Every Child Deserves a Head Start Classroom Support - Substitute/Per Diem Staff Greater Bergen Community Action’s (GBCA) Head Start Preschool program is a rewarding place for individuals 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. 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 professional, we welcome you to work in our Head Start preschool program. Come make a difference and learn what it is like to teach children and reach families the Head Start way. Positions are available in Bergen County, Jersey City, and Paterson, New Jersey. Minimum Qualifications: • High School Diploma and the ability to communicate clearly in English - read, write and, speak. • Preferred: Associate degree or higher with a minimum of nine (9) ECE or related credits. • Ability to work effectively with children 0-5 years old. • Ability and willingness to work as part of a multidisciplinary team. • Ability to physically care for the needs of the children in the classroom. This includes being able to sit, stand, bend, run and, lift up to fifty (50) pounds. • Ability to work with children and families of diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. • Energetic and positive attitude with a passion for teaching 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. • Keep the classroom neat and ensure all equipment and materials are in good condition. • Maintain the safety and bodily cleanliness of each child. • 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. • Assist the teacher in keeping daily attendance records on each child. • Makes the entire school a productive learning environment through participation in collegial activities. • Establish and maintain a harmonious relationship with fellow staff and parents.