Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistant (Head Start / Early Head Start / School Readiness)

• Approved Salary: $20.64-$24.06/hr
• Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:15am to 3:45pm
• Status: Non-exempt
• Reports To: Site Manager
• Department: Child & Family Services - Head Start/Early Head Start & School Readiness

Summary/Objective
The Teaching Assistant assists teachers in planning and implementing individualized, developmentally appropriate classroom and outdoor play space learning opportunities for young children in accordance with federal, state, and local standards and best practices. The Teaching Assistant helps create a safe, nurturing environment that supports children in gaining the knowledge and skills they need to be school ready, and partners with families to support children's learning.

Essential Functions

• Assist in creating and maintaining a developmentally appropriate learning environment for young children designed to support children in gaining the knowledge and skills they need to be school ready.
• Ensure children's safety at all times, including providing appropriate supervision and maintaining a clean, well-organized classroom.
• Assist teachers in developing weekly lesson plans that include specific learning objectives and provide stimulating, developmentally appropriate activities and experiences, both child- and teacher-led, aligned with the Massachusetts Early Learning Standards and the Head Start Child Development and Early Learning Framework.
• Incorporate the Pyramid Model of social-emotional support and intervention into the classroom.
• Partner with families to support children's learning, including regular informal communication, weekly written notes, and supporting teachers in providing at least two (2) Parent-Teacher conferences and two (2) Home Visits each program year.
• Work collaboratively with the supervisor to develop an Individualized Professional Development Plan to guide training, educational, and coaching activities for the program year.
• Participate in training and other educational activities to promote professional development.
• Keep timely, accurate records, including CACFP meal counts.
• Maintain the highest degree of professionalism at all times, including adherence to dress code, regular attendance, and punctuality.
• Recognize and report suspected abuse and/or neglect to the appropriate authorities as required by law.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times and communicate to others the importance of confidentiality.
• Assist in meeting scheduling needs by helping to cover for absences, emergencies, times of heavy workload, holidays, and vacations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Adheres to center and departmental policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Can be depended upon to meet established standards and achieve desired results, with attention to detail.
• Prioritizes responsibilities to achieve desired results within required time frames.
• Takes responsibility for delivery of services as part of a team effort in the unit/department.
• Takes initiative in making suggestions for improvement of services.
• Meets deadlines without causing undue disruption.
• Utilizes human resources, time, and supplies efficiently.
• Projects a positive attitude and cooperates with others, demonstrating respect and courtesy.
• Uses effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Maintains professional behavior in stressful situations.
• Demonstrates a serious effort to improve job performance.
• Performs the job in a manner consistent with the values, mission, and philosophy of The Dimock Center.

Knowledge/Skills

• Good communication skills (oral and written).
• Knowledge of early childhood development and developmentally appropriate practice.

Work Environment
This position works in early education classrooms and outdoor play spaces. Assignment is within Head Start, Early Head Start, or School Readiness programs.

Physical Demands
Must be able to perform duties with or without assistance. Medium physical demand: lifting up to 40 lbs, with frequent carrying of up to 25 lbs. Continuous standing, walking, bending, twisting, dexterity, talking, hearing, and vision. Frequent sitting, reaching, lifting, carrying, kneeling, and crouching. Occasional handling and pushing/pulling. No crawling, climbing, or balancing.

Required Qualifications

• EEC Teacher Certification.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience working in an early childhood classroom.
• Education, by program:
  • Head Start: Current CDA Credential (preschool setting), or working toward an Associate's or Bachelor's degree, or enrolled in a CDA Credential program to be completed within two years.
  • Early Head Start: High school diploma.
  • School Readiness: High school diploma.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual: English/Spanish, English/Cape Verdean Creole, or English/Haitian Creole.

Other Duties
This job description is not intended to cover a comprehensive listing of duties or responsibilities and may change at any time with or without notice.

EEO Statement
The Dimock Center values diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of age, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.