Assistant Teacher (10-month, Full-Day)
The Guidance Center
Summary
As an Assistant Teacher, you will be responsible for ensuring that daily activities and interactions reflect the mission and goals of the program.
Job description
- Assist with the planning and implementation of appropriate early childhood activities for children based on the principles of the Preschool HighScope curriculum.
- Provide and maintain a clean, nurturing and safe environment that supports and encourages the growth and development of preschool children.
- Adhere to and maintain compliance with all The Guidance Center, Office of Head Start Performance Standards and any other local, state and/or agency policies and procedures.
- Demonstrate cultural competency and sensitivity and respect to the diverse backgrounds, needs and experiences of children, families, community volunteers and TGC employees.
- Must pass physical examination and background checks before hire.
Requirements
- Associate Degree (AA) in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field with 12 credit hours in Early Childhood Education
- Preschool Child Development Associate Certificate (CDA) or state awarded certificate meeting or exceeding CDA requirements
- Knowledge and understanding of early childhood development
- Ability to implement developmentally appropriate curriculum practices
- Previous experience working with preschool children in a classroom setting
- Ability to lift up to 60 pounds unassisted
- Ability to stand consecutively for 3-1/2 hours per part-day class session and 5 hours per full-day class session
- Ability to ambulate between sitting on the floor and standing and chair sitting to standing a minimum of 20 times per session
- Ability to bend and stoop to child level and lift for urgent and emergency situations
- Ability to bend and stoop to address child concerns a minimum of 12 times per hour on average
- Ability to sit on the floor or on a child size chair for up to 60 minute duration multiple times during class session
- Nonjudgmental approach reflecting cultural competency and sensitivity
- Ability to appropriately handle crisis situations
- Must pass physical examination and background checks before hire
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Flexible scheduling opportunities
- Team-oriented work environment
Company overview
The Guidance Center is a nonprofit mental health care organization dedicated to providing comprehensive behavioral health services to individuals and families in need. As a community-based mental health provider, the organization offers a wide range of therapeutic interventions, counseling services, and support programs designed to address various mental health challenges. Their services typically include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, substance abuse treatment, family counseling, and specialized programs for children and adolescents. The Guidance Center operates with a mission to promote mental wellness, reduce stigma around mental health issues, and ensure accessible care for underserved populations. They often collaborate with local healthcare systems, schools, and community organizations to deliver integrated care that addresses both mental health and social determinants of wellbeing. The organization plays a crucial role in community mental health infrastructure by providing evidence-based treatments, preventive services, and educational outreach programs that support overall community resilience and individual recovery journeys.