Head Start Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

The Assistant Teacher supports the implementation of a developmentally appropriate early childhood education program in compliance with Head Start/Early Head Start Performance Standards, state licensing regulations, and agency policies. This role works closely with the Lead Teacher to ensure a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment that promotes school readiness and the overall development of infants, toddlers, or preschool-aged children.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Classroom Support:

• Assist in the implementation and creation of developmentally appropriate lesson plans aligned with Head Start goals and objectives.
• Support the preparation and maintenance of a safe, clean, and organized classroom environment conducive to learning.
• Help ensure full participation of children in all classroom activities, providing necessary adaptations and supervision
• Foster nurturing and responsive interactions with children and support their social-emotional, cognitive, and physical development.
• Assist with ongoing child assessments and documentation using approved tools (e.g., Teaching Strategies GOLD).
• Supervise children at all times, ensuring safety and well-being both indoors and outdoors.
• Help maintain a clean and organized classroom in compliance with health and safety standards.
• Communicate regularly and effectively with families to support parent engagement and participation.

Child Interaction:

• Engage positively with children to promote their social, emotional, and cognitive development.
• Support children during daily routines, including meals, naptime, and transitions, while fostering independence.
• Assist in managing challenging behaviors by using positive behavior guidance techniques in alignment with Our House policies.

Family Engagement:

• Build positive relationships with families to support their involvement in their child’s education.
• Assist in the preparation of parent-teacher conferences and other family engagement activities.
• Encourage families to participate in Head Start activities and events.

Program Compliance:

• Help maintain accurate records of classroom activities, child progress, and family interactions in compliance with Head Start and organizational standards.
• Follow all safety and health procedures to ensure a safe learning environment for children and staff.
• Support compliance with NAEYC, Quality Rated, Bright from the Start, and Head Start regulations.

Professional Development:

• Participate in ongoing professional development, training, and coaching sessions to enhance skills and knowledge.
• Collaborate with the teaching team to reflect on practices and improve the quality of classroom interactions.
• Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and growth in early childhood education practices.
• Attend required staff meetings
• Uphold confidentiality, cultural competence, and respect for diversity.

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all job functions that an employee in this position may be asked to perform. Duties and responsibilities can be changed, expanded, reduced, or delegated by management to meet the business needs of Our House.

Qualifications:

Education

• Minimum of a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or state equivalent in Early Childhood Education required.
• Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field preferred.
• Commitment to obtaining additional qualifications, if required, as per Head Start guidelines.

Experience

• One year of experience working with young children in an early childhood education setting required.
• Experience supporting children with diverse needs, including those with disabilities preferred.
• Familiarity with Head Start Program Performance Standards and NAEYC guidelines preferred.

Schedule Requirements:

• Onsite, 40-hour workweek, Monday through Friday during standard business hours.
• Occasional overtime may be required during peak periods.

Skills:

• Understanding of developmentally appropriate practices and early childhood education principles.
• Organizational skills to manage classroom materials and daily routines effectively.
• Collaborative Team Player: Values interdisciplinary collaboration and fosters teamwork.
• Positive “Can-Do” Attitude: Maintains an optimistic and proactive approach.
• Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrates a high level of emotional awareness and empathy.
• Innovative Problem Solver: Proactively identifies opportunities and proposes effective solutions.
• Self-Motivated: Independently driven and capable of completing tasks with minimal supervision.
• Strong Communication Skills: Exhibits above-average verbal and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal Proficiency: Highly developed interpersonal skills.
• Solution-Focused Mindset: Actively seeks opportunities for improvement, offering thoughtful ideas and suggestions to support broader organizational goals.
• Commitment to Growth: Embraces lifelong learning and demonstrates a consistent desire for personal and professional development.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with integrity and discretion.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit on the floor, kneel, bend, squat, and get up and down frequently throughout the day to engage with young children at their level.
• Ability to lift and carry children weighing up to 40 pounds, as well as classroom materials and supplies.
• Ability to move quickly and respond to children's needs or emergency situations.
• Adequate vision and hearing to ensure child safety and effective communication.
• Ability to push, pull, or maneuver strollers, cribs, or carts when needed.
• Manual dexterity to assist with dressing, feeding, diapering, and other care routines as required.
• Tolerance for working in a busy, sometimes noisy, and physically demanding environment.

Health Requirements:

• Proof of Tuberculosis (TB) test clearance required prior to employment.
• Must comply with any additional health screenings or vaccinations required by Our House or other regulatory agencies.

Work Environment:

• Work is primarily performed in a classroom, childcare center, or early learning setting with frequent outdoor supervision during playtime or field trips.
• Environment can be noisy, busy, and fast-paced, with frequent interruptions and changing priorities.
• May be exposed to cleaning and sanitizing products, bodily fluids, and common childhood illnesses.
• Must be comfortable working at low heights (e.g., child-sized furniture, floor play) and in close physical proximity to young children.
• May involve occasional evening or weekend hours for family events, parent conferences, or professional development.
• Requires the ability to maintain emotional composure and professionalism while managing classroom behaviors, parent concerns, and unexpected situations.
• Must adhere to all safety protocols and licensing requirements set by state and local regulatory bodies.

Compensation Statement:

The estimated salary range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual salary offered is determined by considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, and certifications or other professional licenses held.