Teacher Assistant - 46 Week Position

About the role

The Teacher Assistant is responsible for assisting the Teacher with the care and education of a group of children as part of a teaching team. The Teacher Assistant assists with the planning and implementation of the Education Component objectives of the Performance Standards. The Teacher Assistant is responsible for promoting the mission of ABCD Head Start & Children’s Services; building an understanding of the program by communicating this mission to staff, families and the community.

Responsibilities

• Provides pre-school children with a joyful, nurturing, safe, healthy individualized environment and the varied experiences which help them develop socially, intellectually, physically, and emotionally in a manner appropriate to their age and stage of development in relationship to the overall goal of social competency.
• Observes, plans and documents daily activities and progress of children.
• Participates in the development and implementation of developmentally-appropriate lesson plans and individualized activities.
• Develops and implements Individual Education Plans (IEP's) for children with special needs.
• Maintains accurate records and participates in team meetings.
• Attends meetings as necessary.
• Maintains the EEC requirements including child to staff ratios, classroom supervision, etc.
• Operates the classroom/center and provides coverage in the absence of the Teacher or Lead Teacher.
• Reports to the Teacher or Lead Teacher regarding the daily implementation of classroom duties.
• Reports to the Program Director for all matters relating to terms of employment and center operations.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Develops activities and strategies for involving parents in the educational aspects of the program in order to enhance their role as the principle influence in their child's education and development and increasing their knowledge and understanding of the skills and experiences in child growth and development.
• Good interpersonal skills; works cooperatively as a member of a teaching team, with other program staff and parents.
• Possesses bilingual ability where appropriate.
• Demonstrated knowledge and sensitivity to the education and socioeconomic needs of the children and families served in Head Start.
• Ability to work with a culturally diverse low-income population.
• Professionalism.
• Engages in ongoing staff development to expand professional skills.
• Maintains professional boundaries in relationships with staff and families.
• Maintains confidentiality of child and family information at all times.

Education & Experience

• A high school diploma or equivalent required.
• An active Preschool Child Development Associate Credential; ECE Certificate or EEC Preschool Lead Teacher certified, or enrolled in a degree program leading to an Associates or Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or related field, or enrolled in a CDA program to be completed within two years with experience teaching preschool age children.
• ECE preschool teacher certified preferred.
• Bilingual in a language spoken by families served by ABCD preferred.

Benefits

Expected Salary: $35,307.30 annually ($21.93/hour) USD. Salary scales are set according to an explicit compensation policy and relevant market data. Due to funding restrictions and our strong focus on internal parity, this salary is thoughtfully aligned with the duties expected for this role, and offers are firm.

Make a Difference: Every day, your work directly impacts the lives of thousands in the Greater Boston community, empowering them and making positive, lasting change.

Inclusive Environment: ABCD values the diversity of its workforce, with an inclusive culture that respects individuality and promotes collaboration.

Continuous Learning: We offer numerous training and development opportunities, ensuring our staff remain at the forefront of community action methodologies and strategies.

Comprehensive Benefits: At ABCD, we take care of our own, providing a competitive benefits package, including health coverage and retirement plans.

A Legacy of Impact: Join an organization that boasts a legacy spanning over half a century, consistently championing the rights and needs of our community's most vulnerable.

Teamwork & Camaraderie: Be a part of a passionate team, united in their mission to combat poverty, and ensure every individual can reach their fullest potential.