Teacher Assistant/Nutrition Assistant

Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC); Hollister (MO); On-site; USD 36,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Tuition assistance

Paid training & development

Job summary

Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC) is hiring for a combined Teacher Assistant and Nutrition Assistant at Hollister Head Start. This full-time role supports infants and toddlers in the classroom and assists with meal planning, preparation, and safety in the kitchen.

Ideal candidates have a HS diploma or GED, infant/toddler experience, and a willingness to pursue Early Childhood Development Specialization Certification funded by the employer.

Qualifications

• Requires HS diploma or GED and infant/toddler experience.
• Willingness to obtain Early Childhood Development Specialization Certification (employer-paid).
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and work independently or in a team.

Responsibilities

• Assist with responsive care and supervision for infants and toddlers.
• Support daily classroom routines and child development activities.
• Prepare and serve meals and snacks; maintain kitchen safety and cleanliness.
• Maintain positive relationships with children, families, and coworkers.
• Perform duties in both Teacher Assistant and Nutrition Assistant roles.

Skills

Strong communication

Relationship building

Developmentally appropriate practices

Confidentiality

Food safety

Multitasking

Service excellence

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Six college credit hours or Infant/Toddler CDA

Early Childhood Development Certification (Ozarks Tech)

Job description

Position Information

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

Nutrition Assistant

• 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

Benefits

• Employer-Paid Health Insurance Option
• Dental Insurance
• 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.