Three Rivers Community Action is seeking a dedicated and compassionate individual to join our Head Start team as either a Classroom Aide or Assistant Teacher, depending on qualifications. This position plays an important role in creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment for preschool-aged children while supporting their growth, development, and school readiness.
Working collaboratively with classroom staff, the successful candidate will assist with daily classroom operations, support children's individual learning needs, promote positive behavior guidance, maintain classroom safety, and help ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and licensing requirements. This position also supports family engagement efforts and contributes to a welcoming, inclusive classroom environment. (Full position description will be shared with applicants selected for in-person interviews; to request full description, call 507-316-0610.)
Responsibilities:
- Assist with children's daily care routines (handwashing, toothbrushing, toileting, and meals).
- Help maintain a safe, clean, and engaging classroom environment.
- Support classroom activities, routines, and learning experiences.
- Build positive relationships with children, families, and staff.
- Promote positive behavior and support children's social-emotional development.
- Observe and support children's individual learning and developmental needs.
- Follow program policies and health and safety procedures.
Position Details:
- Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week
- Location: Faribault, with potential travel to other Agency locations, family visits, training, and meetings.
- Compensation: Candidates who meet Assistant Teacher qualifications, would be offered the Assistant Teacher position; all other candidates will be considered for the Classroom Aide position.
- Classroom Aide: $17.80-$19.30 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience
- Assistant Teacher: $18.80-$20.42 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience
- Position Term: Position begins August 31, 2026, for the 2026-2027 school year, with layoff periods between program years.
Minimum Qualifications (Classroom Aide):
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Ability to pass a required background study, as defined by the position
- Current, valid driver's license in good standing, as defined by the agency's insurance provider (unless explicitly approved otherwise by the supervisor)
- Current, valid personal automobile insurance (unless explicitly approved otherwise by the supervisor)
- Basic computer skills
- Able to lift and/or carry between 20-50 pound from floor to shoulder height frequently; reach above shoulder level; bend/stoop; quat; crawl; climb; kneel; balance; push/pull; sit on the floor; and move quickly in the event of an emergency
Additional Qualification for Assistant Teacher Placement: Candidates who possess an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development would be hired as an Assistant Teacher and assume additional classroom instructional responsibilities.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bilingual (spoken/written) in English/Spanish or English/Somali
Qualification for Ongoing Employment:
- Infant/Child CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain within 3 months of hire).
- Family Service Credential (able to obtain within 18 months of hire; Agency will provide training during first year of employment)
About Three Rivers Community Action
Join Three Rivers Community Action, a dynamic nonprofit organization established in 1966 by dedicated local citizens. Committed to enhancing lives across our service area, Three Rivers collaborates with community partners to provide warmth, transportation, food, housing, advocacy and education to individuals and families.
At Three Rivers, we seek collaborative solutions, lead with integrity, embrace diversity, inspire mutual trust, listen to community needs, respect the people we work with, and promote equity, empowerment and self-sufficiency.
We advocate ardently for our program participants at local, state, and federal levels, leveraging our extensive network of human service agencies to provide comprehensive support. Through these partnerships, we optimize resources to better serve families and communities, catalyzing meaningful change and fostering inclusivity.
We realize dreams of homeownership for people such as single parents, individuals with disabilities, and families. We enable seniors to age in place with vital services like home-delivered meals, transportation, and energy assistance. Through initiatives like Head Start, we ensure children are equipped for school success while supporting their families holistically. At every stage of life, Three Rivers strives to empower and uplift those we serve. Join us in making a difference, one life at a time.
Watch this 2-minute video that provides a snapshot of our programs, values, and a participant story that reflects the heart of what we do.
About the Benefits
Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package tailored to support your well-being and enrich your life:
- Competitive wages with opportunities for advancement
- Extensive benefits for regular full-time staff (30+ hours per week), including affordable health insurance with access to employer-sponsored NICE Healthcare and an HRA, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), voluntary dental, vision, voluntary life/AD&D, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance, ensuring peace of mind and security for you and your loved ones.
- Immediate eligibility for investment in our 403(b), with a generous automatic match (after 1 year of employment), aiding in building a stable financial future
- Generous paid time off, guaranteeing you sufficient time for relaxation, rejuvenation, and personal interests for regular staff working 30+ hours per week
- Access to our robust Employee Assistance Program, providing assistance and resources for both personal and professional challenges
- Training and professional development opportunities aimed at enhancing your skills and fostering career growth
- A supportive work environment that values lived experience, respects personal representation, teamwork, and recognizes individual contributions.
Experience these outstanding benefits, among others, as we actively support your development, well-being, and success.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that values lived experience. We strongly encourage individuals from under-represented populations and those with relevant lived experiences to apply. We value diverse perspectives and backgrounds. Your unique experiences and perspectives are an asset to our team, and we welcome your application.
Three Rivers is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. If you require assistance or accommodation during the application process due to a disability, please contact Human Resources at jobs@threeriverscap.org or 507-316-0610.
Online application preferred:www.threeriverscap.org/careers. However, a paper application form may be requested by calling 507-316-0610.
Three Rivers is an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer