Teacher Aide at Douglass Community Services in Palmyra, MO

Help Children Learn, Grow, and Thrive in a Safe and Supportive Environment

 Do you have a passion for early childhood education and a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young children? Are you looking for a rewarding role where you can support learning, encourage growth, and help build strong foundations for lifelong success?

 Join our Head Start team and become part of a caring, collaborative classroom environment dedicated to supporting every child’s physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development. As a Teacher Assistant, you will work alongside Co-Teachers to create safe, nurturing, and engaging learning experiences that help children reach their full potential.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Competitive Pay (Level 18)

  • Starting at $15.00/hour

• Outstanding Work-Life Balance

  • Full-time schedule: 40 hours per week, 49 weeks per year
  • No evenings or weekends required
  • Paid holidays and breaks
  • Supportive, team-based environment

• Exceptional Benefits

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • FREE life insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions
  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • 14 paid holidays annually
  • Paid inclement weather days
  • Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities
  • Career growth within Early Childhood Education

What You'll Do

In this role, you’ll support the classroom team by:

• Helping establish a safe, healthy, and nurturing learning environment that encourages exploration and growth
• Assisting Co-Teachers with lesson planning, classroom strategies, documentation, and developmentally appropriate activities
• Supporting children’s physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development through positive interaction and guidance
• Promoting curriculum goals, including educational, social, and emotional learning objectives
• Incorporating nutrition, health, and self-care practices into daily classroom routines
• Building positive relationships with children and families to encourage engagement in learning
• Preparing classroom materials and ensuring readiness for daily activities under the direction of Co-Teachers
• Maintaining ongoing communication with staff, supervisors, parents, and service providers
• Maintaining confidentiality in all matters related to children, families, and staff
• Participating in ongoing professional development, including trainings, workshops, conferences, and coursework
• Reporting suspected child abuse or neglect in accordance with mandated reporter requirements and program procedures
• Supporting additional duties as assigned by the Supervisor

What We're Looking For

• High school diploma or GED required
• Ability to enroll in and complete a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential program within 18 months of hire
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Enjoyment and comfort working with young children
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and uphold professional standards
• CPR and First Aid certification required or ability to obtain and maintain certification
• Ability to take initiative, exercise independent judgment, and work effectively as part of a team
• Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to teamwork
• Willingness to support program operations, including classroom and center-wide needs

The above description is not a comprehensive listing of all job-specific responsibilities, tasks, and duties.

Douglass Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and Drug-Free Workplace.