Early Childhood Education Assistant

Join our dedicated team at the Community Council of South Central Texas.

PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITY:

COMPENSATION AND PERKS:

• Attractive Salary & Benefits Package
• Supportive and Inclusive Work Environment
• Retirement Savings Plan with Employer Contribution
• Opportunities for Professional Growth

OUR VISION:

The Community Council of South Central Texas is committed to empowering families and individuals in the region to achieve independence by removing obstacles through innovative initiatives and robust community collaborations.

ROLE SUMMARY:

The Early Childhood Education Assistant plays a vital role in supporting the Lead Teacher in executing the educational program within a designated classroom. This position ensures that the classroom adheres to established performance standards and complies with all relevant regulations. The Assistant provides nurturing care and educational experiences for children and their families in a childcare environment, fostering a safe, engaging, and enriching learning atmosphere while being well-versed in state licensing standards and performance benchmarks. This is a full-time, year-round role.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

To excel in this position, the individual must effectively carry out the following essential duties:

• Support the Lead Teacher in maintaining a tranquil and secure classroom and outdoor play area that reflects developmental appropriateness; assist in cultivating an environment where children feel safe and valued, honoring the diverse cultures of all enrolled children, including those with special needs.
• Ensure the safety of children through vigilant supervision, thoughtful arrangement of the learning space, proper upkeep of equipment, and regular execution of emergency drills.
• Collaborate with the Lead Teacher to design lesson plans that cater to the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs of each child; plan activities for both small and large groups to accommodate varying abilities and interests.
• Assist in implementing developmentally appropriate practices in alignment with performance standards.
• Help maintain curriculum continuity and uphold high-quality standards in the classroom; provide individualized support to children facing challenges in group settings.
• Consistently follow center routines, including hygiene practices, meal times, rest periods, and transitions between activities.
• Operate the classroom in accordance with all childcare licensing regulations, with particular attention to prohibitions against physical punishment.
• Assist in ensuring that the classroom environment is stimulating, clean, and safe for learning.
• Maintain accurate documentation in children's records across all developmental areas.
• Support the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) or Individual Family Service Plans (IFSPs) for identified children; engage in ongoing assessments and maintain comprehensive records.
• Provide a variety of materials and planned activities that encourage both individual and group play, promoting language, literacy, social-emotional, physical, and cognitive skills, including for children with special needs.
• Facilitate experiences that foster self-expression, creativity, and positive self-esteem.
• Encourage critical thinking through activities that involve classification, sorting, and problem-solving.
• Offer opportunities for children to develop healthy interpersonal relationships.
• Gradually increase the complexity of activities as children grow and develop.
• Observe and document children's behaviors, sharing relevant information with management for intervention when necessary.
• Demonstrate personal growth by maintaining a calm demeanor, using a positive tone, and exhibiting enthusiasm for working with children.
• Assist with transition activities for children and families, ensuring smooth entry into the program and preparation for future placements.
• Participate in meal times, promoting family-style dining and encouraging children to explore a variety of healthy food options.
• Engage families in the Head Start Program, fostering strong relationships through regular communication.
• Assist the Lead Teacher in preparing and submitting weekly lesson plans that include individualized activities and documentation.
• Ensure that child and family participation is accurately recorded and that high-quality lessons continue to be delivered.
• Familiarize oneself with and implement School Readiness Goals in alignment with educational frameworks.
• Complete required screenings and assessments to meet performance standards.
• Report any suspected child abuse to the appropriate authorities.
• Adhere to organizational policies and maintain confidentiality in all aspects of operations.
• Engage in ongoing professional development through various training methods, including in-person workshops and online resources.
• Be open to coaching and feedback to enhance professional practice.
• Understand the agency's strategic objectives and how this role contributes to achieving them.
• Participate in staff meetings and professional development activities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

Must meet one of the following criteria:

• Hold a current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or an equivalent certification that meets national standards, or be enrolled in a CDA program to be completed within two years.
• Be enrolled in a program leading to an Associate's or Bachelor's degree.
• Possess a degree in child development or early childhood education, with relevant training focused on infant and toddler development.
• Have a degree in a related field with at least 15 college hours in Child Development or Early Childhood Education.

Additional Requirements:

• Prior experience working with children aged birth to five in a licensed childcare setting is preferred.
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English is preferred.
• Must successfully complete a pre-employment background check, health screening, TB test, drug test, and motor vehicle records check.
• Must be at least 21 years old, possess a valid Texas Driver's License, and have access to reliable transportation.
• Must maintain CPR and First Aid certifications.
• Availability to work Monday through Friday during designated hours.
• Must be able to work year-round.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Familiarity with federally funded childcare programs serving low-income families is preferred.
• Understanding of Texas Minimum Standards for licensing and Head Start Program Performance Standards is preferred.
• Proficient in computer use and basic skills in Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to engage with diverse populations.
• Ability to assess classroom operations and make informed decisions.
• Capability to guide classroom staff and maintain accurate records.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to manage conflicts effectively.
• Ability to follow instructions and work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills based on thorough analysis.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships.
• Adaptability to changing circumstances and unexpected challenges.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

Occasional travel may be necessary for meetings, training sessions, or conferences.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This role requires active engagement with children, including sitting, standing, bending, and lifting up to 40 lbs. The work environment may involve moderate to loud noise levels and frequent interruptions.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Work is primarily conducted in a childcare or classroom setting with potential exposure to various working conditions.