Teacher Assistant

Location: Independence, WI

Starting Wage: $16.24 to $23.11 per hour.

Department: Head Start

Shift: Days

Status: Full Time

Western Dairyland Head Start is hiring a Teacher Assistant to work at our Head Start Center located 35480 Sixth Street, Independence, WI. This is a full‑time, 36 hours per week, Monday through Thursday position. The wage range is $16.24 to $23.11 per hour.

Head Start promotes school readiness of children under the age of five from income‑eligible families by supporting their growth and development in a positive learning environment through comprehensive services, which include early learning, health, and family well‑being. We're a mission‑driven organization making a positive impact in our community since 1966.

• Supervise children and their activities to ensure their safety and well‑being
• Plan and implement classroom activities
• Provide children with a model to support and develop a positive self‑concept
• Implement positive guidance and model appropriate practice
• Prepare the classroom, outdoor space, and other center facilities to ensure they are safe, clean, and ready for the daily activities
• Support the inclusion of all children
• Recommend purchase of equipment and supplies
• Maintain attendance records on each child
• Observe children daily for signs of illness
• Assist with developmental screenings and ongoing assessments
• Knowledge of state and federal Head Start regulations;
  Child Care Licensing Rules;
  Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework;
  Head Start Parent, Family, and Community Engagement; and Developmentally Appropriate Practices
• Demonstrate understanding of Head Start philosophy and Western Dairyland Head Start's core values
• Demonstrate sensitivity to culture and family background
• Comply with Policies and Procedures and Standards of Conducts
• Maintain confidentiality
• Complete individual needs assessment and develop professional development goal annually
• Complete a minimum of 25 hours of professional development per year

• Have excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a team
• Be able to maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Be punctual
• Clearance of background checks as required by local, state, and federal regulations
• Physical examination and TB test as required by local, state, and federal regulations

• 18 years of age
• Introduction to Child Care Profession within 6 months of hire
• Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential or Registry certificate; are enrolled in a program leading to an associate or baccalaureate or, are enrolled in a CDA credential program to be completed within two years of the time of hire

• CDA Credential or Registry certificate
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Must have an insured vehicle
• Must meet Western Dairy Land’s insurability requirements
• Current CPR and First Aid certification

• Vacation, personal leave, holidays, sick leave
• Summers off
• 63 hours of vacation during the school year
• 18 hours of personal time off
• 8 paid holidays during the school year
• Sick leave accrued at 0.05709 hours per hour worked
• Approximately 6 hours of sick leave per month for full‑time employees
• Maximum accrued sick leave of 432 hours
• Short‑Term Disability
• Long‑Term Disability agency paid
• 401(k) plan with up to a 6% match
• Health Insurance – 90% of premiums covered for individual coverage, 75% premiums covered for additional coverage needed, $3,750 deductible reimbursement for individuals and up to $6,500 reimbursed for family deductibles, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts for both Health and Dependent Care
• Dental Insurance – Employee Only $38.16 per month, Employee + Family $112.56 per month
• Vision Insurance – Employee Only $5.43 per month, Employee + Spouse $12.47 per month, Employee + Child(ren) $13.82 per month, Employee + Family $21.10 per month
• Employee Assistance Program – fully paid
• Basic Life Insurance – fully paid (plus additional group coverage amounts)
• Flexible work schedule with generous accommodations for family, school, and volunteer commitments
• Opportunities for continuing education, conferences, and classes
• Employees have access to our Discount Marketplace
• WDEOC is a qualified employer under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program

Apply on our website or send a cover letter and resume to Human Resources at HR

Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council Incorporated is an equal opportunity employer.