Job Description

Position Summary

Looking for a meaningful role in early childhood education? As a Head Start Teaching Assistant, you’ll play a vital part in helping children ages 3–5 build the strong foundation they need for success in school and in life. Head Start offers far more than a traditional preschool experience by integrating education with health, nutrition, and family engagement—and you’ll be an essential part of that whole‑child approach.

In this role, you’ll help create a warm, engaging classroom where curiosity and discovery flourish. Working closely with the lead teacher, you’ll support each child’s emotional, physical, cognitive, and social development while building positive, collaborative relationships with families.

If you’re passionate about supporting young learners and want to make a lasting impact, apply today and join a team dedicated to changing lives every day.

Essential Functions :

• Support children's social and emotional development using positive guidance
• Help organize and maintain a safe, healthy classroom and teach transportation safety
• Observe, assess, and assist in planning activities to meet each child’s needs
• Conduct home visits, attend parent meetings, and communicate with families
• Collaborate with staff to support families and access resources
• Prepare records, submit reports, and attend meetings and training
• Follow agency policies and complete tasks assigned by supervisors
• Perform other duties as assigned

Benefits:

• 17 paid break-days and holidays 
• Healthcare coverage is provided through the State of Tennessee, with UETHDA covering 100% of the monthly premium for employee-only plans (valued at approximately $600 per month or $7,200 annually). Additional coverage options are available, with any cost difference paid by the employee.
• Retirement Plan: Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS). Eligible employees contribute 5% of annual wages on a pre-tax basis to the defined TCRS plan. UETHDA contributes an amortized amount as determined by TCRS. Employees become fully vested after five years of eligible service.
• Group Term Life Insurance (coverage equal to 1.5 times annual wages) and Voluntary Life Insurance are offered, with Group Term Life fully paid by UETHDA.
• Dental, Vision, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability options are available at 100% cost to the employee.
• 1 day of healthcare/personal accrued per month (12 days per year)
• Additional 401(K) and 457 Savings Plan also available without employer matc

Minimum Requirements

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Obtain a Child Development Associate credential (CDA) within 2 years of employment (paid for by UETHDA)
• 1+ years of experience with preschool children (preferred)
• Meets Tennessee DHS standards for preschool day care centers
• Must pass background check and physical exam with the ability to lift a child weighing up to 50 pounds
• Must have valid TN driver's license

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time, non-exempt position paid hourly. The role typically requires 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday during daytime hours, with no summer layoff. Work is based at the Children’s First Center, 837 Pardee Street, Johnson City, TN.

EOE Statement

UETHDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to hiring passionate, diverse professionals who want to make a difference.

Salary Based 100% on Education/Degree

$13.00 hourly for high school education

$14.75 hourly for bachelor of science degree in Early Childhood Education/Child Development

Teaching Assistants may qualify for supplemental TN DHS childcare WAGE$ based on education and service requirements.

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