Teacher Assistant

Worcester Community Action Council, Inc.; Southbridge (MA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance (comprehensive)

403(b) retirement plan

Paid holidays and vacation

Bilingual pay differential

Job summary

Worcester Community Action Council, Inc. is seeking a Teacher Assistant to support preschool and Head Start programming across its East Brookfield, Southbridge, and Webster centers.

You will assist Lead Teacher in planning and carrying out classroom activities to promote children's development and self-esteem. The role emphasizes teamwork, diversity, and inclusive practices; a commitment to ongoing training, and eligibility to pursue a Bachelor's degree.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in early childhood education, social work, human services, or related field.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; able to learn WCAC databases.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills with tact and diplomacy.
• Fluency in Spanish is a plus; embraces diversity and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Assist Lead Teacher to plan, organize, and carry out classroom activities.
• Support positive parent/child interactions and developmentally appropriate curricula.
• Travel between Head Start centers as needed; ensure safety and documentation.
• Maintain respectful, confidential handling of information.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Bilingual (Spanish a plus)

Education

Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

Department of Early Education and Care License

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Description

We are committed to a workplace culture with a shared passion for our vision that promotes teamwork, respect, and the opportunity to make a difference.

What We Offer

A great environment focused on relationships and quality services. WCAC provides on-the-job training and professional development opportunities. As well as an excellent benefit package with no waiting period to enroll in health, dental, vision, life/LTD, and 403(b) retirement plan. Generous paid holiday calendar, 3 weeks paid vacation, 3 wellness days, sick time and summers off. In addition to fair and transparent pay practices, we offer an additional pay differential to bilingual employees.

Position Summary

Through our Early Head Start and Head Start Programs, WCAC provides a continuum of early education and care programming for families throughout Southern Worcester County prenatally through kindergarten enrollment. We strive to support positive parent/child interactions through developmentally appropriate curriculum and activities for the whole family to participate in. We currently operate three Head Start Centers in East Brookfield, Southbridge, and Webster providing preschool programming. The Teacher Assistant will work with the Lead Teacher to plan, organize and carry out the classroom program and activities that contribute to children's overall growth, self-esteem, social competence, and development. This position may be travelling to the different centers. For more information, please see full job description here - Teacher Assistant Job Description

Requirements

Research shows that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At WCAC we are dedicated to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace so if you are excited about this position, but don't meet all of the qualifications, we encourage you to apply anyways.

• Associate’s degree in early childhood education, social work, human services, or related field required with a commitment to continue education toward earning a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite. Ability to learn software and databases used by WCAC.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to manage sensitive and confidential situations with tact, professionalism, and diplomacy.
• Positive, friendly, and resourceful demeanor required.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Embraces and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
• Ability to speak Spanish or other languages, a plus.
• Department of Early Education and Care License

Other Requirements

• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation. Job site may change based on program needs.
• Ability to successfully complete a CORI/SORI/DCF review annually.
• Evening hours may be required to meet the needs of the families and programs.
• Mandatory physical and evidence of negative Mantoux, required by DEEC. Hepatitis B (optional)
• First Aid and CPR Certificates.

Worcester Community Action Council, Inc. is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, physical or mental ability, pregnancy or pregnancy related condition, sexual orientation, gender identification, genetic information, membership in the uniformed services or any other classification which is protected under state or federal law.

Salary Description

Starting at $18 to $21