Teacher Assistant - Head Start

Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC); Branson (MO); On-site; USD 34,000 - 40,000; 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) is hiring a Teacher Assistant for Head Start at Ridgecrest. The role supports classroom operations, helps create a welcoming learning environment, and collaborates with staff and families to help children reach their potential.

The position follows a Monday–Friday schedule, 7:30–3:30, with summers off. Requires HS diploma or GED, and experience with preschool children; benefits include paid time off, insurance, and tuition assistance.

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 (paid by employer).
• 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

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

Job description

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 Information

Position Title: Teacher Assistant

Department: Head Start

Location: Ridgecrest Head Start

Reports To: Lead Teacher

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Employment Type: Full Time / Part Year

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
• 7:30-3:30
• Summers Off

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: $16.24 – $19.26 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: 9/28/26

Applicants may apply online at www.oac.ac. Applications and resumes are required by the deadline to be considered.

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.