Preschool Teacher Aide

COMPANY OVERVIEW

KIRPC Head Start is dedicated to providing high-quality early childhood education & support services to children & families in Jasper, Newton and Pulaski Counties. Our mission is to build positive relationships with families & provide safe & developmentally appropriate services for children. Our vision is to be a high-quality early education agency and to ensure families have a stronger foundation for success.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

High School Diploma/GED required. CDA preferred. Experience working with preschool children required. Must have an understanding of early childhood and what is considered best practices and developmentally appropriate activities for children 3-5 years old. Must work and communicate with staff, families & children in a positive manner and be familiar with stress management and conflict resolution techniques. Sensitive to the needs of low-income families and multicultural beliefs and practices. Obtain an initial physical health examination prior to hire and one every 5 years after. Obtain an annual TB screening. Completes and passes a fingerprint criminal background check and drug screening. Able to lift up to 50 lbs. Regular attendance and punctuality. Valid driver's license is required. Part Time - 28 hours/week, Monday-Friday 8a-3:30p CST with occasional Friday professional development meetings (July off unpaid for summer break) Benefits include Holiday pay offered (after 30 days) which includes a 5 day paid week at Christmas (after 90 days of hire) and bereavement pay.

RESPONSIBILITIES

(A full job description will be provided upon hire. This list is not inclusive of all duties.) Assist with general classroom duties for 3, 4 and 5 year olds including but not limited to supervising children at all times, engaging with children using positive teacher/child interactions, modeling & teaching self-regulation through the use of positive discipline methods, implementing the curriculum, assisting with screenings and assessments, assisting with toilet training, and participating in and encouraging positive meal time experiences. Recording and entering child observations, create weekly Family Engagement Activities to encourage family engagement, update and record various types of data in online databases. Collaborate with teaching team, other site staff and the management team. Attend monthly staff trainings (onsite and/or offsite) All positions must be able to pass a health exam, TB, criminal record check, and drug test. Criminal Record checks including Fingerprint Background Check must be passed prior to 1st day of employment.

NOTE:

Interviews will be conducted at the beginning of July 2026. The expected start date for the successful candidate is July 27, 2026. For questions, call Monica or Connie at 219-253-6658.

Job Type:

Part-time Pay:

$12.32 per hour

Work Location:

In person