Job Description

Join a mission-driven organization dedicated to providing high-quality early childhood education and family support services in Orange and Sullivan Counties.

The Teacher Assistant supports the classroom teacher in creating a nurturing, safe, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for 12 to 20 Head Start children. This role contributes to program quality by assisting in the planning and implementation of curriculum, engaging with families, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards.

Core Functions

Planning

• Support teachers in developing lesson plans that align with curriculum and individual child goals.

• Assist in preparing classroom environments and daily schedules to support learning and development.

Program Implementation

• Work collaboratively with teachers to implement developmentally appropriate activities.

• Support children’s social-emotional, cognitive, and physical development.

• Assist with classroom routines and transitions to ensure a structured and positive environment.

Family Partnerships

• Engage positively and respectfully with families.

• Support teachers in building strong home-school connections.

• Participate in family engagement activities as requested.

Communication and Service Coordination

• Collaborate with classroom staff, specialists, and support teams to ensure children’s needs are met.

• Share relevant child observations and progress updates with teachers and supervisors.

Record Keeping and Reporting

• Assist in maintaining child portfolios and classroom documentation.

• Support accurate and timely completion of required reports and forms.

On-going Monitoring and Self-Assessment

• Participate in classroom observations and continuous quality improvement activities.

• Provide feedback to support compliance and program excellence.

Qualifications / Skills

• High School Diploma or GED and experience working with preschool children.

• At least one of the following:

  • Child Development Associate (CDA) credential

  • Enrollment in a program leading to an Associate or Baccalaureate degree

  • Enrollment in a CDA program to be completed within 2 years

• CDA or Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education preferred.

• Pass physical examination, background check, and fingerprinting screen.

• Driver’s license required.

• Basic computer literacy, including email, word processing, and internet navigation.

• Certification in CPR and First Aid (if required).

Special Working Conditions

• Able to lift a child weighing up to 40 pounds, multiple times per day if needed.

• Able to tolerate bending, standing, and physical activity throughout the day.

• Maintain an organized and clean workspace, which may include using Council-approved cleaning products.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Regional Economic Community Action Program, Inc. (RECAP) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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