Teacher Assistant - Head Start

Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC); Springfield (MO); On-site; USD 23,000 - 27,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

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 preschool operations at Douglas Head Start in Springfield, MO. This role collaborates with the Lead Teacher to foster a welcoming learning environment and ensure smooth daily routines.

Requirements include a high school diploma or GED, some college credits or CDA, and experience with preschool children; willingness to obtain an ECD specialization.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Six college credit hours or Preschool CDA.
• Experience working 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

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Confidentiality

Developmentally appropriate practices

Positive classroom environment

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Six college credit hours or Preschool CDA

Willingness to obtain ECD Specialization Certification

Job description

Position Information

Position Title

Teacher Assistant (Head Start)

Department

Head Start

Location

Douglas Head Start - 1042 S. Douglas Ave Springfield, MO 65807

Reports To

Lead Teacher

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Employment Type

Part-Time // Full 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
• 8am-1pm
• 25 hours per week
• Full Year

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
• 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
• Ability to provide a positive and supportive classroom environment

Compensation

• Salary range: $16.57 – $19.65 per hour

Benefits

• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Paid Training Opportunities
• Family-Friendly Work Environment
• Positive Team Culture

Additional Information

Application Deadline: 8/26/26

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