What are the responsibilities and job description for the Tomorrow's Teacher Apprentice position at Holyoke Headstart?
A STRONG COMMITMENT TO QUALITY EARLY EDUCATION PROGRAMS
WHERE PASSION MEETS PURPOSE
SIGN ON BONUS = $3,000.00
Deadline for Applications: May 31, 2026, or until the position is filled.
Tomorrow's Teacher Apprentice
The Tomorrows Teachers Apprentice program is a paid apprenticeship working in a licensed Head Start program, serving children birth through age 5. This apprenticeship offers participants the opportunity to gain skills through hands-on experience and earn credentials to become certified teachers in early education classrooms. Tomorrows Teachers earn a wage while they are learning and making progress towards their career goals. Come make a difference at HCS Head Start, where passion meets purpose!
Education Requirements
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High School Diploma or GED required
Apprentice Commitment
- Within one year of hire, complete the following course at HCC or STCC:
- College Readiness
- Foundations of Pyramid or Health, Safety, Nutrition
- Introduction to Early Childhood Education
- Child Growth & Development
- OSHA/Culture of Safety training
Qualities
- Ability to work with various populations in the workplace.
- Approach to working with families that are empathic, nonjudgmental, respectful, and professional.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality in a professional manner.
- Ability to follow directions and willingness to work as a team member.
- A strong commitment to quality childcare programs.
- Ability to maintain and adhere to boundary guidelines.
- Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 119, Section 51A, you are a mandated reporter and held to the statutory reporting requirements.
Overview of Duties/Responsibilities
- Assist teachers with daily classroom operations and routines.
- Help prepare, set up, and clean up classroom activities and materials.
- Support classroom cleanliness sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, disinfecting toys/equipment, and any other duties assigned to help the classroom maintain cleanliness.
- Support classroom organization Examples include, but are not limited to, helping set up classroom materials on shelves and tables, assisting with unpacking materials (new orders) and setting them up in the classroom, and arranging closet space.
- Assist with the preparation of materials for learning activities examples include, but are not limited to, tracing and cutting materials, laminating items, decorating bulletin boards, and equipment.
- Engage with children through play and hands-on learning activities.
- Assist with organizing child files under the direct supervision of the classroom teacher.
- Under teachers' guidance, assist children during transitions, meals, rest time, and activities.
- Follow Health & Safety requirements and practices.
- Maintain positive interactions with children, families, and staff.
- Follow Head Start Performance Standards, EEC regulations, and program policies.
- Receive feedback on interactions with children, staff, and families from the Supervisor or Agency Staff.
- Attend monthly staff development & goal-setting sessions with the supervisor.
- Under the guidance of the classroom teaching team, collaborate on administrative duties.
- Formally review and implement related HSPPS and EEC regulations.
- Follow Active Supervision strategies.
- Data utilization (classroom observations, individual child or family plans, etc.)
Starting Pay: $18.64 per hour
Schedule: 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year
Competitive Benefits for Full-Time Employees (30 hours per week)
- Birthday off with pay
- 13 paid holidays
- Paid sick, personal, vacation days
- 403b retirement plan with maximum 3% Agency match
- Education reimbursement
- Employee assistance program
- Health & dental insurance
- Employer-paid life insurance
- Employer-paid long-term disability insurance
- Unique in-classroom and in-agency support
- Embedded Professional Development
- Career-Growth Coaching & Support
- In-house Comprehensive Support Team helps teachers in all aspects of their work
EOE/AA
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.