Teaching Assistant, Full-time

Dimock•Boston, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Teaching Assistant supports teachers in planning and implementing individualized, developmentally appropriate learning opportunities in classroom and outdoor play spaces for young children, following applicable standards and best practices. The role helps create a safe, nurturing environment that supports children's development and school readiness, and partners with families to support children's learning. Assignments are within Head Start, Early Head Start, or School Readiness programs. The position works in early education classrooms and outdoor play spaces. It requires an EEC Teacher Certification and at least one year of experience working in an early childhood classroom. Education requirements vary by program: Head Start requires a current preschool-setting CDA Credential, progress toward an associate's or bachelor's degree, or enrollment in a CDA Credential program to be completed within two years; Early Head Start and School Readiness require a high school diploma. Bilingual ability in English and Spanish, Cape Verdean Creole, or Haitian Creole is preferred.

Requirements

EEC Teacher Certification.
At least one year of experience working in an early childhood classroom.
Head Start education requirement: current CDA Credential in a preschool setting, working toward an associate's or bachelor's degree, or enrollment in a CDA Credential program to be completed within two years.
Early Head Start education requirement: high school diploma.
School Readiness education requirement: high school diploma.
Good oral and written communication skills.
Knowledge of early childhood development and developmentally appropriate practice.
Ability to perform duties with or without assistance, including the stated physical demands.
Ability to follow center and departmental policies, procedures, and regulations; meet standards and deadlines; prioritize responsibilities; work collaboratively; communicate effectively; and maintain professional behavior.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual ability in English and Spanish, English and Cape Verdean Creole, or English and Haitian Creole.

Responsibilities

Assist in creating and maintaining a developmentally appropriate learning environment that supports children's school readiness.
Ensure children's safety, provide appropriate supervision, and maintain a clean, well-organized classroom.
Assist teachers with weekly lesson plans containing learning objectives and developmentally appropriate child- and teacher-led activities aligned with 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 through regular informal communication and weekly written notes, and support teachers in providing at least two parent-teacher conferences and two home visits each program year.
Work with the supervisor to develop an Individualized Professional Development Plan for training, education, and coaching activities during the program year.
Participate in training and other educational activities to promote professional development.
Maintain timely and accurate records, including CACFP meal counts.
Maintain professionalism, including following the dress code and meeting attendance and punctuality expectations.
Recognize and report suspected abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities as required by law.
Maintain confidentiality and communicate its importance to others.
Help meet scheduling needs by covering absences, emergencies, heavy workloads, holidays, and vacations.
Perform other duties as assigned.