Teacher Assistant: Head Start (52 wk)

Key Responsibilities

• Teaches pre-school children in a joyful, nurturing, safe, healthy environment.
• Observes children and participates in a minimum of two home visits and three parent/teacher conferences per family per year.
• Develops and implements developmentally-appropriate lesson plans and individualized activities.
• Develops and implements Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for children with special needs.
• Engages in record-keeping activities, such as keeping daily observations of children and communication with parents.
• Attends Team meetings.
• Maintains EEC requirements, including child to staff ratios, classroom supervision, etc.
• Operates the classroom/center and provides classroom 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.
• 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

• Engage in ongoing staff development to expand professional skills.
• Maintain professional boundaries in relationships with staff and families.
• Maintain confidentiality of child and family information at all times.

Physical/Environmental Demands and Conditions

• Must have the capability to engage in physical activities incident to the job, including lifting and moving pre-school age children.
• Remain alert during naptime supervision.
• Supervise and monitor children by sight and sound at all times.
• Respond to children in the case of an emergency to ensure safety.
• Respond to the needs of children with disabilities, including physically challenged children.
• Lift and move equipment and furniture as necessary to facilitate the execution of classroom activities.

Education & Experience

• A high school diploma or equivalent required.
• 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

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.