Head Start Teacher Assistant Hungry Valley

Our Community Roots

The Reno-Sparks Indian Colony represents descendants of three Great Basin Indigenous peoples: the Numu (Northern Paiute), Newe (Western Shoshone), and Washeshu (Washoe). These communities lived in harmony with the land for generations before European contact, following seasonal cycles and forming small, efficient social groups for survival.

Each group's name means "The People" in their own language, reflecting their deep cultural identity and connection to the Earth. They maintained strong traditions, respected neighboring tribes, and engaged in trade throughout the region.

Today, the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony continues to honor these traditions while supporting the well-being, culture, and future of its tribal community.

Core Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Head Start Mentor Teacher, the Head Start Teacher Assistant Reno supports comprehensive classroom management for the before/after program and assists in the Head Start classroom at the Reno/Hungry Valley centers; may substitute when teachers are absent. This role helps meet children's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive needs in alignment with Head Start Performance Standards, RSIC policies, Indian Health Services Tribal Health and Safety Code, and CACFP guidelines.

Key responsibilities include supervising and enriching children's learning; maintaining a safe, comfortable setting; daily cleaning/sanitation to IHS standards; supporting meal service and kitchen needs; helping plan and carry out classroom activities; partnering with staff and families on individualized goals, documentation, and communication; tracking in-kind, inventory, and checklists; supporting parent meetings/home visits; and participating in required trainings and meetings.

Minimum qualifications:
- High school diploma/equivalent; obtain ECE certificate or AAS/ECE within 2 years
- CPR/First Aid/Food Handler within 3 months; annual physical/TB; background checks
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs; maintain confidentiality; work respectfully with diverse and Tribal communities

Apply to bring steady, child-centered support to our program.

A Typical Shift

As a Head Start Teacher Assistant Reno, you'll arrive ready to set the room up for a smooth day-checking supplies, prepping learning areas, and helping the space meet cleanliness and safety expectations. Once children arrive, you'll move between small-group play, routines, and transitions, staying attentive to individual needs and keeping communication positive and calm.

You'll touch base with the Mentor Teacher and teammates to stay aligned on the day's plan, then document key notes for records and family updates. Meal and snack times are hands-on: supporting children's independence while following nutrition and food-program guidelines.

Some days include parent conversations at pick-up, scheduled conferences, or home-visit coordination; others include trainings or evening/weekend events. When coverage is needed, you may step in to keep the classroom running consistently.

Health & Time Off

Medical, dental, and vision coverage are offered through Hometown Health PPO, Lincoln Dental, and Lincoln Vision, with RSIC paying 100% of Employee Only premiums.

For dependent coverage, RSIC contributes toward premiums (Employee & Spouse: 50%; Employee & Child(ren): 65%; Employee & Family: 60%).

You'll also have access to a 401(k), Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance ($50,000 policy paid by RSIC; reduces to $25,000 after age 70), and optional add-ons (e.g., AFLAC, LegalShield) at employee cost.

Paid Time Off includes Annual Leave accruing at 4 hours per pay period from date of hire (usable after probation), with increased accrual after 5 years.

Please Note: Hiring preference is provided to qualified members of the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony followed by members of other federally recognized tribes. Reno-Sparks Indian Colony requires any designated candidate to complete a pre-employment criminal background check, drug screen, and confirmation of professional references.