Assistant Teacher, Head Start

Summary: Positive and creative team member who provides a nurturing classroom. Assists with planning and implementing 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 learning environment. Encourages the involvement of families and strengthens the relationships between children, families and community.

Why Work for SMOC?

• Paid Time Off: All full-time employees can accrue up to 3 weeks of vacation, and 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 for full-time employees.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package including Medical Plans through Mass General Brigham with an HRA Employer cost-sharing program, Dental Plans with Orthodontic Coverage, and EyeMed Vision Insurance available to full-time employees.
• 403(B) Retirement Plan with a company match starting on day one for all full-time and part-time employees.
• Additional voluntary benefits including; Term and Whole Life Insurance, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital indemnity, and Short-Term Disability.
• Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement and more.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Be knowledgeable about SMOC Child Care and Head Start philosophy and all regulations and performance standards (EEC, Head Start, NAEYC and QRIS) applicable to the assigned classroom.
• Supports classroom team in planning, 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 teach, 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 fashion.
• Contributes to a positive, supportive relationship with families.
• Engage all clients by understanding and addressing their needs whether within or outside the scope of work.
• Attend & participate in engagement team meetings as requested and communicate effectively with clients and staff in other areas.
• 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.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

• Minimum of 18 years of age.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 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 Assistant Area Director and Area Director.

Physical Requirement: 

• Must be able to handle the physical aspects of the position including the lifting of a child.
• Proof of physical exam within the last year determining good health and meeting all EEC requirements. Must submit proof of physical exam every 2 years thereafter. 

Working Conditions: As part of the responsibilities of this position, 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.