Teacher Assistant

Organization Description

Hmong American Partnership (HAP) is a social service and community development organization whose mission is to empower the community to embrace the strengths of our cultures while achieving our potential. HAP accomplishes its mission by:

• Improving the lives of individuals and families in our diverse communities by providing culturally sensitive social services.
• Strengthening neighborhoods by providing housing, community, and economic development opportunities.
• Promoting the rich heritage of our ethnic communities.

HAP’s vision is to reach out to the world with profound social, economic, and educational transformation.

Primary Function of the Position

The Teacher Assistant will support the daily operations of HAP Academy OIC's Montessori-based childcare center by working closely with the Head of School and other staff. This position is responsible for assisting in the preparation and maintenance of a calm, child-centered learning environment rooted in Montessori principles. The Teacher Assistant supports children’s independence, ensures their safety and well-being, and contributes to a nurturing and culturally responsive classroom community. The ideal candidate is a compassionate, dependable team player with a genuine interest in early childhood development and a commitment to the Montessori approach and the diverse families we serve.

Position Responsibilities

• Devote full time and attention during normal working hours to Teacher Assistant duties.
• Abide by all HAP Board policies and comply with relevant laws and regulations.
• Assist Head of School with the implementation of AMI-aligned Montessori curriculum and uphold pedagogical standards.
• Support student well-being through support services, extracurricular programs, health and safety procedures, and ethical development.
• Foster diversity, equity, and inclusion across student, staff, and parent communities.
• Assist Head of School with leading and supporting staff through hiring, professional development, and performance management.
• Assist Head of School with business operations, including budgeting and facility maintenance.
• Assist Head of School with coordinating enrollment and marketing efforts to maintain strong student recruitment and retention.
• Assist with cultivating community partnerships, parent engagement, and alumni relations.
• Provide transparent, regular communication to staff, families, and community members.
• Assist Head of School with planning and supporting fundraising efforts, capital campaigns, and long-range institutional goals.
• Regularly observe classrooms and monitor program quality and AMI standards.
• Other duties as assigned, and as needed, to further the goals of the program and in alignment with HAP’s mission.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Some knowledge of Montessori pedagogy and early childhood development.
• Organizational and operational management skills.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and culturally responsive practices.
• Ability to build trust with families and lead a diverse staff team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) child care licensing regulations.
• Competence in data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Ability to pass the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) background study.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma required.
• 12 college credits in Education, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field are required.
• 1080 hours of childcare experience are required.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) and/or Montessori certification preferred.
• Experience working in diverse or immigrant/refugee communities preferred.

Essential Functions

The following position requirements are representative of those that will be encountered while performing the responsibilities of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to, stand, sit; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, phone and keyboard
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for sustained periods of time in an indoor setting
• Ability to tolerate moderate noise levels (i.e. shared open office space with computers, phone, and printers, light traffic).
• Must have the ability to move about the office to access files and office equipment
• Must have access to reliable transportation for occasional travel for meetings at other HAP office locations, events, and off-site meetings.
• Occasional moving or lifting of boxes or files up to 20 pounds
• Able to focus on data, analyze the information, and draw conclusions.
• Frequent interactions with coworkers and participants require the ability to communicate effectively.
• Frequent communication via email requires the ability to read and write in English fluently.

Benefits

 All full-time (30+ hours per week) Hmong American Partnership (HAP) employees enjoy:

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, STD, LTD, Accident & Critical Illness, 16 Days of Paid Time Off (PTO) + an organization-wide paid Mental Health Week, 11 Holidays, 401K, and more!
• Career Development: Training & Professional Development Opportunities!

HAP is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Our organization will not discriminate against or harass any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial status, membership, or activity in a local human rights commission, or status with regard to public assistance.

Individuals with disabilities in need of accommodation should contact us at hr@hmong.org.