Teacher Assistant - Early Head Start

Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation; Springfield (MO); On-site; USD 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays

Medical and Dental Insurance

Tuition Assistance

Family-Friendly Work Environment

Positive Team Culture

Job summary

Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC) is seeking an Infant/Toddler Teacher Assistant for the Early Head Start program. This full-time role supports three classrooms in Springfield and Republic, delivering responsive care and education to infants and toddlers.

The position reports to the Center Supervisor and requires a High School Diploma or GED, 6 college credits or an Infant/Toddler CDA, and experience with infants/toddlers.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Six college credit hours or Infant/Toddler CDA.
• Experience with infants and toddlers.
• Willingness to obtain Early Childhood Development Specialization Certification (employer-paid).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices.

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.

Skills

Effective communication

Interpersonal skills

Confidentiality

Developmentally appropriate practices

Relationship-based learning

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Six college credits or Infant/Toddler CDA

Infant/Toddler CDA credential

Early Childhood Development Specialization Certification (employer-paid)

Transcript copy (preferred)

Job description

Position Title: Infant/Toddler Teacher Assistant
Department:Early Head Start
Location: West Chestnut Head Start: 246 N Farm RD 115, Springfield MO 65802
Republic Head Start: 933 N Lindsey Ave, Republic, MO
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 7:00-3:00
• Full year position

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: $16.24 - 20.24 per hour
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Medical and Dental Insurance
• Tuition Assistance
• Family-Friendly Work Environment
• Positive Team Culture

Additional Information

Application Deadline:10/26/26

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.