Assistant Teacher

$31,200 - $43,680/Yr

Maricopa County - Chandler, AZ

Full-time - Entry Level

Chandler, AZ

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

As an Assistant Teacher, you will play a crucial role in the development and education of preschool-age children within the Birth to Five or Head Start programs. Your primary responsibility will be to work collaboratively with teaching teams to implement active learning strategies and ongoing assessments of children's development. This position is designed for individuals who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of young children and their families. You will create a safe and nurturing environment that fosters individualized learning experiences tailored to each child's needs. In our classrooms, we maintain a low teacher-to-student ratio of 1:10, allowing for personalized attention and support for each child. The County provides all necessary supplies and equipment, ensuring that you can focus on delivering high-quality education. As part of a compassionate team of early education professionals, you will contribute to building stronger families and brighter futures for the children of Maricopa County. The role also includes eligibility for a variety of benefits, such as paid continuing education and professional development opportunities, as well as tuition reimbursement. You will have the chance to earn your Child Development Association Certification (CDA) on the job, which can help you advance your career within the Head Start program. Our health and wellness programs are designed to support your well-being, including competitive health insurance plans and wellness incentives.

Responsibilities

• Supervise children at all times in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards and Program policies to ensure their safety and well-being.
• Maintain a safe and healthy indoor/outdoor classroom environment per program policies and procedures.
• Navigate and utilize a variety of digital platforms and applications for data entry, documentation, and communication.
• Assist the Teacher in planning, organizing, implementing, and evaluating developmentally appropriate and educationally enriching early childhood activities.
• Support and promote each child's physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and language development.
• Complete and enter child assessment level observations and developmentally appropriate screenings and other data entry.
• Assist the Teacher in conducting family orientations, parent/teacher conferences, and home visits.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with each family, site team members, community agencies, community partners, and grantee staff members.
• Stay current on educational techniques and developmentally appropriate practices relating to early childhood development.
• Work effectively with individuals of diverse educational, socio-economic, and cultural backgrounds, and those with disabilities and special needs.

Requirements

• Six months of experience working with young children aged birth to 5 OR six months of practicum hours through an early childhood education program OR six months volunteering in an Early Head Start/Head Start program.
• High school diploma or GED.

Nice-to-haves

• Current or former Early Head Start and Head Start parents.
• One year of work experience in a licensed childcare facility (age birth to 5) or practicum hours through an early childhood education program or volunteering in an Early Head Start/Head Start program or any combination.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Benefits

• Paid continuing education, professional development, and tuition reimbursement.
• Paid Child Development Association Certification (CDA).
• Health and wellness programs including Pet Insurance.
• Wellness incentive payback of $60 per month.
• Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave.
• Employee discounts for goods and services.
• Defined retirement benefit with a 100% employer match on Day 1.