Assistant Teacher

$31,200 - $43,680/Yr

Maricopa County - Mesa, AZ

Full-time - Entry Level

Mesa, AZ

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

As an Assistant Teacher in Maricopa County, you will play a vital role in shaping the lives of preschool-age children by working closely with Birth to Five or Head Start teaching teams. Your primary responsibility will be to implement active learning strategies and conduct ongoing assessments of child development. You will engage in developmentally appropriate individualized experiences, ensuring that each child receives the attention and support they need to thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. This position is not just about teaching; it’s about building stronger families and brighter futures for the youngest members of our community. Our classrooms are designed to be welcoming and interactive, fostering a collaborative learning atmosphere for children and their families. With a low teacher-to-student ratio of 1:10, you will have the opportunity to create a healthy and effective learning environment for up to 20 students per Head Start classroom. The County provides all necessary supplies and equipment, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—teaching and nurturing the children in your care. You will be part of a compassionate team of early education professionals dedicated to preparing children for future school success. In addition to your teaching responsibilities, you will be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid continuing education, professional development opportunities, and tuition reimbursement. You will also 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. Join us in making a difference in the lives of children and families in Maricopa County!

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 in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards, childcare licensing, and program policies and procedures.
• 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