Teacher Assistant - Head Start - Salem, MA

Pathways for Children, Inc.; Salem (MA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Career advancement

Collaborative work environment

Job summary

Pathways for Children, Inc. in Salem, MA is seeking a Head Start Preschool Teacher Assistant who is enthusiastic, nurturing, and committed to supporting young children's development within a Head Start program.

The ideal candidate holds a CDA Credential or EEC Preschool Lead Teacher certification, has at least 9 months of experience, is 18 years or older, and has a high school diploma or equivalent. Pathways offers professional development and a supportive team.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 9 months experience working with children.
• Must be 18 years old or older.
• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Must be able to meet physical, BRC and medical requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assists in the implementation of an individualized curriculum and guidance strategies for each child and the class based on Head Start goals and Pathways for Children.
• Implements positive guidance strategies in the classroom per Head Start Behavior Management Plan.
• Provides supervision of children to ensure a healthy and safe learning environment.
• Maintains a clean, organized learning environment with developmentally appropriate materials.
• Assists with record keeping, observations, planning, and documentation related to child and family.
• Assists with weekly lesson planning that supports curriculum and activities for the ages and developmental stages.
• Supports home visits and collaborates with families to foster learning partnerships.

Skills

Experience with children

Strong communication

Education

CDA Credential or EEC Preschool Lead Teacher certification

Job description

Location –Salem, MA

Schedule – this position is scheduled for 37.5 hours per week,with a summer closure for the 2026/2027 school year.Scheduled hours and weeks are based on need and subject to change.

Rate: starting at $24.30-29.16 based on education and experience

Make a Lasting Impact—Join the Pathways Team!

At Pathways, we believe that to teach is to touch lives. If you’re passionate about early childhood education and want to work in a mission-driven environment that values your professional growth and well-being, we invite you to become part of our team.

We are currently seeking a Head Start Preschool Teacher Assistant who is enthusiastic, nurturing, and committed to supporting the development of young children. The ideal candidate brings a solid background in early childhood education, a deep understanding of child development, and experience creating engaging and supportive classroom environments.

Why Join Pathways?

When you join our team, you’re joining a supportive community that offers:

• Access to professional development and training
• Career advancement opportunities within the organization
• A collaborative and inclusive work environment grounded in our core values: Respect, Trust, Collaboration, and Opportunity

What will you do?

• Assists in the implementation of an individualized curriculum and guidance strategies for each child and the class based on the school readiness goals of Head Start and Pathways for Children
• Implements positive guidance strategies in the classroom consistent with Head Start Behavior Management Plan
• Provides appropriate supervision of children to ensure a healthy and safe learning environment
• Ensures that the learning environment is clean, organized and that all materials are developmentally appropriate for children
• Assists with record keeping, child observations, planning, and documentation related to child, family or the classroom.
• Assists with weekly lesson planning that supports appropriate curriculum and activities for the ages and developmental stages of children
• Assists/conducts home visits and works in collaboration with each child’s family supporting a learning partnership with a family
• Bend and lift to assist children and perform duties

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO BE A HEAD START ASSISTANT TEACHER? (Only applicants that hold the required certification will be considered for this position)

• CDA Credential or EEC Preschool Lead Teacher certification required
• Minimum of 9 months experience working with children
• Must be 18 years old or older
• High School diploma or equivalent
• Must be able to meet the physical, BRC and medical requirements of the role

Pathways for Children provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.