Head Start Assistant Teacher (10 - months)

As the premiere provider of Head Start programs in Memphis, the agency is committed to helping high-risk children in Shelby County get ready to succeed in kindergarten. Our Assistant Teachers understand the valuable role education plays in improving the community by:                                                                             

• Assisting classroom teachers in their shared mission to improve the quality of education offered to Porter-Leath’s students
• Assisting the nutrition staff with preparing high-quality meals for students
• Relieving teachers during periods of absence and during breaks
• Remaining a flexible and organized team player in order to help all members of the Porter-Leath Community

• A child Development Associate (CDA) is required in Preschool.
• Associate’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or a related field preferred 
• Previous Head Start experience preferred
• Two (2) years of relevant work experience with infants, toddlers, and/or preschoolers
• CPR and First Aid certification preferred (Must be completed within 90 Days of initial hire)

Essential Job Functions:

1. Performs according to the standards set forth by Head Start, the NAEYC, CACFP, USDA, Tennessee Day Care Licensing, and Porter-Leath while performing duties within the kitchen and classroom.
2. Provides classroom coverage for Teachers and Assistant Teachers when absent or out of the classroom; Assume responsibilities as the primary caregiver for one group of children for Teachers/Assistant Teachers, including children with special needs when assigned.
3. Performs duties as a role model to clients and staff; acts as a mentor to families of children in a group.
4. Keeps Supervisor and Manager informed of programmatic issues in a timely and concise manner. (Immediately/within 24 hrs).
5. Works cooperatively with other staff to create a positive, enriching, and safe environment for children, families, and staff.
6. Assists program staff in delivering appropriate health, nutrition, disability, education, and family support services to children and families in accordance with program policies, procedures, and service plans. 
7. Assists in implementing daily education procedures in the classroom while adhering to best practices; assists in ensuring that children are involved in activities suited to their immediate emotional, social, intellectual, and physical needs; provides ample activity options to children.
8. Ensures communication with nutrition staff, health/disability/nutrition staff, and education staff in order to fulfill special diet needs.
9. Assists in the preparation and serving of meals to prep and serve meals in quantities according to menu and a number of persons to be served to make appropriate substitutions when necessary in accordance with USDA recommended daily dietary allowances and family-style dining requirements; comply with all Health Department and Porter-Leath requirements regarding food preparation, food storage, cleanliness, and kitchen sanitation.
10. Assists in maintaining appropriate attendance records, meal counts, etc. necessary to produce reports.
11. Conduct regular home visits and parent teacher conferences with families.
12. Assists with and conducts ongoing child evaluations.
13. Contributes to team effort by performing other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit and talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to use their hands to finger, handle, or feel.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and color vision.  Work in a non-smoking area.

Special Conditions

Maintain a valid driver’s license with a good driving record and an appropriate level of insurance.

NOTE: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be constructed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Revised 9/2024