Head Start Assistant Teacher

Hourly Pay Rate: $18 - $20/hour(depending on education)

Sign on Bonus: $1,000-$2,000 (depending on full-time or part-time hours) (external candidates)

Head Start of Baltimore City is a child and family development program serving nearly 500 low-income families in west, south and southwest Baltimore City, for their children to be well prepared when entering kindergarten and thus more successful in school and later in life. 

Catholic Charities of Baltimore, Head Start of Baltimore City is currently seeking a Head Start Assistant Teacher who will be responsible for providing assistance to the teacher in (1) building on child and family strengths and supporting school readiness goals and social competence; (2)managing the classroom in a manner that creates a stimulating and nurturing environment for the growth, wellbeing and development of the child; (3) establishing and maintaining a safe, healthy learning environment; (4) advancing social, physical and intellectual competence through positive guidance and intentional learning experiences that build on strengths and are responsive to each child’s needs; (5) establishing positive and productive relationships with families and engaging them in their child’s learning. 

The work schedule is Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 3:30pm

Head Start Assistant Teacher assignments are based on the needs of the program, including enrollment, staffing levels, and vacancies at each location. Because these needs can change, site placement decisions are finalized during the hiring process to ensure staff are assigned where they are needed most.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure that children are properly supervised at all times and take appropriate safety precautions for children’s well-being.


• Assist in selecting materials and equipment and arrange the classroom to provide a well-managed, welcoming environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the developmental level of the children. Identify and show respect for a child’s culture and home environment.


• Assist in implementing the designated curriculum using curriculum guides and other materials that addresses the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional needs of children and is consistent with Head Start Performance Standards and Catholic Charities mission, vision, and values.


• Assist in creating and maintaining a classroom environment that incorporates the principles of the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS)


• Emotional Support: Creates and maintains a classroom where children are motivated, nurtured and connected.


• Classroom Organization: Creates and maintains a classroom where children consistently have things to do and are interested and engaged in learning tasks.


• Instructional Support: Implements the curriculum in a manner that effectively supports cognitive and language development.


• Assist in developing lesson plans that support individualized instruction based on on-going assessment of the progress and accomplishments of each child.


• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Assistant Teacher I – High School Diploma/GED; a 9 hour MSDE approved communications class;

90 hour ECE certification; and one year of experience working with preschoolers in an approved setting or one year of college or a combination of experience and college that equals one year of experience. Must agree to a professional development plan that will lead to the completion of a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA), or Associate degree in the field of early childhood education.

*Assistant Teachers hired before 7/1/08 do not need the 90 hour certification nor 9 hour communications class, 

Assistant Teacher II - Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) and a 9 hour MSDE approved communications class; or 90 hour ECE certification and 30 ECE college credits.        

* If hired with a 90 hour ECE certification and 30 ECE college credits, must agree to a professional development plan that will lead to the completion of a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA), or Associate degree in the field of early childhood education or a related degree.

Assistant Teacher III –   AA or higher degree w/ approved coursework in ECE or approved as a teacher for grades Nursery-3 or K-8, or hold a teaching certificate from MSDE or any other state for early childhood in grade N-3 or K-8.  

 REQUIRMENTS & ABILITIES:

• Requires the ability to utilize computer systems and software necessary to perform position functions.


• All Assistant Teachers must begin the application for a Maryland State Department of Education credential within six months of employment. Once this credential is received, it is the employee’s responsibility to maintain current status. It is also the employee’s responsibility to maintain current CDA status once that is obtained.


• All Assistant Teachers must have the ability and willingness to relate effectively with individuals from diverse socio-economic groups; model appropriate language when interacting with children and adults; model professional responsibility and personal integrity; accompany the children on field trips and to actively participate with them in other activities; comply with the established work schedule and all policies and procedures.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The position requires long periods of standing and intermittent reaching, bending, walking, stooping, sitting, including sitting on the floor, and the ability to move freely throughout the building including climbing stairs in those buildings where there isn’t an elevator.


• Must have the ability to respond to a child in distress and have the ability to lift up to 40 lbs. irregularly.

We offer a wide range of benefits to meet the ever-changing needs of our employees including but not limited to:

• Health/Dental/Vision


• Vacation/sick/holiday pay


• 403(b) Retirement Plan with a discretionary employer contribution 


• Tuition Advancement


• Paid Parental Leave

Join Catholic Charities of Baltimore where you will be an important member of a trauma-informed care organization that promotes a culture of safety, empowerment, healing, and self-care, and that believes that every person has infinite worth and promise.

Catholic Charities is an equal opportunity employer