Head Start Teacher Assistant - LaCrosse
Listed on 2026-05-24
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Education / Teaching
Child Development/Support, Early Childhood Education, Preschool / Daycare, Special Needs / Learning Disabilities -
Child Care/Nanny
Child Development/Support, Preschool / Daycare
Head Start Teacher Assistant (#427) – LaCrosse General Function
To assist the teacher and share responsibilities to ensure a well‑managed center.
Typical Duties and Responsibilities- Establishes and maintains rapport with families which is open, honest and caring.
- Attends and assists with parent meetings.
- Participates in and assists with Parent Conferences as appropriate.
- Models skills which promote healthy environments for children.
- Assists families in meeting goals including health requirements.
- Works with teacher to plan individual child goals and activities.
- Participates in on‑going child assessment.
- Works with the teacher to organize the environment to support children’s development.
- Supports children’s learning in every area of the classroom and outdoors.
- Participates in team teaching possibilities.
- Works with individual children, implementing lesson plans and activities to meet classroom individual goals as well as IEP goals and objectives.
- Follows staffing pattern as assigned by teacher to ensure children’s safety.
- Performs cleaning and organizing duties as assigned.
- Assists teacher in providing positive guidance to children.
- Promotes preventative wellness.
- Participates openly in Center Team Meetings.
- Practices open communication with staff, families, and volunteers.
- Participates in school wide activities.
- Maintains a professional manner and appearance at all times.
- Insures confidentiality.
- Adheres to a mandatory reporting policy for child abuse and neglect.
Reports to the teacher. Receives moderate supervision from teacher and central office staff. Supervises children and volunteers. Works with 1‑8 staff members and volunteers. Position requires decisions regarding duties and responsibilities. Moderate decisions need to be made related to children and families. Assumes supervision of the classroom during the absence of the teacher. Ongoing staff development is an integral part of the position.
Knowledge,Skills, and Technical Ability
Must have a High School Diploma or General Education Degree. Prefer candidates with experience working with young children.
Willing to Certify- CPR
- First Aid
- Child Development Associates Credential (CDA)
- TB Skin Test
- Kansas Bureau of Investigation background check
- Physical Exam
- Frequent lifting of 10‑25 lbs.
- Occasional lifting & moving of 50 lbs.
- Bending, squatting, and kneeling occur frequently on a daily basis
- Fine manipulation occurs frequently
- Good communication skills including oral, written, and listening.
- Interpersonal skills working with children, volunteers, families and community members.
- Ability to make good decisions.
- Willingness to work a flexible schedule.
- Willingness to work as a team player.
- Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable means of transportation.
Assistants work 98% of the time in the classroom. Conditions include a high noise level and a fast‑paced schedule. About 2% of the time is spent working with families or in the community. Must be able to lift, move and handle up to 50 pounds. Position requires much physical activity interacting with children and requires the ability to work in a noisy environment.
Office space may be shared with other staff.
Based on the USD 489 Paraprofessional Salary Schedule and benefit package. Compensation will be provided for non‑district days worked.
EEO StatementUSD 489, Ellis County, Kansas, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or handicap in admission or access to or treatment or employment in its programs and activities. If you have questions regarding the above, please contact the Title IX Coordinator or the Section 504 Coordinator in the office of the Superintendent of Schools, 323 W.
12th Street, Hays, Kansas 67601, (785) 623‑2400.
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