Teacher Assistant - Head Start

Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation; Buffalo (MO); On-site; USD 22,000 - 27,000; 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 hiring a Teacher Assistant for the Head Start program in Buffalo, MO. The role supports classroom operations, helping create a warm, welcoming learning environment while collaborating with staff and families.

Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma or GED, six college credits or Preschool CDA, experience with preschool children, and willingness to obtain an Early Childhood Certification.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Six college credits or Preschool CDA required.
• Experience with preschool children.
• Willing to obtain Early Childhood Certification.
• 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

DAP knowledge

Family collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Six college credits or Preschool CDA

Preschool CDA

Early Childhood Certification intent

Job description

Position Title:Teacher Assistant
Department: Head Start
Location:Buffalo Head Start
Reports To:Lead Teacher
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Employment Type:Full-Time Part- Year (no summers)

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 practicesAbility to provide a positive and supportive classroom environment

Compensation

• Salary range: $16.24 - 19.26per hour
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Medical and Dental Insurance
• Tuition Assistance
• Family-Friendly Work Environment
• Positive Team Culture

Additional Information

Application Deadline:October 6th, 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.

Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC)