Preschool Assistant Teacher - Head Start Program (Great pay/benefits, career growth and brand new building)

About the role

30-hour per week position with opportunities for growth. Reports to the Center Manager. Responsible for assisting the Lead Teacher in planning, implementing, and administering a Head Start classroom in adherence to Massachusetts DEEC regulations, Head Start Performance Standards, and Head Start Act (OHS) regulations.

Responsibilities

• Under the direction of the Lead Teacher, provide a developmentally appropriate atmosphere
• Maintain a healthy, safe, and clean learning environment
• Maintain ongoing interaction and communication with parents to meet the needs of each child and family
• Incorporate CLASS and ECERS guidelines into daily teaching practices and align with NAEYC standards
• Assist with the completion of weekly lesson plans, including individualizations based on children’s assessments
• Exhibit warm, positive, and respectful interactions with all children
• Assist in providing activities that address all areas of child development (cognitive, social/emotional, language, fine/gross motor)
• Ensure educational activities are sensitive to the cultural needs of families
• Maintain a print-rich environment with labels, pictures, and schedules in multiple languages
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with agency policy and legal requirements
• Prioritize safety in all job responsibilities
• Ensure service delivery aligns with the LEO mission statement
• Ensure compliance with OHS and DEEC regulations, Emergency Management Plan, USDA, and city/state regulations
• Ensure appropriate staff-to-child ratios; assist in other classrooms or programs and act as a bus monitor when needed
• Conduct at least two home visits per year and parent/teacher conferences in collaboration with the Lead Teacher and family service worker
• Maintain up-to-date records for each child and submit required program documentation to DEEC and OHS
• Use and navigate CAP60 and assessment computer programs
• Assist in completing all required screenings and assessments of children

Enhance Personal and Professional Growth

• Complete 90-day new employee orientation
• Attend all trainings required by Head Start Performance Standards and DEEC Regulations
• Attend trainings, conferences, and workshops as assigned and approved by immediate supervisor
• Identify additional educational opportunities to enhance overall Center/Head Start knowledge

Qualifications

• CDA credential or Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field, or evidence of enrollment in a CDA, Associate’s, or Bachelor’s degree program in Early Childhood or related field within 6 months of completing Child Growth and Development
• DEEC Teacher qualified preferred
• Experience working with preschool children
• Completion of the Child Growth and Development course within the first nine months of employment
• Strong computer skills, including internet, email, and Excel, with the ability to learn new systems
• Positive work ethic, strong written and verbal communication skills, and strong time management skills

Physical Demands

Regularly required to talk or hear. Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. Specific vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.