Prekindergarten Teacher Assistant Substitute (46 weeks)

Location: Hyde Park

About the role

The Prekindergarten Program is a new initiative with classrooms supported by Boston’s Universal Pre-kindergarten (UPK) Program. The Prekindergarten (PreK) Teacher Assistant Substitute serves as substitute teaching staff in the Head Start classroom, assisting Boston’s UPK Program. This role supports the care and education of children in the Prekindergarten Program and assists in implementing the Education Component objectives for Building Blocks, Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learners (CSEFEL), and Opening the World of Learning (OWL) teaching practices.

The PreK Teacher Assistant Substitute promotes the mission of ABCD Head Start & Children’s Services and ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and standards, including those of the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). All personnel are mandated reporters of suspected child abuse or neglect.

Responsibilities

• Provide preschool children with a joyful, nurturing, safe, and healthy individualized environment that supports social, intellectual, physical, and emotional development.
• Participate in daily observations of children and develop activities to involve parents in the educational program.
• Provide classroom coverage in the absence of the Teacher or Lead Teacher.
• Report to the Teacher or Lead Teacher regarding daily classroom duties and to the Program Director for employment and center operations.
• Participate in a minimum of two home visits and three parent/teacher conferences per family per year.
• Assist in developing and implementing developmentally appropriate lesson plans and individualized activities, including Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for children with special needs.
• Engage in record-keeping activities, such as tracking daily observations and parent communications.
• Participate in team meetings and coaching sessions, including being observed and receiving feedback.
• Apply new teaching practices with support from a coach.
• Attend meetings and assist with special events or projects related to the Prekindergarten Program.
• Participate in staff development activities, such as training, CDA programs, and conferences.
• Maintain EEC requirements, including child-to-staff ratios and classroom supervision.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Physical/Environmental Demands

• Lift and move preschool-aged children or infants/toddlers.
• Control a child’s movement to ensure safety or discipline.
• Respond quickly to emergencies, such as a child running into a street or during fire drills.
• Implement physical educational goals and lift/move classroom equipment and furniture.
• Attend to the needs of children with disabilities, including physically challenged children.

Education & Experience

• Teacher I: High school diploma or equivalent required. Active Preschool Child Development Associate Credential, ECE Certificate, or EEC Preschool Lead Teacher certification, or enrollment in a degree program leading to an Associate’s or Bachelor’s in early childhood education or related field. Must complete a CDA program within two years if enrolled. Experience teaching preschool-age children required. Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Teacher II: Associate’s degree in early childhood education or equivalent coursework with experience teaching preschool-age children required. EEC Preschool Teacher certification preferred. Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work cooperatively as part of a teaching team.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to the education and socioeconomic needs of children and families in Head Start/Early Head Start.
• Professionalism, including maintaining confidentiality and professional boundaries.

Benefits

• Direct impact on the lives of children and families in the Greater Boston community.
• Inclusive and collaborative work environment.
• Continuous learning and professional development opportunities.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health coverage and retirement plans.
• Legacy of over 50 years in community impact.
• Teamwork and camaraderie with a mission-driven team.

Pay

Expected salary: $40,942.30 annually ($25.43/hour). Salary is firm and aligned with funding restrictions, internal parity, and market data.