Head Start Assistant Teacher – Alexandria, MN

Introduction

This exciting opportunity is for a full‑time Head Start Assistant Teacher (38 hrs/week) at our Alexandria Head Start location, conveniently found within Alexandria Technical and Community College. Are you passionate about early childhood education and making a lasting impact on families and children? At West Central MN Communities Action, we’re looking for caring, energetic, and team‑oriented individuals to join our Head Start program as an Assistant Teacher.

In this role, you’ll be the welcoming face that supports families and the extra set of hands that helps children learn, grow, and thrive in a safe, nurturing environment. Whether you’re engaging little ones in creative play, sharing meaningful conversations during mealtimes, or helping maintain a clean and healthy classroom, you’ll be part of a dynamic team that makes a difference every day.

• Assist and support the Family Education Specialist in lesson planning and implementation and assist the family in its own efforts to improve the condition and quality of family life.
• Will act as Family Education Specialist in absence/partnership with the Family Education Specialist.
• Adhere to Agency and Department policies and procedures.
• Act as a role model within and outside the Agency.
• Provide friendly, responsive service to the public, community organizations, and to those we serve.
• With a respectful and positive attitude, work with low‑income individuals and families with diverse backgrounds.
• Support, develop, and maintain productive relationships required to carry out job activities.
• Demonstrate flexible and efficient time management.
• Maintain the security and confidentiality of all records and interpersonal interactions.
• Serve as an advocate.
• Work effectively and cooperatively with community partners, co‑workers, and volunteers.
• Participate in Agency‑wide and program events.
• Communicate with Human Resources (HR) on topics/policies that you may need training on/have questions about.
• Keep KPay updated with any personal information changes such as name, address, phone number, etc.
• Check email daily and promptly respond to messages.
• Enter hours and work codes on your time sheet at the end of each day worked.

Minimum

• Must be 18 years of age with high school diploma or equivalency with the expectation to obtain a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) within 2 years of hire
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• Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) or AA in Early Childhood Education.
• Meet minimum standards per Head Start Program Performance Standards and Minnesota Certified Exempt Licensing.
• Interest and experience in working with young children.
• Ability to exercise patience and understanding when working with children.
• Ability to follow instructions, demonstrate good oral communication skills.
• Meet physical abilities: must be able to lift 50 lbs.; and daily kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor to attend to children’s needs.
• Proof of valid driver’s license and current/adequate vehicle insurance coverage.

Preferred

• General knowledge of the Head Start program.
• Demonstrate an understanding of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and working with children with disabilities.
• Experience of working on a team and taking direction from a supervisor.

None

• Welcome and support families in their participation of Head Start.
• Act as Family Education Specialist in absence of or in partnership with the Family Education Specialist.
• Work directly with children in context of the program plan and curriculum.
  • Assist with daily arrival and departure of children.
  • Engage children in conversation and family style meals during mealtimes.
  • Participate in play activities.
• As a member of a center team, participate in center lesson planning and carry out plans and center operations as instructed by your supervisor.
• Observe and record children’s behavior and development to make recommendations on meeting children’s individual needs at Team meetings. Enter weekly observations into Teaching Strategies Gold for assessment purposes.
• Ensure safety of Head Start children by implementing Active Supervision, reporting…