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Why Join Jefferson Parish’s Community Action Program?
At Jefferson Parish, we believe that every child deserves a strong foundation for lifelong learning, curiosity, and confidence. Our Head Start initiative is a cornerstone of the community, delivering high‑quality early childhood education, health, nutrition, and family‑engagement services to families in the West and East Jefferson areas. As a remote Head Start Teacher Assistant, you will become an essential partner in this mission, helping to shape the next generation of learners while enjoying the flexibility of a work‑from‑home environment.
Position Overview
We are actively recruiting dedicated, compassionate, and bilingual professionals to support Head Start teachers in delivering engaging, developmentally appropriate curricula for preschool‑aged children (3‑5 years). This full‑time role (40‑hour weeks for most of the year, with occasional 35‑hour periods) offers immediate placement, competitive compensation, and a clear pathway for professional growth within the Jefferson Parish Civil Service system.
Key Responsibilities – Your Daily Impact
- Classroom Collaboration: Partner with the lead Head Start teacher to plan, organize, and implement daily schedules, routines, and lesson plans that align with state Early Childhood Education standards.
- Child Supervision & Safety: Provide vigilant supervision of children during instructional time, meals, rest periods, and outdoor activities, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment.
- Instructional Support: Deliver targeted teaching activities—such as guided reading, phonics, math concepts, music, movement, and art—tailored to each child’s developmental level.
- Progress Monitoring: Observe and document children’s growth across cognitive, social‑emotional, physical, and language domains, contributing to individualized learning plans and family reports.
- Family Engagement: Conduct home visits and maintain regular communication with families, offering resources, guidance, and feedback to support children’s learning at home.
- Classroom Preparation: Set up learning centers, organize materials, prepare meals and snack stations, and ensure cleanliness and readiness for each part of the day.
- Record Keeping: Accurately maintain attendance logs, health records, incident reports, and curriculum documentation in compliance with Head Start and state regulations.
- Flexibility & Reliability: Adjust schedules as needed, including occasional evening or weekend hours, and step in to lead the classroom when the teacher is absent.
- Professional Development: Participate in ongoing training sessions, workshops, and community events to deepen expertise in early childhood best practices.
Essential Qualifications – What You Must Bring
- Education: High school diploma or GED **plus** a valid Child Development Associate (CDA) credential; or an Associate’s degree (or higher) in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or a related field with a focus on preschool development.
- Coursework: If holding a non‑ECE degree, at least 18 credit hours of coursework covering child development, early literacy, language acquisition, or related subjects.
- Bilingual Proficiency: Fluency in both English and Spanish (spoken, read, and written) is strongly preferred to effectively communicate with diverse families.
- Background Clearance: Ability to pass a comprehensive state background check with no disqualifying felony or relevant misdemeanor convictions; compliance with the Louisiana Child Protection Act.
- Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrated patience, empathy, and strong communication abilities to build trusting relationships with children, families, and team members.
- Technical Skills: Comfortable using virtual collaboration tools (e.g., Zoom, Google Workspace), digital record‑keeping systems, and basic educational software.
Preferred (But Not Required) Assets
- Certified Early Childhood Educator (ECE) credential or pursuit of such certification.
- Experience working in a Head Start or similar federally funded early childhood program.
- Training in trauma‑informed care, positive behavior support, or special education.
- Proficiency with curriculum frameworks such as Creative Curriculum™ or HighScope.
- First aid, CPR, and health‑screening certifications.
Core Skills & Competencies for Success
- Child‑Centered Instruction: Ability to adapt activities to accommodate varied learning styles and developmental stages.
- Organizational Excellence: Skill in managing multiple tasks, schedules, and documentation with precision.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Respect for the linguistic, cultural, and socioeconomic diversity of the Jefferson Parish community.
- Problem‑Solving: Quick, calm response to classroom challenges, health concerns, or family inquiries.
- Team Collaboration: Openness to feedback, willingness to share ideas, and commitment to collective goals.
Career Growth & Learning Opportunities
Jefferson Parish is committed to nurturing talent from within. As a Teacher Assistant, you will have access to:
- Professional Development Stipends: Funding for workshops, conferences, and certification courses relevant to early childhood education.
- Mentorship Programs: Pairing with experienced Head Start teachers and administrators for guidance and career planning.
- Pathway to Leadership: Clear advancement routes toward roles such as Lead Teacher, Program Coordinator, or Early Childhood Services Manager.
- Cross‑Department Exposure: Opportunities to collaborate with health, nutrition, and family services teams, broadening your expertise.
Work Environment & Culture
Even though the position is remote, you will be an integral part of a vibrant, mission‑driven community. Jefferson Parish fosters:
- Inclusive Atmosphere: A workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in every interaction.
- Supportive Leadership: Managers who prioritize employee wellbeing, provide clear expectations, and celebrate achievements.
- Collaborative Networks: Regular virtual team meetings, peer‑learning circles, and community events that keep you connected.
- Work‑Life Balance: Flexible scheduling options, paid time off, and a culture that respects personal commitments.
Compensation, Benefits & Perks
We offer a competitive salary range of $2,164 – $3,357 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications. In addition to base pay, you will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance with employer contributions.
- Retirement savings plan with matching contributions.
- Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
- Professional development funds and tuition reimbursement.
- Employee assistance programs for mental health and family support.
- Transportation or mileage reimbursement for occasional on‑site visits.
- Technology stipend to equip your home office with necessary tools.
How to Apply – Take the Next Step
If you are passionate about early childhood education, thrive in a collaborative remote setting, and are ready to make a meaningful difference for Jefferson Parish families, we want to hear from you. Submit your application, resume, and a brief cover letter explaining why you are an ideal fit for this role.
Don't Hesitate – Apply Today!
We understand that no candidate ticks every box. Your enthusiasm, commitment to children’s growth, and willingness to learn are just as valuable as formal credentials. Click the link below to begin your journey with Jefferson Parish’s Head Start program.
Apply Now
Join Us and Shape Futures
By becoming a Remote Head Start Teacher Assistant, you will empower young learners, support families, and grow your own career within a respected public service organization. Together, we can build stronger communities—one child at a time.
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