About Us: Making Opportunity Count is a non-profit human services agency dedicated to creating positive change and enhancing the lives of individuals and families in Fitchburg, MA. We are committed to fostering community growth, providing essential services, and promoting holistic well-being. Our dynamic team is driven by a shared passion for making a lasting impact.

RESPONSIBILITIES: To support the classroom teachers, thereby enhancing the Child Care and Head Start program for the children enrolled

This position is a 30 hour per week position

DUTIES:

• Teacher Aide / Nutrition Aide must be familiar with Food Handling and Hand washing per Health Care Policy
• Teacher Aide / Nutrition Aide works with Bus Drivers to carry cambros/boxes if needed
• Assists in preparing breakfasts and meals in accordance with posted menu and eats with assigned children
• Checks temperatures on all foods on arrival and follows re-heating procedure if temps are below 140 degrees
• Teacher Aide / Nutrition Aide records food temperatures and refrigerator/freezer temperatures on Food Temperature Logs
• Prepares food for serving i.e. washing fresh fruits and vegetables and cutting into child size pieces
• Teacher Aide / Nutrition Aide places food on tables immediately prior to eating
• Follows Food Safety and Leftover Procedure for storing leftovers and sending leftovers home with families
• Teacher Aide / Nutrition Aide where applicable, follows proper dishwashing procedures according to the site facilities i.e. three bay sink or commercial dishwasher
• Assists in welcoming children to the center and getting children involved in the classroom. Assists children with clothing upon arrival, departure and going in and out of doors to play.
• Assists in classroom activities as directed
• Teacher Aide / Nutrition Aide assists in supervising toileting and dental hygiene adhering to all health and safety procedures.
• Reads or tells stories to the children upon staff request. Browse in picture books with individual children or small groups of children.
• Prepare games and teaching aids as requested.
• Assists during art activities and special projects, preparing materials such as paste, paper and paint, putting names on papers, hanging to dry or filing to go home.
• Teacher Aide / Nutrition Aide play games indoors and outdoors that are based on the interest, skill and experiences of the children as directed.
• Works with small groups during free play in the various learning centers.
• Assists in supervising children during indoor play, outdoor play and on field trips taking frequent head counts.
• Teacher Aide / Nutrition Aide encourage children in conversation about everything they do to strengthen concept development and vocabulary skills.
• Follow the programs Child Abuse and Neglect Policy and Behavior Management Policy
• Use positive approaches to behavior management as per MOC and EEC policies
• Teacher Aide / Nutrition Aide never leave a child unattended
• Fill in for teaching staff while they are on breaks.
• Assists classroom teachers in general maintenance duties in the classroom.
• Assists with busing as requested.
• As directed, ensure the safe arrival and departure of children and families by escorting them across the street.
• Check and respond to agency email on a regular basis.
  QUALIFICATIONS:
• Must have High School diploma or GED
• Must be CDA credentialed or enrolled in a CDA program to be completed within two years.
  REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:
• Access to reliable transportation
• Dependable and Flexible
• Able to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to work with other adults and children
• Willingness to attend job related trainings
• Ability to follow directions
• Exhibit cultural sensitivity
• Bi-lingual staff must be able to speak, write and read in two languages, and assist with translations as necessary.
• Fulfillment of all specific health and safety requirements (staff physical every two years, with evidence of Montoux and MMR test, OSHA, first aid and CPR)
• Must have a suitable Background Record Check (BCR)
• Must be in good physical and mental health and be able to lift children and/or work related equipment, walk, bend, sit on floor and climb stairs
• Follow MOC policies and procedures as described in the Staff Handbook and Personnel Policies as well as the Head Start Program Performance Standards and Dept. of Early Education and Care regulations
• Additional duties as assigned within scope.
• EEC Teacher qualified preferred but not required

Join our team at Making Opportunity Count and experience a range of fantastic benefits that enhance your work-life balance and overall satisfaction:

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  Health, Dental, FSA, and Vision Insurance: Take care of your well-being with comprehensive coverage.

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  Paid Time Off (PTO): Enjoy generous time off to relax and recharge.

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  Student Loan Forgiveness: We're here to help you ease your student loan burden.

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  Tuition Remission: Invest in your education with our tuition remission program.

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  Employer-Sponsored Retirement: Secure your future with our retirement plan contributions.

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  Pet Insurance: Ensure your furry friends receive the best care.

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  Employee Discounts: Access exclusive discounts and perks.

Join us at MOC and experience a workplace that values your well-being and personal growth!