Assistant Teacher

Title: Assistant Teacher
Reports To: Assistant Teacher Center Supervisor
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Mission: The mission of the Black Belt Community Foundation is to forge a collective stream of giving from the community and other sources so we, the people of the Black Belt, can enhance our continuing efforts to lift ourselves by taking what we have to make what we need.
Job Summary: This position serves as an Assistant Teacher for a Head Start center. The Assistant Teacher will work collaboratively with the Teacher to ensure the successful operation of a classroom of children. The Assistant Teacher also works with a team of other classroom Assistant Teachers, Teachers and family members to implement curriculum to achieve outcomes for children of all abilities. The Assistant Teacher will ultimately be evaluated on a combination of skills, dispositions and behaviors, some of which are related to the specific service area of this position and others that represent general expectations of all Black Belt Community Foundation employees. The Assistant Teacher will demonstrate competency to perform functions that include:  The OSR Teacher is responsible for the planning, implementation, and coordination of a comprehensive early childhood education program. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality educational experiences to children in compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, policies, and procedures. The OSR Teacher will work closely with families to support children's development and school readiness.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Curriculum Development and Implementation:

• Develop and implement age-appropriate lesson plans and activities that promote the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of children.

• Utilize the Head Start curriculum framework, Creative Curriculum and/or High Scope Curriculum and ensure alignment with Head Start Performance Standards.

• Incorporate culturally relevant materials and activities into the curriculum. Classroom Management:

• Create a safe, engaging, and inclusive learning environment for children.

• Establish and implement classroom rules and routines that support positive behavior.

• Conduct ongoing assessments of children's progress and development.
Family Engagement: 

• Establish positive, supportive relationships with families.

• Conduct home visits and parent-teacher conferences to discuss children's progress and development.

• Provide resources and referrals to families as needed.
Professional Development:

• Participate in ongoing professional development opportunities and training.

• Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team meetings.

• Stay current with early childhood education best practices and Head Start requirements.
Compliance and Documentation:  

• Maintain accurate and timely records of children's progress, attendance, and other required documentation.

• Ensure compliance with all Head Start Performance Standards and local, state, and federal regulations.

• Assist with program self-assessment and continuous improvement effort.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:

• Bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field required.

• CDA (Child Development Associate) credential preferred.
Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in early childhood education, preferably within a Head Start program.

• Experience working with diverse populations and low-income families.
Skills and Abilities:

• Strong understanding of child development and early childhood education principles.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively with a team.

• Strong organizational and time management skills.

• Proficiency in using technology for educational and administrative purposes.
Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.  

• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, and kneeling.

• Ability to engage in activities that may require physical movement and interaction with children.
BBCF CORE VALUES The OSR Teacher has a deep track record demonstrating the following:

• Integrity
- Demonstrate consistency between what we say and what we do. Demonstrate consistency in how we behave across contexts and people. Reliable. Honest. Keep commitments and when that is not possible, be direct in communicating what is/is not possible. Updated 03/06/2025

• Transparency
- Be clear and explicit in sharing what can and cannot be shared about projects, processes, goals, results and lessons learned. Provide visibility to as much information as is possible with consistency across groups so that there are not "favored" groups or individuals with access to information that others do not have with no business case to support "favored" access.

• Joy and love of community and the work
- Find and celebrate successes and learnings – small and large; our own successes and learnings and those of our teammates and community. Proactively name and notice – and invite others to share in – the delights in our day-to-day work.

• Innovative/creative/generative
- Surface – through our own work and in collaboration with others – novel ideas, solutions or strategies that challenge established thinking so that we are able to provide positive impact in our community. Identify and implement new approaches and ideas in service of community. Share what we learn.

We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and healthy workplace.

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