Head Start Assistant Teacher

About the Organization

Lorain County Community Action Agency is a non-profit organization whose mission is to serve and empower Lorain County residents in need.

Lorain County Community Action Agency is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our application forms are designed to obtain an applicant's skills, knowledge and abilities based on specific job requirements. Questions are designed to elicit enough data for us to determine an applicant's abilities to successfully perform the job for which she/he is applying. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Head Start Assistant Teacher

Head Start (Full‑time)

The Head Start Assistant Teacher works collegially with the head teacher and is responsible for the academic, social‑emotional growth and development of all preschool children in their care. The Assistant Teacher develops partnerships with parents/guardians to engage them and encourages participation in the program while ensuring compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, ODJFS Child Care licensing rules and regulations, and Step Up to Quality program standards.

• Assist the Head Teacher with administering child screenings, schedule development, and client recruitment.
• Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, teacher training workshops and serve on required committees.
• Create weekly lesson plans that address individual goals and promote the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of children.
• Maintain classroom equipment, materials, and supplies and establish clear objectives for lessons, units, and projects.
• Ensure adherence to safety procedures, enforce behavioral rules, and maintain order among students.
• Maintain complete and accurate required family/child files, forms, and records within required timelines.
• Communicate regularly with parents/guardians through conferences, home visits, and other opportunities so that parents are informed of their children's progress and needs.
• Serve on committees and participate in program and professional development activities.
• Practice active supervision of all children and promote healthful eating habits and personal hygiene.
• Assist with meal preparation and snack service in accordance with nutritional guidelines.

• Ability to analyze situations, gather information, and recommend solutions.
• Ability to communicate ideas in writing and in person with clarity.
• Ability to manage time, coordinate tasks, and allocate resources efficiently.
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to inspire trust, confidence, and integrity.
• Knowledge of child safety and injury prevention for children aged birth to five.
• Knowledge of collaborative, strengths‑based approaches that build positive relationships with parents and guardians.
• Knowledge of electronic equipment and basic computer technology.
• Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and instruction design.
• Knowledge of the Head Start and/or Early Head Start Program.
• Operating and driving vehicles safely.
• Proficiency with digital resources, e‑learning, and interactive whiteboards.

• High school diploma and related credential required.
• One year of experience working directly with preschool children is required; individuals without a credential but with at least one year of experience who are willing and able to enroll and obtain a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential within 18 months of hire will be considered.
• Successful attainment of the CDA credential within 18 months of hire is a condition for continued employment.
• One year of experience with children and families is required.

• Ability to lift, climb, stoop, bend, and reach as needed.
• Ability to see, hear, speak, and be understood.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and walk within the classroom.
• Ability to handle, install, position, and move materials.

• Fingerprint submission for criminal background check.
• Physical at hire.
• Pre‑employment drug test.
• Proof of education and credential (copy of credential certificate, official transcripts, or diploma).
• Valid driver’s license.

Hourly wage: $16.61–$19.93 (depending on education). Benefits include health, vision, dental insurance; paid time off and vacation; paid holidays; short‑term disability and FMLA; life insurance; retirement plan; tuition assistance/employee development.

Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

LCCAA Head Start, Lorain, Ohio.