Early Head Start Teacher Assistant

Early Head Start Teacher Assistant 

Are you passionate about your early childhood education career and love working with children, families and community?  

Join an exciting team of professionals making a difference in the lives of children and families! Head Start has been improving the lives of low-income children and families in Santa Cruz County since 1965 through high quality, comprehensive child development, and family support services. Head Start supports school readiness and promotes healthy families through delivery of education, health, and social services. Head Start also provides quality training and support to employee’s individualized professional growth and development.  

JOB SUMMARY: 
We currently have two openings for Early Head Start (EHS) Teacher Assistant (TA) in North County. Position works year-round. Reporting to the Site Supervisor, TA assists the Teacher/Teacher Director in day-to-day operation of the classroom with the goal of quality service delivery to children and families. Positions works Monday - Friday.  Salary is dependent on education ($22.04-$25.11/ hour). Hourly pay differential for bilingual skills awarded upon qualification. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum to meet the needs of young children. 

• Maintain a clean and orderly environment for Children’s optimal learning 

• Performs housekeeping duties throughout the daily routine to ensure that the classroom runs smoothly 

• Ensuring accurate, up-to-date record keeping/documentation within required deadlines. 

• Assist in referring and supporting children with special needs 

• Supporting parent involvement by creating a welcoming environment 

• Demonstrate good judgment and problem-solving skills; seek assistance when needed; exercise discretion when speaking of clients and colleagues. 

• Regular use of technology (computer, laptop) 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Have High School Diploma/GED equivalent AND  

One of the following 

• Completion of 6 units in ECE  OR 

• Be enrolled in coursework at the rate of 2 units per semester until 6 units are reached 

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse population and comply with program regulations. 

• Basic computer literacy skills 

• Good command of English; Bilingual, English/Spanish-speaking abilities (required) 

• Proof of citizenship or right to work in the United States. 

• Criminal Record Clearance, Physical examination, TB, MMR & Tdap (vaccines) clearance before hire. 

• Effective verbal and written communication skills. 

• Provide own transportation; Valid Driver’s License, vehicle insurance and good driving record. 

• Flexible schedule that includes evenings and weekends 

About us 

Encompass Community Services has been serving Santa Cruz County since 1973, providing a broad spectrum of social services to over 8,000 children, individuals, and families annually. As the largest community-based, nonprofit human services provider in Santa Cruz County, we deliver quality, culturally competent, cost-effective services through a wide range of services related to family and social well-being, early childhood education, behavioral health, housing and more.  

Position works in the Child & Family Development Programs (CFDP) service area. This service area provides early childhood education, social services, and parent education to 1,000 families with young children each year via Head Start/Early Head Start and State Preschool. Offering this support as early as possible promotes healthy families and encourages parents to nurture their child’s physical, social and cognitive development. 

Our total compensation package includes a comprehensive medical and dental insurance plan, 403(b) retirement plan, paid Winter and Spring Break (must be working 30 day before break) vacation, holiday, and sick time.   

Encompass Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. We are committed to excellence through diversity and strive to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all clients and employees. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 
 
If we find that your qualifications are a good fit with our current needs, we will contact you with further instructions. Thank you for your interest in Encompass!