Early Head Start Assistant Teacher

EASTCONN’s Early Head Start is a federally funded program that provides support and resources to pregnant women, children ages birth to 3, and their families. EASTCONN offers home-based and center-based programs in Windham County. Windham Public Schools administers center-based programs for the Windham area and Stafford Public Schools administers a home-based program in Stafford and surrounding towns. Benefits of Early Head Start include strong family involvement and support with child development, education, health, nutrition, mental health, and safety. Income guidelines apply.

To learn more about our program, click here.

The position of Assistant Teacher assists in the instruction and care of infant/toddler-aged children in activities designed to promote social-emotional, physical, and cognitive growth. Assistant Teachers are also responsible for assisting the Teacher in the general day-to-day operations of the Early Head Start classroom.  

Assistant Teachers report directly to the Early Head Start Lead Teacher or Education Manager/Head Start Coordinator. The Assistant Teacher assists in creating and nurturing strong partnerships with families and ensuring that instruction is consistent with best practice and at the highest level of quality, in compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards.

Make routine decisions around day-to-day execution of the job. Good time management and organizational skills. Work closely with management to ensure program compliments Head Start Program Performance Standards. Keep managers informed of important issues. Build effective relationships within the program, the children and their families.

The EASTCONN programs are committed to high quality early childhood programming, including highly qualified teachers and home visitors, ongoing professional development, small class size, a low child-to-staff ratio, a broad socioeconomic mix of children, and parent engagement in their children’s learning.

Job Summary:

• Maintain working knowledge of EASTCONN Head Start and Head Start philosophy and all regulations and performance standards (Head Start, NAEYC and OEC).

• Engage with children during all activities throughout the day; provide constant supervision of children during all learning activities indoors and outdoors and ensure a safe environment.

• Assist in planning and conducting activities with Early Head Start Teacher to meet individual needs of children in accordance with the daily schedule.

• Guide and facilitate activities with Early Head Start Teacher including classroom projects, centers, and family involvement.

• Maintain classroom management using developmentally appropriate techniques.

• Provide a safe and developmentally appropriate learning environment; interact with children one-on-one and in small groups.

• Protect the safety of children by implementing active supervision techniques to ensure no child is left alone or unsupervised at any time

• Serve as a liaison between staff and parents; collaborate with parents in the education of their children including encouraging classroom involvement and home activities.

• Participate in parent-teacher conferences to discuss children’s individual development and progress.

• Eat with and assist children with eating at mealtime to teach social, self-help skills, and sound nutritional practices.

• Assist children in health and personal habits, such as handwashing, resting, brushing teeth and toilet habits.

• Assist the Early Head Start Teacher in record keeping; conduct and document observations, assessments and screenings.

• Participate in staff meetings, committees and training sessions.

• Assist in the mobilization and documentation of matching-in-kind activities, goods and services.

• In cooperation with the supervisor, develop and document progress on a professional development plan.

• Will be required to take lead in absence of a teacher.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications: 

Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential or credits towards an associate's degree; 2-3 years related work experience with young children in an early childhood setting. EASTCONN Head Start will support staff with completing and recieving the CDA credential.  Basic understanding of developmentally appropriate practices within the early childhood setting.

• Knowledge of early childhood education including developmentally appropriate practices

• Knowledge of child growth and development

• Ability to manage and relate to children with behavioral, learning, physical and medical problems.

• Ability to keep all information on families strictly confidential.

• Organizational skills, flexibility, problem analysis, and the ability to follow directions.

• Strong interpersonal, communication and organizational skills; ability to follow directions and take initiative.

• Ability to perform and follow Head Start Performance Standards.

• Strong computer skills with the ability to adapt to new software.

• Provide current physical and negative TB test upon hire. Must maintain a current motor vehicle license and have access to reliable, insured transportation.

At EASTCONN, we believe that diversity is key to our success. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, including those who may not meet every listed qualification. Your passion, drive, and perspective are what matter most to us.

As an EEO/AA employer, EASTCONN provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, and caste, which is protected by our policies.

AA/EOE
M/F/D/V