The Assistant Teacher supports the Lead Teacher in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate classroom activities while ensuring compliance with Head Start and DEEC regulations. Responsibilities include maintaining a safe learning environment, conducting assessments, and fostering positive interactions with children and families.
(30 hour a week position - great opportunities for growth)
TITLE: Assistant Teacher (Birth to five) DEPARTMENT: ECD REPORTS TO: Center Manager FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt PRIMARY FUNCTION Responsible for assisting the Lead Teacher in the planning, implementation, and administration of a Head Start classroom in adherence to the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (DEEC) regulations, the Head Start Performance Standards as well as the Head Start Act (OHS) regulations. KEY ROLES (Essential Job Responsibilities): Classroom Management/Curriculum: Under the direction of the Lead Teacher: Provides developmentally appropriate atmosphere Maintain a healthy, safe and clean learning environment Maintain ongoing interaction/communication with parents in order to best meet needs of child and family Incorporate CLASS and ECERS guidelines into daily teaching practices and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Assists with the completion of weekly lesson plan including individualizations based upon outcomes of all children's assessments. Exhibits warm, positive and respectful interactions with all of the children in their care Assist with providing activities meeting all areas of development for the whole child (cognitive, social/emotional, language, fine/gross motor) Ensure that all educational activities are sensitive to the cultural needs of the families Maintain a print rich environment including labels, pictures, and schedules in several languages. Maintain confidentiality in accordance with agency policy and legal requirements. Ensures safety is a priority in performing all job responsibilities. Perform other duties as assigned. Compliance and Record Keeping: Under the direction of the Lead Teacher: Ensure that service delivery is performed according the LEO mission statement Ensure compliance with OHS and DEEC regulations, Emergency Management Plan, as well as compliance with USDA and city and state regulations. Ensures appropriate staff to child ratios and will act as an assistant teacher in other classrooms or programs and act as a bus monitor when needed In collaboration with Lead Teacher and family service worker, conduct at least 2 home visits per year, parent/teacher conferences, maintain up to date records for each child and maintain confidentiality Maintain and submit program documentation as required by DEEC and OHS Use and navigate CAP60 and assessment computer programs Assist in the completion of all screenings and assessments of children as required by DEEC and OHS Maintain confidentiality in accordance with agency policy and legal requirements. Enhance personal and professional growth: Successful completion of 90-day new employee orientation. Attend all trainings required by Head Start Performance Standards as well as DEEC Regulations Attend trainings, conferences and workshops as assigned and approved by immediate supervisor Identify other educational opportunities that enhance overall Center/Head Start knowledge Skills / Knowledge Required CDA or Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field or evidence of being enrolled in a CDA, Associate's or Bachelor's degree program in Early Childhood or related field within 6 months of completing Child Growth and Development; and DEEC Teacher qualified preferred. Experience working with preschool children and completion of the course: Child Growth and Development within first nine months of employment Strong computer skills, including internet, email and excel, and the ability to learn new systems as required. Positive work ethic, Strong written and verbal communication skills, Strong time management skills. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee regularly is required to stand, walk, sit, use hand to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.The employee must be able to lift up to 50lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Candidates must hold or be enrolled in a CDA or Associate's degree program in Early Childhood Education and complete a Child Growth and Development course. Strong computer skills and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs are required for this role.
Market context
Teaching assistant roles in Massachusetts are often tied to steady school and early childhood staffing needs, especially where programs need support with classroom routines and student supervision. These positions can be competitive because employers may look for a CDA, an associate degree, or 60 college credits, along with strong communication skills and the physical ability to stay active with children. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm whether your credentials and lifting expectations match the posting before applying.