Assistant Teacher, Head Start

Summary: Positive and creative team member who provides a nurturing classroom.  Assists with the implementation of developmentally appropriate learning experiences that engage the whole child.  Supports the readiness of children through social/emotional, cognitive, physical and language activities.  Establishes and maintains a safe, healthy learning environment.   Encourages the involvement of families and strengthening the relationships between children, families and community.

Why Work for SMOC?

• Flexible schedule, work/life balance and a 35-hour work week.
• Paid Time Off: All full-time employees can accrue up to 3 weeks of vacation, 2 weeks of sick time and are eligible for 12 paid holidays during their first year of employment.
• Employer Paid Life Insurance & AD&D and Long-Term Disability after 6 months of employment.
• Two Comprehensive Medical Plans with HRA Employer cost-sharing and 79% of premiums covered by the Employer.
• Dental w/ Orthodontic Coverage with 75% of premiums covered by the Employer
• EyeMed Vision Insurance
• 403(B) Retirement Plan with a company match on day one.
• Additional voluntary benefits including – additional Term and Whole Life Insurance policies, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, and Short-Term Disability.
• Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement and more.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Be knowledgeable about SMOC's policies and EEC regulations
• Supports classroom team in preparing and implementing a successful learning environment that supports and challenges each child's development.
• Participates in opportunities for staff growth and development.
• Communicates regularly with teacher, lead teacher, and/or supervisor and shares all pertinent information as quickly as possible.
• Assesses classroom needs for equipment, materials and supplies and reports to lead teacher, teacher, and/or supervisor.
• Maintains the space, equipment, materials and supplies in a safe, clean and orderly fashion.
• Maintains strict adherence to health and safety policies and procedures.
• Attends all required staff meetings, workshops, trainings, committee meetings and parent functions.
• Contributes to a positive, supportive relationship with families.
• Attend & participate in engagement team meetings as requested.
• Mandated Reporter (51A) training is mandatory for all staff.
• Along with the Lead Teacher and Teachers is responsible for providing positive and supportive relationships by maintaining contact with families by phone calls, conferences, home visits, arrivals & departures, and communicating family volunteer opportunities.
• Actively supervises children at all times. Understanding assistants cannot be alone with children.
• Maintain confidentiality of client, employee and agency information in accordance with federal and state laws and funder requirements.
• Ensure compliance with program/department, agency and/or funder requirements, as well as, SMOC policies & procedures.
• We do our very best to be consistent with classrooms and sites however, the needs of the children and families may require us to make changes as needed to provide the best quality to our program.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

• Experience working with children a plus.
• Must be comfortable working with diverse backgrounds and able to effectively communicate with children, families and co-workers.
• Bi-lingual skills a plus.
• Priority given to past or present Head Start parents for positions for which they are qualified in the Head Start program.

Organizational Relationship: Directly reports to lead teacher and teacher. Indirectly reports to center director and assistant director.

Physical Requirements: Lifting of children - up to 30 lbs. Proof of physical exam within the last year determining good health and meeting all EEC requirements. Physically able to perform CPR including 1) ability to get on the floor, 2) ability to give an effective breath (making the chest rise) and 3) ability to give effective chest compressions. COVID-19 vaccination is strongly encouraged

Working Conditions: As part of the responsibilities of this position, the Assistant Teacher, will have direct or incidental contact with clients served by SMOC in various programs funded or administered through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. A successful background check is required.