Preschool Assistant Teacher

Early Learning Essentials (ELE) is a non‑profit organization offering preschool services to children and families.

Full‑time employees enjoy medical, dental, life insurance, a 401(k), gym benefits, weekend days off, and double holidays.

Position is 186 days; a typical work week is Monday – Friday with an expectation of no more than 40 hours per week. For weeks with fewer than five working days, daily hours only apply. This position is not eligible for telecommuting as it is front‑line work in nature working face‑to‑face with children and families.

Assists the teacher to provide instruction, supervision, and provision of appropriate learning activities for all enrolled children at a specified site. Under the direction of the teacher, delivers comprehensive educational services to Head Start children, including those with Individualized Education Plan's (IEP), behavioral support or health plans and English language learners, helping them develop socially, intellectually, physically, and emotionally in a developmentally appropriate manner toward the overall goal of social competence and school readiness, as outlined in the Head Start Performance Standards, the 2007 Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act and Early Learning Essentials policies and procedures and ensures services support the agency's school readiness plan.

• Must have a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or be enrolled in a CDA credential program that will be completed within two (2) years. Early Learning Essentials may assist with the cost of obtaining a CDA as long as funds are available.
• Experience working with preschool children or preschool lab work leading to a degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) from a recognized institution is preferred.

• An associate or baccalaureate degree (in any area) from a recognized institution or be enrolled in a program leading to a degree; or
• An associate or baccalaureate degree in ECE, Elementary Education, Child Development, or another closely related field from a recognized institution is preferred.
• Official or unofficial transcript showing the award or confer date of the degree must be attached to the employment application.
• Bilingual Spanish‑speaking is desirable and may be required in some locations.

• Maintains current inter‑rater reliability in Teaching Strategies Gold (TSG)
• Substantial knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate teaching practices
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to handle or redirect child challenging behaviors
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and develop solutions to problems with limited supervision
• Ability to write and speak English in a proficient and professional manner to meet job requirements
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, parents, community groups, and other related agencies and people

• $18.96/hour – No CDA credential / CDA in progress
• $19.30/hour – CDA credential earned
• $19.85/hour – AA in ECE or related field
• $21.72/hour – BA in ECE or related field

The pay structure for classroom staff is similar to a school district's: annualized paychecks are spread across the year in bi‑weekly periods, allowing staff to receive paychecks even when they are off during summer months.