Teacher Assistant, Head Start

Want to make a difference in a child’s life? Join CommUnify’s team by becoming a Head Start Teacher Assistant! 

Our agency provides employees with a positive work environment and the ability to balance work & home along with excellent benefits. Our benefit package includes: medical, dental, vision, life insurance including sick, vacation, and personal leave with 11 paid holiday's and a fully vested retirement plan with an up to 5% match.

Position is a full-time, temporary position that will earn sick leave. Starts out between $18.00 - $19.00 per hour depending on how many Early Childhood Education units you have completed. Position located in Santa Maria at the Alvin Head Start Center.

Under the supervision of a Site Supervisor, the Teacher Assistant supports the classroom teachers of a center to carry out a high-quality early childhood program.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:  Other duties may be assigned.

• When in the teacher/child ratio, maintains 100% supervision of all children, by sight and sound at all times.
• Consistently uses positive child guidance methods.
• Develops positive relationships with each child and with parents.
• Assists in meal preparation, mealtime and clean up.
• Sets cots or mats out for nap time and assists children during napping.
• Helps to maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary classroom environment.
• Maintains the confidentiality of records and information about enrolled families.
• Attends and contributes to regular staff meetings and curriculum planning meetings.
• Helps to implement the curriculum under teacher direction, including small group, field trips, mealtimes, and one on one activities with children.
• Contributes to child observations and ongoing assessment.
• Assist children with toileting, diapering and/or feeding and other physical care needs. 
• Is aware of all center’s children with food allergies, and ensures they receive the doctor recommended substitutions.
• Is sensitive to children with special needs.
• Functions as a positive team member.  Communicates effectively with families and co-workers.
• Attends parent meetings and home visits when requested.
• Performs other comparable related duties as required.

Education and/or Experience:  Child Development Teacher Assistant Permit or higher from California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and enrolled in a Child Development Associate credential program to be completed within two (2) years of hire.

Computer Skills:  To perform this position successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Internet software; and Word Processing software.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:  Obtain and maintain a current Child Development Permit for position held. Must obtain and maintain a Pediatric First Aid and CPR card.  

Other Skills and Abilities:  Experience working with children with disabilities desirable; bilingual preferred.

Other Qualifications:  Successfully complete a pre-employment physical examination.   Obtain a tuberculosis clearance and clear Community Care Licensing fingerprint process.  Provide verification of State required vaccines upon hire for: Influenza (from August 1 to December 1), Pertussis, and Measles.  Acceptable verifications include immunization record and physician statement.  Exceptions to vaccinations: Flu can be waived by completing annual waiver.

CommUnify, EOE