Head Start Teaching Assistant

Head Start Teaching Assistant | Bristol, TN

Position Summary

Make a Difference in the Lives of Young Children

Are you looking for a rewarding career in early childhood education? As a Head Start Teaching Assistant, you’ll help children ages 3–5 develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in school and beyond. Head Start goes beyond traditional preschool by supporting the whole child through education, health, nutrition, and family engagement—and your role is key to that mission.

Working alongside the lead teacher, you’ll help create a nurturing, engaging classroom where children feel supported, valued, and excited to learn. You’ll assist with daily learning activities, encourage social and emotional growth, and build positive relationships with children and their families.

If you’re passionate about helping young learners thrive and want to be part of a team that makes a lasting impact every day, we encourage you to apply.

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

• Assist children on and off the bus as needed

• Perform other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Paid Fall Break, Winter Break, Spring Break 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

• 1 day of healthcare/personal accrued per month (12 days per year)

• 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.

• Additional 401(K) and 457 Savings Plan also available without employer match