Job TypeFull-time
Sanford, CODescription
Join Our Team at Centro de la Familia!Are you passionate about nurturing the growth and development of young
minds? Join us at Centro de la Familia, where we create exceptional
opportunities for children and families through our early childhood education
programs. Right now, we're looking for a Teacher Assistant to become a
crucial part of our team.Position Overview:As an integral part of our team, under the guidance of the Lead Teacher and
Education Specialist, you will:Administer a developmentally, linguistically, and culturally appropriate
early childhood education program.
Meet the individual and holistic needs of infants and toddlers.
Work closely with parents and families, ensuring they are included in the
planning and execution of their child's education.
Collaborate with staff, parents, and volunteers, and be directly
involved in providing meals and snacks for children.
Assume Teacher duties in the temporary absence of the Teacher.
Key Responsibilities:Classroom Environment: Assist in managing the classroom, supervising
children, and engaging them in learning activities both indoors and outdoors.
Program Planning: Support daily planning to promote children's growth and
development, adhering to Head Start Performance Standards and CDLF Service
Plan
Learning Environment: Use space, relationships, materials, and
routines to create an interesting, secure, and enjoyable environment for
play, exploration, and learning.
Physical Development: Implement activities that promote children's
physical development and encourage curiosity, exploration, and
problem-solving.
Communication: Actively communicate with children, providing opportunities
for verbal and nonverbal communication.
Creative Expression: Stimulate children's creative abilities through play
with sound, rhythm, language, materials, space, and ideas.
Emotional Security: Help each child develop a sense of independence and
pride in themselves, fostering acceptance and mutual respect among peers.
Behavioral Development: Create a supportive environment for children to
practice appropriate and acceptable behaviors.
Individualized Learning: Use observations and assessments to plan
personalized learning activities and track progress.
Health and Safety: Maintain cleanliness and sanitization of toys and
surfaces, following CDLF's guidelines.
Parent & Family Involvement:Encourage and partner with parents for active participation in the program.
Maintain strict confidentiality regarding children and families.
Communicate with parents in their preferred language.
Suggest at-home activities and materials for parents.
Support bilingual development and cultural heritage.Requirements
The ideal candidate will have:A current Preschool CDA (Childhood Development Associate) or a written
plan to earn one within the first six months or an associate/bachelor's
degree in early childhood education/child development or a related field
within two years from the date of hire.Current CPR, First Aid, and Food Handler's permits.A willingness to work with children with special needs and those with limited
or no English language skills.Preferred bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English.This role involves physical capabilities, including extended periods of
walking, standing, kneeling, crouching, lifting/moving up to 50
pounds, as well as the ability to sit on the floor, crawl, run, and
perform various activities associated with preschool care.Why You'll Love It Here:We are passionate about our work and the incredible children and families we
have the privilege to support. We have been dedicated to Community and Family
Engagement since 1975, have been operating Head Start Programs since 1991,
and have experience managing programs in challenging, isolated, and
underserved areas. Our curricula and programs are rooted in science, and we
are co mitted to the professional growth of minority communities. Plus, our
team includes bilingual and bicultural staff to ensure inclusive and
culturally sensitive care.