Head Start Assistant Teacher - Harlan, IA

West Central Community Action seeks an Assistant Teacher for our Harlan Head Start Program.

Duties include assisting teacher in planning, volunteer recruitment, classroom activities, home visits, reporting, and other activities. Assistant Teachers are appropriate role models for children and parents through exhibiting good communication, problem solving and overall positive attitude.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Be knowledgeable with and abide by WCCA Agency and Head Start Program policies and procedures while working with families and within the communities we serve.

• Participate in coaching as determined by the Teacher Strengths and Needs Assessment or other relevant data.

• Assist in classroom organization and setting up learning centers according to the developmental level and individual needs of preschool age children following Creative Curriculum® and Positive Behaviors Interventions Supports (PBIS®). Rotate materials routinely to maintain a stimulating environment.

• Provide input to the teacher to create appropriate daily lesson and individualization plans using Teacher Strategies Gold (TSG®), screenings, Individual Education Plans (IEP), PBIS® and parent goals.

• Observe, collect, and enter accurate anecdotal records into Teaching Strategies Gold (TSG)® daily.

• Create and maintain family relationships by providing open, respectful, and consistent communication.

• Participate in family-style meals and snack with children according to their age and developmental needs.

• Engage with children in group and individual setting at all times.

• Support children and families during periods of transition.

• Operate the Head Start classroom in absence of the teacher.

• Ability to perform light physical work, exerting up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis, performing such activities as: lifting children, stooping, kneeling, crouching, grasping, sitting, running, catching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, and pulling.

• Demonstrated flexibility in completion of daily duties to meet the needs of the program.
• Ability to be patient, resolve conflicts while being gentle, loving, kind, creative, and resourceful.
• Ability to problem solve, plan, and organize self, classroom, and volunteers.
• Ability to operate computers and general office equipment.

 Education Requirements

• Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) for preschool or AA/AS in Early Childhood Education is preferred.

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. and prior experience working with preschool age children is required. Assistant Teachers are required to gain a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential or an AA/AS in Early Childhood within two (2) years of hire.

Valid, active and current driver's license, dependable transportation and current & valid auto liability insurance are required for this position.

This position is scheduled 40 hours per week, 38-weeks per year and will work with 3 - 5 year old children. Our 38 week schedule begins in August and ends in May. 

Benefits include Health, dental and life insurance, vacation/sick pay, paid holidays, IPERS and 403(B) retirement programs.

All WCCA Head Start staff members are required to complete background check which includes fingerprinting.