Associate Teacher (Head Start Program)

Working at Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) means doing work that matters every day because of the difference you will make in the lives of children and families in Northern Virginia. NVFS’ breadth, depth and scope of services offer the resources and support to ensure that everyone in need, at every stage of life, maximizes their potential and fully contributes to a thriving community. At NVFS, we value the diversity of backgrounds, experience, perspectives, and skillsets that we collectively provide to our community, clients and coworkers. We celebrate and thrive on our differences and welcome everyone’s unique contributions.

Join the NVFS Family: We are looking to hire an Associate Teacher to join the NVFS Early Childhood Education/Head Start Center in Arlington! Head Start is the most successful, longest-running, national school readiness program in the United States. It provides comprehensive education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families.  Pre-school aged children have benefited from Head Start through the development of their early reading and math skills they need to be successful in school.

Under direction of Teacher and/or Center Manager, as an Associate Teacher, you will ensure the safety of the children, implement child activities, and supervise children. 

Benefits and Compensation: We want you to be well, have work/life flexibility, grow your career with us, and have the resources and support you need. Check out our comprehensive benefit offerings here in support of various dimensions of your wellbeing.

This position has a starting hourly rate of $17-$19.

In this role, you will: 

• Assist the Teacher in implementing classroom activities for each child in the class that provides a secure and enjoyable environment.
• Organize materials and furniture that supports active and quiet playtime; assist teacher in modifying the classroom to respond to individual children’s needs.
• Supervise all children’s indoor and outdoor activities while incorporating positive guidance techniques.
• Assist Teacher in observing and evaluating children’s learning styles and behaviors; determine their readiness for new learning opportunities.
• Assist Teacher in completion of attendance, health checks, home correspondence, home visit forms, accident/incident reports, referrals, safety inspections, etc.
• Create and maintain a positive working relationship with parents; provide regular feedback to parents on child’s ongoing developmental successes and challenges.
• Participate in regular supervision with supervisor by providing regular updates.
• Maintain current level of knowledge on standards and other information on early childhood programs.
• Enter data for record keeping and reporting to meet federal guidelines.

Supervisory Responsibilities:         

• May be assigned to supervise, train, support, and/or collaborate with volunteer(s) and/or intern(s).

Your Background:  We understand that you may obtain skills through a variety of professional, personal, educational, and volunteer experiences.

• Must either have a Preschool CDA (Child Development Associate certificate) or be enrolled in that program.
• Knowledge of infant and child development.
• Ability to follow the Head Start guidelines for working with children.
• Oral and written fluency in English required; Spanish, Arabic, Mongolian, and Amharic fluency preferred. Additional language skills always welcome.
• Attendance reliability.
• Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to build trust and nurture relationships.
• Ability to interpret documents such as safety rules and policy and procedures manuals.
• Proficiency in usage of basic technological tools including laptops/computers, email, phones, and internet required. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite required.
• Must be able to demonstrate and live the organizational values of Communication, Integrity, Respect, Collaboration, and Accountability.

Additional Requirements:

• Successful completion of background checks required upon hire
• TB test and physical attestation required upon hire and conducted yearly

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs

• Work is primarily done in a child development center but some travel to community locations, agency office sites and meetings may be required

• Must be comfortable coming into contact with sick children

NVFS is committed to advancing equity, embracing diversity, and promoting inclusion and is an equal opportunity employer. NVFS is an E-Verify participant and drug-free workplace.

NVFS values diversity in our workforce. We strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply, including people of color, all genders and gender identities, people of all abilities, LGBTQ individuals, other members of marginalized communities, veterans and national service alumni.

Salary : $17 - $19