

Job summary

Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC) Head Start is seeking a Teacher Assistant to support daily classroom operations and create a warm, safe learning environment for preschool children in Stewart. This full-time role collaborates with teachers and families to promote developmentally appropriate practices and student success, coordinating with staff to maintain a positive classroom culture.

A 40-hour workweek, Monday–Friday, provides opportunities for professional growth, including

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Six college credit hours or Preschool CDA.
• Experience with preschool children.
• Willingness to obtain Early Childhood Development Specialization Certification through Ozarks Tech (employer-paid).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Support classroom instruction and daily routines
• Assist with classroom management and lesson implementation
• Provide responsive care and supervision to preschool children
• Collaborate with teachers, staff, and families to support student success
• Maintain a positive, safe, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment
• Support compliance with program standards and classroom procedures
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Skills

Effective communication

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Confidentiality

Developmentally appropriate practices

Positive classroom environment

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Six college credit hours or Preschool CDA

Early Childhood degree (preferred)

Preschool CDA

Job description

Position Information

Position Title: Teacher Assistant (Floats)

Department: Head Start/Early Head Start

Location: Stewart

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.

Position Overview

OACAC Head Start is seeking motivated team members for the position of Teacher Assistant. This role supports classroom operations by helping create a warm, welcoming learning environment that encourages children to reach their highest potential while collaborating with classroom staff and families.

Work Schedule

• Monday–Friday
• Shifts vary between 7 and 5
• Full-time, 40 hours weekly

Key Responsibilities

• Support classroom instruction and daily routines
• Assist with classroom management and lesson implementation
• Provide responsive care and supervision to preschool children
• Collaborate with teachers, staff, and families to support student success
• Maintain a positive, safe, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment
• Support compliance with program standards and classroom procedures
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• Six (6) college credit hours or Preschool CDA
• Experience working with preschool children
• 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

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
• Ability to provide a positive and supportive classroom 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

September 16, 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 is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected status.