Head Start Teacher Assistant
The Head Start Teacher Assistant supports the physical, mental, and educational development of preschool children by assisting in delivering responsive care and implementing developmentally appropriate curricula aligned with Head Start standards. This role involves close collaboration with teachers and families to monitor child progress, maintain a safe and organized learning environment, and ensure compliance with regulatory and program policies. The position requires cultural sensitivity, bilingual communication skills (preferred), and the ability to engage actively in a dynamic, team-oriented educational setting.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Teaching.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
This Head Start Teacher Assistant will support classroom teachers to create a safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for children ages birth to five. You will work as part of a team to implement curriculum, monitor child development, and engage families.
- Assist with delivery of responsive care and effective teaching aligned to the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework.
- Help implement prescribed curricula across language, literacy, social-emotional, math, science, creative arts, and physical development domains.
- Support screenings, assessments, and ongoing evaluation of children’s developmental progress.
- Maintain accurate, compliant child files, classroom forms, and documentation.
- Monitor classroom safety and immediately report hazards or incidents per program policy.
- Support parent and family engagement activities: conferences, home visits, group events.
- Communicate regularly with teachers about child behavior and progress to support individualized planning.
- Use age-appropriate materials and adapt learning environments to children’s interests and developmental needs.
- Participate in staff meetings, training, and collaborative planning.
- Perform other job duties as assigned by program leadership.
Qualifications & Requirements
Minimum and preferred qualifications reflect the skills needed to succeed in this role. Candidates who meet most — but not necessarily all — qualifications are encouraged to apply.
- Required: High school diploma or GED.
- Required: Completion of Child Development Associate (CDA) credential OR a state-awarded certificate that meets/exceeds CDA requirements, OR enrollment in a program that will lead to an Associate/Bachelor’s degree, OR enrollment in a CDA program to be completed within two years of hire.
- Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
- Preferred: At least two years’ experience in a preschool classroom setting.
- Preferred: Bilingual in Spanish (oral and written).
- Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
- Clear criminal background check and any required state/federal clearances.
- Ability to complete and pass required health examinations.
- Authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. (Confidential Client is unable to sponsor visas at this time).
- Ability to lift up to 60 pounds and to stand, kneel, sit on the floor, bend, and engage physically with children.
- Ability to maintain professional composure, organize priorities, and work independently in a fast-paced environment.
- Willingness to travel (up to ~50%) for conferences or training, which may include overnight travel.
- Availability for occasional evenings/weekends for events (home visits, parent conferences, field trips).
- Compliance with program immunization policy (annual influenza vaccine or approved exemption may be required as a condition of employment).
Compensation & Schedule
- Estimated salary: $51,139 per year (estimated).
- Employment type: Full time.
- Typical schedule: weekday hours in a classroom setting; occasional evenings/weekends as required.
- Location: Ruston, LA (work performed on-site).
- Physical requirements and travel noted above.
Why Join Confidential Client
Confidential Client is mission-driven and focused on positive child outcomes. You’ll join a collaborative, inclusive team committed to high-quality early childhood education and family engagement. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and encourage those whose experience may not match every listed requirement to apply.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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