Head Start Teacher Assistant

Description

Head Start Teacher Assistant 

Are you passionate about your early childhood education career and love working with children, families and community? 

 
Join an exciting team of professionals making a difference in the lives of children and families! Head Start has been improving the lives of low-income children and families in Santa Cruz County since 1965 through high quality, comprehensive child development, and family support services. Head Start supports school readiness and promotes healthy families through delivery of education, health, and social services. Head Start also provides quality training and support to employee’s individualized professional growth and development.  

JOB SUMMARY:  We are looking for an early childhood professional who enjoys working in the classroom while serving children and families in Santa Cruz County.  Under the supervision of Site Supervisor, and appointed guidance from the Teacher Director/Teacher the Teacher Assistant (TA) assists the Teacher in day-to-day operations of the classroom services with the goal of quality service delivery to children and families. 

Position is regular, full-time with placement in North County.  Position works part-year (Aug - mid-April OR Aug - 3rd week in May), annually.  Position works with children ages 3-5 years of age. Salary is $22.04- $26.51 per hour, dependent on education and experience. Hourly pay differential for bilingual skills awarded upon qualification.  
 

The Teacher Assistant promotes interdisciplinary service strategies, which address the needs of Head Start clients.  This includes assisting in planning, supervising, individualizing and implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum to meet the different needs of children as well as ensure the adequate supervision of children to ensure safety while in the program. 

• Ensures accurate, up-to-date record keeping/documentation within required deadlines 

• Assist in referring and supporting children with special needs 

• Supporting parent involvement by creating a welcoming environment 

• Demonstrate good judgment and problem-solving skills; seek assistance when needed; exercise discretion when speaking of clients and colleagues 

• Regular use of technology (laptop, computer) 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Be enrolled in a preschool center-based CDA program and can earn it within 2 years of hire OR 

Have a current national preschool center-based CDA issued by the Council for Professional Recognition OR 

Have a state awarded certificate or credential that meets or exceeds the national preschool CDS requirements (California Child Development Associate Teacher Permit or higher) OR  

Be enrolled in a degree program OR 

Have an AS/AA or BS/BA or advance degree 

• 16 hours of preventative health (course or certification) AND 

One of the following: 

• Completion of 12 units in ECE or have an Associate Teacher Permit OR 

• Have 6 units upon hire AND be enrolled in coursework at the rate of 2 units per semester until 12 units are reached or the Associate Teacher permit obtained 

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse population and comply with program regulations 

• Demonstrated ability to multi-task, successfully and manage stressful situations 

• Ability to problem solve and maintain a high level of productivity 

• Effective verbal and written communication skills 

• Ability to work at children’s physical level, by: bending, squatting, sitting & rising from floor, moving swiftly 

• Bilingual (Spanish/English) required 

• Basic to Intermediate computer literacy skills 

• Must have a valid driver’s license, vehicle insurance, good driving record 

• Willingness to be assigned to North and South County Centers  

• Provide own transportation and be familiar with community resources 

• Must be able to pass and maintain background check 

• Health Screen, TB, MMR & Tdap (vaccines) clearance before hire 

• Proof of citizenship or right to work in the United States 

• Flexible schedule that may include evenings and weekends 

About Us: 
Encompass Community Services is committed to racial equity and standing against discrimination of all kinds. We believe that having a diverse workforce, representative of the many communities we serve, is a tremendous strength for our agency. We are committed to providing staff development and advancement opportunities that support and foster a strong and diverse workforce that supports excellence in services. 

At Encompass, we provide our community with a wide range of services related to family & social well-being, early childhood education, behavioral health, housing and more.  Every day through these services, we work to make health, education and housing more equitable for all people in Santa Cruz County. For more than 40 years, our work has touched generations by helping people have access to education, rebuild relationships, restore their health and regain dignity. 

Our total compensation package includes a comprehensive medical and dental insurance plan, 403(b) retirement plan, paid winter and spring break, vacation (for extended-day, extended-year placement), holidays and sick time.   

Encompass Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. We are committed to excellence through diversity and strive to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all clients and employees. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 
 
If we find that your qualifications are a good fit with our current needs, we will contact you with further instructions. Thank you for your interest in Encompass!   

Qualifications

Salary : $22 - $27