Assistant Teacher, Early Head Start

Job Details

Job Location:

Sunbeam Family Services - Oklahoma City, OK 73106 Position Type:
Full Time Job Category:
Early Education Assistant Teachers are eligible for Sunbeam's Teacher Investment Program after successfully completing 90 days of employment.

The Assistant Teacher supports the implementation of developmentally appropriate early childhood education services in a Head Start/Early Head Start (HS/EHS) classroom by providing daily care, supervision, and guidance to children. In collaboration with the Teacher and classroom team, the Assistant Teacher helps establish and maintain a safe, clean, and healthy learning environment that supports children’s growth, development, and school readiness.

The Assistant Teacher builds responsive relationships with children, families, and staff; supports inclusive classroom practices for children of all abilities; and assists with curriculum implementation, child guidance strategies, and daily routines. This role supports compliance with applicable Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) and federal, state, and local licensing requirements. All employees and volunteers are expected to reflect Sunbeam Family Services’ core values and perform at Sunbeam’s standards of excellence while serving children and families from diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds in alignment with Sunbeam’s mission.

• Promote and contribute to a work environment that encourages respect for and skill-building to engage effectively with individuals of different cultures, beliefs, abilities, and experiences.
• Support and individualize the physical, social‑emotional, and cognitive development of each child in the classroom through developmentally appropriate practices. Demonstrate ability to provide providing developmentally appropriate, evidence based, hope centered and trauma informed services and supports.
• Perform job responsibilities with a strong understanding of the Head Start Performance Standards (HSPPS).
• Ensure compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), federal and state regulation, and Oklahoma DHS Child Care Licensing requirements.
• Work collaboratively with the co-teacher and classroom team to maintain a safe, clean, and healthy learning environment and ensure the well‑being and safety of children in care.
• Observe children for signs of illness, injury, emotional distress, developmental delays or other special needs and promptly report concerns to supervisor for required for appropriate follow-up.
• Maintain required child‑staff ratio at all times in collaboration with co‑teachers and supervisor.
• Encourage and model language development, problem solving skills, and extended learning opportunities strategies throughout the day.
• Conduct home visits and parent‑teacher conferences in accordance with HSPPS to share each child’s progress and support family engagement.
• Work cooperatively with classroom staff to encourage meaningful parent participation and involvement in the program.
• Participate in ongoing professional development through education, training, role modeling, and mentoring.
• Ensure implementation of the HS/EHS written curriculum plan.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records and documentation in accordance with program and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with staff to support the individual needs of children, including children with disabilities or special needs.
• Ensure files and records are complete, accurate, and maintained in a confidential manner.
• Maintain regular, reliable attendance and participate in required staff meetings, trainings, and certification courses.
• Travel locally as required to fulfill job responsibilities.
• Perform other appropriate and related responsibilities as assigned by supervisor or member of Executive Team.

Minimally Required

Education / Certification

Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or Early Childhood Special Education (transcripts required)

OR

Oklahoma Certificate of Mastery in Early Childhood

OR

Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate CDA® certification AND early childhood development…