Every Child Deserves a Head Start

Greater Bergen Community Action’s (GBCA) Head Start Preschool program is a rewarding place for Teacher Assistants who seek to grow their careers while making a difference. Our mission is to provide a quality, comprehensive educational program that prepares children and their families for kindergarten and life beyond. With its origins in the War on Poverty, Head Start is one of the longest-running federally funded programs. The Head Start model has been praised and emulated throughout the country. 

At GBCA, our Head Start Preschool program collaborates with local school districts.  Our compensation package is competitive.  We offer a supportive work environment that recognizes the value of every employee, and our focus is continually on staff wellness.  

If you are new to preschool education or an experienced Teacher Assistant, we welcome you to work in our Head Start preschool program. Come make a difference. Learn what it is like to teach children and reach families the Head Start way. 

 Positions are currently available in Bergen County, Jersey City, and Paterson, New Jersey. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma and a current Pre-School Child Development Associate (CDA).
• Preferred: Associate degree or higher with a minimum of nine (9) ECE or related credits.
• Ability to work effectively with children 3-5 years old.
• Ability and willingness to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to work with children and families of diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Energetic and positive attitude with a passion for teaching
• Preferred: Valid driver’s license; local travel may be required

Responsibilities include:

• Learn and adhere to the philosophy and mandates of Head Start and Early Head Start as outlined in the Performance Standards, licensing requirements, and the Policies and Procedures of Greater Bergen Community Action (GBCA).
• Assist in creating a learning community in which individual differences are respected.
• Assist the teacher in preparing the classroom before the children arrive.
• Assist the teacher in developing appropriate learning experiences, making subject matter accessible and meaningful to all students.
• Prepare weekly lesson plans and post them in a designated area easily visible to all pertinent individuals.
• Assist the teacher in preparing all mandated classroom documentation for the education component.
• Keep the classroom neat and ensure all equipment and materials are in good condition.
• Maintain the safety and bodily cleanliness of each child.
• Plan for and participate in in-home visits, parent/teacher conferences, and back-to-school events, which will be scheduled during the day and evening.
• Participate in the Early Screening Inventory, Ages & Stages, and/or any other assessment tools required by the agency and/or regulatory body.
• Attend in-service and pre-service training workshops as required and/or requested.
• Assist the teacher in planning and/or participating in class trips or any other event that may take the teacher assistant and/or students out of the typical classroom environment.
• Share information with parents/guardians and plan strategies with the teacher for meeting each child's individual needs.
• Meet with the teacher and supervisors to discuss progress, classroom observations, program planning, professional development, and plans for specific training as needed.
• Assist the teacher in keeping accurate weekly anecdotal records on each child and make written evaluations of each child’s development.
• Assist the teacher in keeping daily attendance records on each child.
• Collaborate with a Family Support Specialist and follow up on each child during a prolonged absence.
• Participate as active, responsible members of the professional community, engaging in a wide range of reflective practices, pursuing opportunities to grow professionally, and establishing collegial relationships to enhance the teaching and learning experience.
• Know and understand how educational research and other methods of inquiry can be used for continuous learning, self-assessment, and development.
• Participate in the design and implementation of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) if requested.
• Makes the entire school a productive learning environment through participation in collegial activities.
• Establish and maintain a harmonious relationship with fellow staff and parents.

Pay rates are dependent on credentials held by applicant