Teacher Assistant/Nutrition Assistant

Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation; Hollister (MO); On-site; USD 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Tuition assistance

Training & development

Family-friendly

Positive team culture

Job summary

Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation’s Head Start program in Hollister seeks a Teacher Assistant / Nutrition Assistant to support infants and toddlers in the classroom and assist with meals and snacks in the kitchen.

You will help provide developmentally appropriate activities, maintain a safe and nurturing environment, and collaborate with families and staff to support children's growth and well-being.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Six college credits or Infant/Toddler CDA required.
• Experience with infants and toddlers.
• Willingness to obtain Early Childhood Development Specialization Certification (paid by employer).
• Reliable transportation.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Assist with responsive care and supervision for infants and toddlers.
• Support daily classroom routines and learning experiences.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, and coworkers.
• Promote development in social, emotional, cognitive, and physical areas.
• Maintain a safe, nurturing classroom environment.
• Prepare and serve meals and snacks per menus.
• Maintain food safety and sanitation standards.
• Monitor food preparation and meal service.
• Keep kitchen clean, organized, and safe.
• Assist with inventory and other food service duties.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication

Relationship building

DAP knowledge

Confidentiality

Food safety

Multitasking

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Six college credit hours or Infant/Toddler CDA

Job description

Position Title: Teacher Assistant / Nutrition Assistant
Department: Head Start
Location: Hollister Early Head Start
Reports To: Direct 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, nutrition, family support, and disability services to children ages birth through five and their families. Our team is committed to preparing children for success in school and life while building strong partnerships with families and the communities we serve.

Position Overview

OACAC Head Start is seeking motivated team members for the position of Teacher Assistant / Nutrition Assistant. This unique dual-role position provides an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in multiple areas of our program by supporting both classroom instruction and child nutrition services.

As a Teacher Assistant, you'll work as part of a relationship-based team to provide high-quality care and education for infants and toddlers, helping create a nurturing, engaging environment where every child can thrive.

As a Nutrition Assistant, you'll prepare and serve nutritious meals and snacks while helping maintain a clean, organized kitchen that supports the health and well‑being of children and staff.

If you enjoy working with children, value teamwork, and appreciate variety in your workday, we'd love to have you join our team.

Work Schedule

• Monday–Friday
• Full-Time/Full year employment

Key Responsibilities

Teacher Assistant

• Assist with providing responsive care and supervision for infants and toddlers
• Support daily classroom routines and developmentally appropriate learning experiences
• Build positive relationships with children, families, and coworkers
• Promote children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development
• Maintain a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment
• Prepare and serve meals and snacks according to approved menus
• Maintain food safety and sanitation standards
• Monitor food preparation and meal service
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen
• Assist with inventory and other food service duties
• 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)
• Reliable transportation
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Preferred Qualifications

• Early Childhood degree
• Quantity cooking experience

Required Skills and Abilities

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and coworkers
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to safely prepare and serve food
• Ability to multitask and adapt to changing priorities
• Commitment to providing exceptional service to children and families

Compensation

• Salary range: $17.06 - 20.24 per hour
• Employer-Paid Health Insurance Option
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition Assistance
• Paid Training and Professional Development Opportunities
• Family-Friendly Work Environment
• Positive Team Culture

Additional Information

Application Deadline: Friday, October 9, 2026

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Family Care Safety Registry (FCSR) background check
• Valid driver's license
• Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) monitoring

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 race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic protected by law.