Title: Teacher Aide

Position Type: OJC CDS Full Time

College: Otero College

Division: OC Child Development Services

Department: OC Head Start

Campus: Otero College Child Development Services

Location: La Junta

Salary Range: $23,997 to $31,000

Who We Are:

Otero College Child Development Services provides comprehensive services, including full-day early childhood education, for children and their families through home-based and center-based services located throughout southern Colorado. It is the mission of Otero College Child Development Services to provide high quality, comprehensive early childhood education programs for children from birth to compulsory school age; to provide parent education programs that strengthen the family, develop basic literacy, encourage job training and personal development; and to develop community partnerships and coordination of community-based services.

Job Summary:

To provide support and assistance to the teacher in achieving program objectives and goals.

Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Adhere to Otero College Child Development Services policies and procedures.
2. Comply with Head Start Performance Standards and State of Colorado Rules and Regulations for Child Care Centers.
3. Support and implement the mission and goals of Otero College Child Development Services.
4. Encourage and support parent engagement in all aspects of the Start program.
5. Participate in all required in-service training and applicable workshops.
6. Work as part of a team providing a welcoming environment for families and visitors.
7. Be an effective problem solver.
8. Report and document any suspected child abuse and neglect in compliance with Colorado law and agency policies and procedures.
9. Understand and implement Head Start Performance Standards, Head Start Act, and Child Policies and Procedures as they apply to program management and supervision.
10. Assist implementing curriculum to meet the needs of children.
11. Monitor the safety of children and ensure they are always supervised.
12. Ensure that health, nutrition, and safety education are properly taught and practiced.
13. Share mealtime experiences with the children. Make lunch a learning and social experience, using child-sized portions and not letting food be used for punishment or reward.
14. Use sound educational theory in arranging classroom and preparing daily materials.
15. Monitor and model proper hygiene.
16. Attend scheduled educational and staff meetings when requested.
17. Cooperate at center-level to facilitate center activities and to ensure smooth operation of the center.
18. Classroom janitorial duties as necessary.
19. Assist in identifying indications of illnesses to be brought to the attention of the Center Manager.
20. Assist in keeping daily records on attendance and meals.
21. Assume active role in parent involvement, both classroom and non-classroom activities.
22. Encourage parents to participate in parenting classes, workshops, and other center activities.
23. Assume lead role in the absence of lead teacher.
24. Actively participate in activities w/children at their level.
25. Organize classroom areas.
26. Know and follow emergency plans and procedures.
27. Assist in preparation of classroom materials.
28. Assist in implementing positive guidance and management techniques.
29. Utilize resource materials to assist in planning.
30. Follow procedures for releasing children (know where to find release forms).
31. Communicate efficiently with teacher.
32. Review the lesson plan and assist teacher in facilitating groups.
33. Perform other program related duties as assigned by the Content Area Manager or Executive Director.

Competencies/KSAs:

Be computer literate with knowledge for Microsoft office programs as it pertains to your position.
Eligible to work in a childcare setting.
Have valid First Aid and Infant /Child CPR care and keep current or obtain within 30 days of employment if applicable to position.
Positive role models for children; language, dress and behavior must be appropriate to a childcare setting.
Be able to establish an atmosphere of trust and respect with HS families, children and staff.
Able to adhere to strict standards of confidentiality.
Must be able to work effectively as a member as a team.
Must submit regular on-going medical statements signed and dated by a licensed physician or other health care professional and self-reported annual health history, verifying that they are in good mental, physical and emotional health appropriate for the position hired for. Pursuant to State of Colorado Rules Regulating Child Care Centers and HS Performance Standards.
Must be interested in continued training and education.

Minimum Qualifications:

Minimum: preschool Child Development Associate certificate, or college degree in an education related field or enrolled in a program to obtain a Child Development Associate certificate or a two- or four-year degree in Early Childhood Education. At least 9 months experience with 3–5-year-olds.

Preferred Qualifications:

AAS degree in ECE/Child Development, Family Studies or related field, and at least 18 months experience with 3–5-year-old children, and experience in a Head Start setting.

Selection Process:

Application Instructions: 

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: October 7, 2026
Inquiries May Be Directed To Candi Miell (719) 384-3103
Applicants must submit to and pass a background check before an offer of employment can be extended.

Additional Information/Benefits:

PERA, health, vision, dental, life insurance benefits, paid sick leave