Associate Teacher Early Childhood - Head Start

Associate Teacher for Early Childhood - Head Start

Starting Date: Immediately

POSITION TITLE:

REPORTS TO:

SALARY/BENEFITS:

Associate Teacher

Director of Early Childhood Services

$17.59 - $21.00 per hour

FSLA:

UPDATED:

SCHEDULE:

Non-Exempt

July 2025

10-month

The Associate Preschool Teacher works with the Lead Teacher to provide a warm, caring atmosphere and classroom based on a philosophy of trauma informed principles and goals. The Associate Teacher works with the Lead Teacher to support the academic and social development of children ages 3‑5 years and their parents. Must be able to work and plan in a team setting, with patience, enthusiasm and respect for children, as well as parents and fellow staff.

Must have working knowledge of early childhood development.

Note:

The following duties and responsibilities are deemed to be "essential functions" in terms of the Americans With Disabilities Act or ADA. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform this job successfully; an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The statements below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed by such a person.

• Supports the social-emotional needs of children.
• Supports oral communication with children and adults.
• Supports social skills, such as sharing with and helping others.
• Assist Lead Teacher with daily routines and activities.
• Supervises the classroom when Lead Teacher is out of room.
• May serve as substitute for Lead Teacher when designated by the Early Childhood Specialist or Director.
• Handles attendance reports and related clerical functions with the teacher.
• Helps Lead Teacher with general housekeeping tasks; provides a safe, appropriate learning environment.
• Assists children with health and physical needs.
• Maintains confidentiality of families and workplace.
• Supports Active Supervision as required by department policies and procedures.
• Attends professional learning as required.
• Attends staff and center team meetings.
• On occasion, may participate in Home Visits with Lead Teacher as required.
• Understands the impact of toxic stress and trauma on children and their families, and can implement and build on the trauma-informed framework developed in the classrooms.
• Understanding of and willingness to implement sensory integration in the classroom in collaboration with the lead teacher.
• Participates in classroom planning and facilitation of curriculum for young children in a developmentally appropriate setting based heavily in social-emotional development.
• Encourages oral communication with other children and adults.
• Assists with encouraging children’s social, academic, developmental, and personal skills.
• Welcomes, talks with and/or meets with parents as needed.
• Works with children experiencing difficulty as assigned.
• Maintains appropriate program records.

• Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, or a valid classroom CDA credential.

• 1 to 2 years of progressively more responsible or expansive experience supporting early childhood classrooms.

Note:

The qualifications listed above are guidelines for selection purposes; alternative qualifications may be substituted if sufficient to perform the duties of the job.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• General knowledge of Head Start and/or Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) requirements and regulations.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Ability to negotiate conflict and resolve emotionally charged situations.

• Knowledge of school districts and community.

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one‑on‑one and…