2026-27 Kindergarten Instructional Assistant

Old Sturbridge Academy Charter Public School & Worcester Cultural Academy Charter Public School

Worcester (MA)

On-site

USD 26,000 - 34,000

Full time

24 hours ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Life insurance

Paid breaks during the school year

Job summary

Old Sturbridge Academy Charter Public School & Worcester Cultural Academy Charter Public School in Worcester, MA is seeking a Kindergarten Instructional Assistant to support our youngest learners. The role focuses on literacy, math, and project-based learning in a warm, inclusive classroom.

You will work with the Kindergarten teacher to create an organized, print-rich environment, help with routines, and support multilingual learners and students with IEPs.

Qualifications

Experience working with young children in a school, childcare, or community setting.
Ability to support multilingual learners and students with IEPs.
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with students, families, and colleagues.
Ability to follow directions, work collaboratively as part of a team, and take initiative.

Responsibilities

Support daily instruction and small group activities with the Kindergarten teacher.
Provide targeted literacy, math, and learning support to individual students.
Support Learning Expeditions and hands-on project-based learning activities.
Create a welcoming, print-rich classroom reflecting students’ identities and cultures.
Assist with transitions, routines, and student independence.
Build warm relationships and support students’ sense of belonging and emotional safety.
Collaborate with teachers and specialists; participate in meetings and professional development.

Skills

Patience

Warmth

Love of early childhood

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Bilingual (English/Portuguese or 英语/西班

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree / coursework in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education

Job description

Old Sturbridge Academy Charter Public School & Worcester Cultural Academy Charter Public School Worcester Cultural Academy Charter Public School - Worcester, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

2026-27 Kindergarten Instructional Assistant

Job ID: 5838920

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Jul 17, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Aug 31, 2026

Job Description

Kindergarten Instructional Assistant Worcester Cultural Academy Public Charter School | Worcester, MA | Full-Time Worcester Cultural Academy Charter Public School is seeking a caring, energetic, and dedicated Kindergarten Instructional Assistant to support our youngest learners. This is a hands‑on role at the heart of our K classroom — working alongside our Kindergarten teacher to create a warm, structured, and joyful environment where five- and six-year-olds take their first steps as curious, confident learners. We are looking for someone who brings genuine enthusiasm for early childhood, patience in abundance, and a deep belief that every child deserves to feel seen, safe, and capable. Candidates who reflect the cultural and linguistic diversity of our Worcester community are strongly encouraged to apply.

Who We Are

Worcester Cultural Academy (WCA) is a growing charter public school that opened in August 2023 with a vision of becoming a K–8 community. We launched as a K–4 school and have added a grade every year since — this fall we welcome our first 7th graders. As an EL (Expeditionary Learning) Education school, we believe in hands‑on learning that challenges students to grow in three dimensions: mastery of knowledge and skills, character, and high‑quality work. We partner with organizations like the EcoTarium, Worcester Art Museum, and Hanover Theater, anchoring our curriculum in Learning Expeditions that make learning meaningful and real.

Our faculty and staff — our “Adult Crew” — show up for students and each other every day. As a Kindergarten Instructional Assistant, you’ll be an essential part of our youngest students’ experience of school, helping shape how they understand themselves as learners from the very beginning.

What You’ll Do

Classroom Instruction and Student Support

Work alongside the Kindergarten teacher to support daily instruction, small group activities, and individual student learning
Provide targeted support to students who need additional scaffolding, reinforcement, or one‑on‑one attention during literacy, math, and other learning blocks
Support students’ participation in Learning Expeditions and hands‑on project‑based learning activities
Help create and maintain an organized, welcoming, and print‑rich classroom environment that reflects students’ identities and cultures
Assist with transitions, routines, and procedures to help students build independence and self‑regulation

Student Wellbeing and Community

Build warm, consistent relationships with students that support their sense of belonging and emotional safety
Support students during arrival, dismissal, lunch, recess, and other non‑instructional times
Assist with the management of student behavior using positive, restorative approaches consistent with WCA’s school culture
Communicate observations about student progress, needs, or concerns to the classroom teacher and other team members

Support for Multilingual Learners and Students with IEPs

Provide additional language and academic support to English Language Learners, working in close coordination with the MLL Teacher
Assist in implementing accommodations and modifications for students with IEPs under the direction of the classroom teacher and special education staff
Maintain a respectful, asset‑based approach to supporting students with diverse learning needs

Collaboration and Professional Responsibilities

Collaborate actively with the classroom teacher, specialists, and other instructional staff to support student success
Participate in team meetings, professional development, and school‑wide events and activities
Assist with recordkeeping, data collection, and preparation of instructional materials as needed
Perform other duties as assigned by the classroom teacher or school leader

What You Bring

High school diploma or G.E.D. required; Associate’s degree or coursework in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or a related field preferred
Experience working with young children in a school, childcare, or community setting
Patience, warmth, and a genuine love of working with five- and six-year-olds
Ability to support students with a wide range of learning needs, including English Language Learners and students with IEPs
Strong communication and relationship‑building skills with students, families, and colleagues
Ability to follow direction, work collaboratively as part of a team, and take initiative when appropriate
Flexibility and a positive, can‑do attitude in a fast‑paced school environment
Commitment to WCA’s mission and to the belief that all children can achieve at high levels
Bilingual (English/Portuguese or English/Spanish) and bicultural candidates strongly preferred

Position Details

Job Type: Full‑Time

Compensation: $19–$25 per hour, based on experience

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:30AM–3:30PM

Work Location: In person

Benefits

Retirement plan
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Life insurance
Paid breaks during the school year

Worcester Cultural Academy Charter Public School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation/gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Position Type: Full-time

Job Categories: Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA

Welcome to Worcester Cultural Academy Charter Public School

Worcester Cultural Academy (WCA) is a free charter public school located in Worcester, MA opening in August 2023 with grades Kindergarten through 4th grade, and will grow to a K-8 school. The school is partnering with EL Education (formerly known as Expeditionary Learning) to grant students an opportunity to connect what they are learning in classrooms to real‑world applications through high‑quality learning experiences. Through project‑based learning, case studies, and fieldwork conducted with the leading cultural institutions and museums of central Massachusetts, WCA fosters intellectual curiosity and encourages students to become articulate communicators, critical thinkers, and skilled problem solvers who care for themselves, others around them, and their community. A culture of quality permeates the school and our students will graduate with an understanding of how they learn best and how to advocate for the resources they need for success.

Job Requirements