Head Start Part- time Teacher Assistant

Company: Encompass Community Services
Location: Watsonville
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Are you passionate about your early childhood education career and love working with children, families and community? Join an exciting team of professionals making a difference in the lives of children and families! Head Start has been improving the lives of low-income children and families in Santa Cruz County since 1965 through high quality, comprehensive child development, and family support services. Head Start supports school readiness and promotes healthy families through delivery of education, health, and social services. Head Start also provides quality training and support to employee’s individualized professional growth and development. JOB SUMMARY Under the supervision of Site Supervisor, and appointed guidance from the Teacher Director/Teacher, the Teacher Assistant (TA) assists the Teacher in day-to-day operations of the classroom services with the goal of quality service delivery to children and families. We have North County regular part-time, Non-Exempt positions. Salary range is $21.53-$25.90 an hour (dependent on qualification/ education /experience) plus pay differential for bilingual skills awarded upon qualification. Extended-Year Extended-Day (EYED) position works August – May annually, with a Monday-Friday work schedule. Part-Year Part-Day position work August – May annually with a Tuesday-Friday work schedule (and occasional, required Mondays). PRIMARY RESPONSBILITIES Assists in planning, supervising, and implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum to meet the needs of young children Maintaining a clean and orderly environment for Children’s optimal learning Performs housekeeping duties throughout the daily routine to ensure that the classroom runs smoothly Supports in keeping accurate, up-to-date record keeping/documentation within required deadlines Supports children with special needs Supports parent involvement by creating a welcoming environment Demonstrate good judgment and problem-solving skills; seek assistance when needed; exercise discretion when speaking of clients and colleagues Regular use of technology (laptop, computer) MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Must have one of the following: - AS degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) - Current Pre-K Center Base CDA from Council for Professional Recognition - Current Child Development Associate Teacher Permit/Credential, or higher (CA State Awarded) OR Be currently enrolled in one of the following: - Coursework leading to an AS degree in ECE or higher - An Accredited Pre-K Center Base CDA Program (completed within 2 years of hire) Three ECE Admin units OR will be required to complete within timeline ECE Health, Safety and Nutrition Course OR Preventative Health Training; or will be required to complete within timeline One year experience working with preschool children Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse population and comply with program regulations. Basic computer literacy skills Knowledge of community and County resources. Good command of English; Bilingual, English/Spanish-speaking abilities ( required ) Effective verbal and written communication skills. Flexibility; must be able to work evenings/weekends as needed. Must have a valid Driver’s License, your own vehicle, valid vehicle insurance and good driving record, and willingness to be assigned to North and South County centers Must be able to pass and maintain background check Proof of citizenship or right to work in the United States. Health Screen, MMR (Measles), Tdap (Pertussis) and Negative TB results before hire. About us Encompass Community Services has been serving Santa Cruz County since 1973, providing a broad spectrum of social services to over 8,000 children, individuals, and families annually. As the largest community-based, nonprofit human services provider in Santa Cruz County, we deliver quality, culturally competent, cost-effective services through a wide range of services related to family and social well-being, early childhood education, behavioral health, housing and more. Position works in the Child & Family Development Programs (CFDP) service area. This service area provides early childhood education, social services, and parent education to 1,000 families with young children each year via Head Start/Early Head Start and State Preschool. Offering this support as early as possible promotes healthy families and encourages parents to nurture their child’s physical, social and cognitive development. Our total compensation package includes a 403(b) retirement plan, paid holidays, paid Winter and Spring Break (must be employed for 30 days prior) and sick time. Vacation accrual is available to employees with EYED annual schedule. The Part-time Teacher Assistant position is part of SEIU Bargaining Unit. Encompass Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. We are committed to excellence through diversity and strive to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all clients and employees. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. If we find that your qualifications are a good fit with our current needs, we will contact you with further instructions. Thank you for your interest in Encompass!

Keywords: Encompass Community Services, Redwood City , Head Start Part- time Teacher Assistant, Seasonal Jobs , Watsonville, California