Teacher Assistant

Do you love working with young children? Want a job where you can make a real difference, build meaningful relationships, and still have great benefits and time off? Rocky Mountain Development Council’s Head Start Program is looking for a Teacher Assistant to join our team in Helena. This position is typically 40 hours a week. It follows a mid-August through mid-June schedule, does not require reapplication each fall, and includes continued health insurance benefits during the summer break.

Starting Pay:

• $18.17/hour or
• $19.40/hour with a current CDA and/or associate’s degree or higher

Why Work at Rocky?
At Rocky, we know a paycheck is only part of the picture. We offer a strong benefits package designed to support you both at work and at home, including:

• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) options
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401(k) option available upon hire (age-based eligibility)
• Retirement contributions after one year
• 11–12 paid holidays each year
• Sick leave and vacation leave

What You’ll Do
Teacher Assistants help create a safe, engaging, and supportive classroom environment for preschool children. You’ll work alongside the Head Start Teacher to provide developmentally appropriate learning experiences using The Creative Curriculum for Preschool® and other approved curriculum tools.

Responsibilities include:

• Supporting classroom activities and daily routines
• Assisting with educational goals and learning plans
• Building positive relationships with children and families
• Helping manage the classroom when needed
• Maintaining confidentiality and professionalism

What We’re Looking For
Preferred qualifications include eligibility as an Early Childhood Assistant Teacher under Montana Child Care Licensing and the Head Start Act.

Ideal candidates will:

• Enjoy working with young children and families
• Be dependable, flexible, and positive
• Communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing
• Be able to lift and actively engage with children throughout the day
• Have a high school diploma (or equivalent) and some preschool experience

CDA certification is preferred. Candidates without a CDA must begin the CDA process within two years after successfully completing probation. First Aid/CPR certification is required, and support is provided for Early Childhood Practitioner Registry enrollment.

Background Checks Required
Prior to employment and every five years thereafter:

• FBI and Montana criminal history check with fingerprints
• Sex offender registry check
• Child Protective Services check

How to Apply:
Apply by submitting a completed Rocky Application online at https://www.rmdc.net/who-we-are/careers.html or send the required application materials to:

Rocky Human Resource Office
P.O. Box 1717
(200 S. Cruse Ave.)
Helena, MT 59624
Position open until filled, incomplete applications will not be considered. Rocky is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Pay: $18.00 - $19.40 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• AD&D insurance
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person