Assistant Teacher - Head Start Job Jackson area,Mississippi USA,Education / Teaching

Apply now Job no: 509729
Position type: Full-Time 12-Month
Department: 012102 - Human Sciences
- Early Childhood
Location: Hancock County
Categories: Support Staff, Head Start Positions
Position Open Date: Sep 8 2025

Position Function

This position serves as an Assistant Teacher for a Head Start classroom. The assistant teacher shares responsibility for a Head Start classroom of 3- to 5- year old children. S/he works collaboratively with the teacher, family members and other staff to achieve positive outcomes for children of all abilities.

Throughout its history, Mississippi State University-Extension (MSU-ES) has demonstrated a deep and abiding commitment to programs that directly impact young children and their families. In the past decade, MSU-ES has distinguished itself as Mississippi’s premier infrastructural support of high-quality early childhood education.

Area of Specialization

MSU Extension Head Start Programs - Hancock County

Anticipated Appointment Date

October 2025.

Responsibilities

Assist the lead teacher in a classroom of 3-to 5 year-old children.

Demonstrates a warm, calm, and unhurried manner.

Serves as a role model for children and families.

Serve as a bus monitor during morning and afternoon bus routes.

Provides for the education, care, safety, and well-being of all children in the group.

Meets the children’s emotional, social, physical, and intellectual needs.

Assist in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate learning activities.

Maintains a cooperative relationship with children, co-workers, and parents.

Demonstrates increasing understanding of child growth and development in working with children, in talking with parents, and in recording activities.

Attends staff meetings, reports problems of child or room management to the Classroom Teacher promptly.

Attends in-service training, keeps current on developments in field of child development.

Follows personnel policies of the MSU-ES Head Start program and the University.

Assist in managing a safe, clean, and pleasant environment for young children.

Provides peer coaching with the lead teacher to other assistant teachers, floaters, and substitute teachers.

Models exemplary classroom practices for other assistant teachers especially those detailed in the Teacher Success Rubric and CLASS.

Responsible for collaborating with the Lead Teacher in the preparation of daily lesson plans.

The assistant teacher is responsible for assisting in the Head Start classroom of 3-5 year old children. S/he works collaboratively with a lead teacher, family members and other staff to achieve positive outcomes for children of all abilities. The teacher’s role encompasses effective practice in the following as outlined in our Teacher Success Rubric (TSR):

• CLASS teacher-child interactions

• Learning environment

• Curriculum

• Child assessment

• Meeting all children’s needs

• Working with families

• Professional growth and collaboration

Performs any related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

CDA credential or enrolled to complete within one year of hire or a degree in Early Childhood Education or related field with nine (9) credits in Early Childhood Education or enrolled to complete degree (with related credits) within one year of hire.

Licensures:

Meets required standards as specified by the State Department of Health/Child Care Licensure Standards for staff including finger printing and background check.
Obtain certification in CPR and First Aid within the 9 months of employment.
Physical exam and background checks are required for this position.
Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation - Travel required locally or long-distance up to 10% of the time for work-related meetings and functions.

Substitutions:

An equivalent combination of related education and related experience may be considered for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience teaching preschool children including group experience with children from birth to four years old.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Current understanding of MS Child Care Licensing requirements
Current understanding of Head Start Performance Standards
Able to anticipate the needs of children
Must be…


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